Vatican Obelisk (Obelisco Vaticano)

Overview

The Vatican Obelisk, standing prominently in St. Peter's Square, is an ancient Egyptian obelisk that dates back to the 1st century AD. It is one of the most famous obelisks in the world and a significant landmark in Vatican City.

The obelisk is a historical artifact that has been standing in Rome since ancient times and was moved to its current location in the 16th century. It is a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Historical Site Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City

Neighborhood: Vatican City

Coordinates

41.902900, 12.453400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

tuesday 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

wednesday 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

thursday 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

friday 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

saturday 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

sunday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (St. Peter's Square), Vatican Museums: €17-€21

Children

Free (under 6), discounted (6-18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May and October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better lighting for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• flowers in St. Peter's Square

summer

hot

• extended daylight hours

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall foliage in nearby parks

winter

cold

• holiday decorations in St. Peter's Square

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Bring valid ID
Check for events

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes camera

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

large bags weapons

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate

• uneven surfaces
• large crowds

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit/debit cards

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry Free (St. Peter's Square), Vatican Museums: €17-€21

parking €3-€8

food €10-€20

souvenirs €5-€50

Dress Code

modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), comfortable shoes for walking, walking shoes or sandals, shorts, sleeveless tops, inappropriate attire

Booking Tips

• at least a few days in advance
• official Vatican website or authorized vendors
• varies by vendor, usually 24-48 hours
• available for Vatican Museums

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Vatican Museums App

Size: 60 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Vatican Museums

Charging Stations: Rest areas, cafes

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Rome Fiumicino International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

taxi

€40-€50 30 min

public_transport

€10-€15 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 2-3 km

metro

€1.50 15 min

bus

€1.50 20 min

taxi

€10-€15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical and religious significance, beautiful architecture

Historical Significance: The obelisk has been a central part of Rome's history since ancient times, and its placement in St. Peter's Square is a testament to the city's rich heritage.

Insider Tips

Visit early for free entry to St. Peter's Basilica
The best gelato is found in nearby cafes
Local guides offer fascinating historical insights

Local Recommendations

• Try Italian gelato nearby
• Ask for local guides at the information center

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Ciao

thank_you Grazie

where_is Dov'è

how_much Quanto costa

beautiful Bello/a

ticket Biglietto

Guide Languages: Italian, English, Spanish, French, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

In front of the obelisk

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide shot of the obelisk and St. Peter's Basilica

Result: Iconic view of the Vatican

#VaticanCity #VaticanObelisk #TravelItaly

Photography Rules

allowed areas St. Peter's Square, outdoor areas

prohibited areas inside St. Peter's Basilica without permission

flash photography not allowed inside the basilica

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without special permit

tripod policy restricted, check with authorities

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

Distance: 50m

Walking: 1 min

Type: Religious Site

Vatican Museums

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Museum

Castel Sant'Angelo

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historical Site

Reviews

4.8

Based on 15,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Book tickets in advance"
"Wear comfortable shoes for walking"

Contact Information

+39 06 6982

info@museivaticani.va

www.museivaticani.va

Social Media

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