St. Peter's Square

It was beautiful. Very impressive. Too bad there was an ugly Christmas tree and stable next to the obelisk. On both sides of the square are postal offices, we’ve sent out our cards from there with Vatican stamps.

I saw Pope John Paul II give his Easter mass in 2000.

This place was HUGE! Go in the morning when it’s not so packed with people (though there should be plenty milling about…). Don’t miss the little stands selling sculptures and stuff! (Bring plenty of souvenier cash and don’t forget to have some room in your luggage for them :).

This is a truly fascinating place. From the bottom, the columns topped by various likenesses of pontiffs past. The gigantic obelisk (referenced in “Angels and Demons” for you Dan Brown fans). The beautiful basilica. What’s so worth it – climb to the top of the dome (cupola) and look down on the square. That view is worth it as well.

It’s cool to hang out here and see if the pope comes to the window.