Vatican Obelisk
An ancient Egyptian obelisk, relocated to the heart of Vatican City, standing as a monumental centerpiece in St. Peter's Square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere, fewer tours
Vatican Obelisk
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere, fewer tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Egyptian obelisk, relocated to the heart of Vatican City, standing as a monumental centerpiece in St. Peter's Square.
"The sheer scale of St. Peter's Square is breathtaking, with the ancient Obelisk standing proudly at its center. This is a must-see landmark!"
🚶♀️ Easy Square Access
For just the Square & Obelisk, approach from the open side. Often no security lines or bag checks needed.
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Visit late afternoon for beautiful light on the Obelisk and Basilica.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vatican Obelisk
Center of St. Peter's Square
An ancient Egyptian granite monolith, crowned with a cross, standing as the historic heart of St. Peter's Square.
St. Peter's Square Grandeur
St. Peter's Square
Experience the immense scale and spiritual atmosphere of this iconic piazza, designed by Bernini.
St. Peter's Basilica Facade
North end of St. Peter's Square
Marvel at the magnificent facade of the world's largest church, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing St. Peter's Square
Best Time for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for St. Peter’s Basilica
🚶♀️ Easy Square Access
For just the Square & Obelisk, approach from the open side. Often no security lines or bag checks needed.
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Visit late afternoon for beautiful light on the Obelisk and Basilica.
Vatican City Tips?
Vatican museum tour and whether or not to go into St Peters
🤫 Respect the Guards
Don't pester guards in uniform; they are working.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially in warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Square Access
For just the Square & Obelisk, approach from the open side. Often no security lines or bag checks needed.
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Visit late afternoon for beautiful light on the Obelisk and Basilica.
🤫 Respect the Guards
Don't pester guards in uniform; they are working.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially in warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the grandeur and historical significance of the Vatican Obelisk and St. Peter's Square. The sheer scale and ancient presence of the obelisk are frequently highlighted as a must-see. While the square itself is free to access, the long queues for St. Peter's Basilica can be a point of frustration for some.
"สวย ไม่ต้องต่อแถวถ้ามาทางประตูหน้า
The sheer scale of St. Peter's Square is breathtaking, with the ancient Obelisk standing proudly at its center. This is a must-see landmark!
Travel Tip: If you just want to see the Square and the Obelisk, approach from the front (the open side without barriers). You can usually walk straight into the square without waiting in the security line or undergoing any bag checks, making it an easy and quick stop."
Thanatorn Pinthong
"The St. Peter’s Square Obelisk is an impressive landmark right in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. The open square is always full of activity, with people gathering, taking photos, and preparing to enter the church. To visit the Basilica, you’ll need to walk around the square, and often there is a very long circular line of visitors waiting to get in. The atmosphere is lively and historic, making it a must-see spot when visiting Vatican City."
MD. Razaul Hossain
"Beautiful place where the first Pope Saint Peter rests. People including religious Catholics come from all over the world have great faith and come here. Luck was on our side as it was Pope Leo’s birthday… fortunate to be blessed by him. But so sad to see old homeless people outside."
Dragon Heart SHERPA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Vatican Obelisk is located in the center of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. You can reach it by public transport, such as buses or the metro (Ottaviano-S. Pietro station). Walking from nearby areas of Rome is also an option.
Parking in Vatican City is extremely limited and generally reserved for residents or official vehicles. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or a taxi to reach St. Peter's Square.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from many central Rome locations, such as Castel Sant'Angelo. The walk offers scenic views and allows you to soak in the Roman atmosphere before reaching the grandeur of St. Peter's Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Vatican Obelisk is located in St. Peter's Square, which is a public space and generally free to enter. You do not need tickets to see the Obelisk itself.
St. Peter's Square is free to enter. However, if you wish to visit St. Peter's Basilica, there is no entry fee, but you will need to go through a security check, which can involve long queues.
St. Peter's Square is generally accessible 24/7, though access to St. Peter's Basilica has specific opening hours. The square itself remains open, allowing you to view the Obelisk at any time.
Booking in advance is not necessary for St. Peter's Square or the Vatican Obelisk. However, if you plan to visit the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel, advance booking is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The 'golden hour' light can create stunning shots of the Obelisk and St. Peter's Basilica. Weekday evenings are also less crowded.
Photography is generally permitted in St. Peter's Square. However, within St. Peter's Basilica, there may be restrictions on flash photography or photography in certain sacred areas. Always be respectful of the environment.
Try capturing the Obelisk from various points within the square. Wide-angle shots encompassing the entire square and the Basilica are impressive, as are closer shots highlighting its ancient details and the papal crests.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Vatican Obelisk was originally brought from Egypt to Rome in the 1st century AD. It was later moved to its current location in St. Peter's Square in 1586 and is one of the oldest monuments in Rome.
You can admire the Bernini colonnades, visit St. Peter's Basilica, observe the Swiss Guard, and soak in the spiritual and historical atmosphere. It's a great place to people-watch and appreciate the architecture.
If you're just viewing the Obelisk and the Square, an hour might suffice. If you plan to enter St. Peter's Basilica, allow at least 2-3 hours, factoring in potential queue times.
Public restrooms are available within St. Peter's Square, though they may have a small fee or a queue. It's advisable to use facilities before entering the square if possible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: If visiting St. Peter's Basilica with children, be mindful of the dress code (shoulders and knees covered) and the potential for long queues. Consider visiting during less crowded times or focusing on the exterior and the square itself if time is limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Key angles include wide shots capturing the entire Bernini colonnade and the Obelisk, as well as closer perspectives highlighting the papal coats of arms and the intricate details of the monument. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, and consider using a wide-angle lens to fit the grandeur into your frame.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Journey of the Vatican Obelisk
Its relocation to the center of St. Peter's Square in 1586 was a monumental engineering feat for its time. Overseen by Pope Sixtus V and architect Domenico Fontana, the process involved hundreds of workers, massive cranes, and intricate scaffolding. The obelisk was successfully erected without falling, a feat celebrated with great fanfare. Today, it stands as a testament to both ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and Renaissance ingenuity, topped with a relic of the True Cross.
Experiencing St. Peter's Square
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as both spiritual and bustling. On regular days, you'll see people gathering, taking photos, and preparing to enter the Basilica. During papal events, the square transforms into a sea of people, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Redditors often advise approaching the square from the open side to bypass security lines if only visiting the square itself, saving time and hassle.
Beyond the Obelisk, take time to appreciate the fountains, the statues of Saints Peter and Paul, and the overall architectural harmony. The sheer scale can be overwhelming, but it's an essential part of the Vatican City experience, offering a profound sense of history and faith.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit