Lovers of Rome? Can Visitors to St Peter's Square drive there down the avenue (of conciliation)?

Question

and once in the square is it possible to exit around the edges of it to visit any streets in the surroundings or is it necessary to return along the entrance? Also does anyone know what time on Christmas Day the yearly message is given and approx how many people are usually there? Is there still the same access to the square? I am trying to organise a visit some time but have never visited before ....

Answer 1

I would NOT advise driving in Rome, its insane and also you miss out on the historical wonders on every street. Everywheres pretty much within walking distance or theres good transport links.

From memory there are two main streets that lead to St Peters and its ALWAYS busy. We ended up going to the Vatican first (about a 3 hour queue!) and got to St Peters around 5pm, by which time we could walk straight in. If you decide to do the vatican BOOK (you can do it online).

Every wednesday there is an audience with the pope, which anyone can go to, with a bit of notcie- book by contacting them.... I would have thought a quick google will give you the info!

But basically, have a fantastic time! Rome is one of my favourite cities on earth- a bit of forward planning will give you the most out of it! For example, I visited the Colloseum, Forum and Pantheon in one day because they are so near each other (also DONT pay for the guided tours that are touted outside the Colloseum. We decided to queue (it looked massive) and were inside within 15mins or so and paid a fraction of the price!).

Have a great time!

Answer 2

You do NOT want to drive in Rome.

At all.

Seriously.

I've no problem driving in the worst, most congested metro areas of North America, even at rush hour, and i repeat:

You do NOT want to drive in Rome.