Vatican expands tourist experience at St. Peter’s Basilica as pizza now offered

Fancy a pizza with a view? TravelNews & AdviceVatican expands tourist experience at St. Peter’s Basilica as pizza now offeredFancy a pizza with a view?Nicole Winfield Monday 16 February 2026 15:18 GMTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoveropen image in galleryPope Leo XIV appears at his studio window to deliver the traditional Sunday blessing to faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for the noon Angelus prayer, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (AP)Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreThe Vatican is commemorating the 400th anniversary of St Peter’s Basilica’s consecration with a series of visitor-focused enhancements, including expanded access to its spectacular terrace and an upgraded snack bar, offering refreshments beneath Michelangelo’s iconic dome.Officials in the Holy See on Monday outlined plans designed to optimise the experience for the millions who visit annually, while simultaneously safeguarding its invaluable artistic heritage. Among the new initiatives is a streamlined online reservation system, intended to significantly cut down the often hours-long queues to enter the basilica.Furthermore, the Vatican will introduce simultaneous translations for Masses in up to 60 languages, catering to its diverse global congregation. A new permanent exhibition detailing the basilica's rich history is also set to open on the terrace, complementing the expanded snack bar for hungry pilgrims.Recent reports in the Italian media about a bistro on the basilica’s terrace generated no shortage of raised eyebrows, amid questions about whether such a sacred place — the basilica houses the tomb of St. Peter — should be serving pizzas to tourists on the roof.open image in galleryThe entrance to the "Ultra Visibilia" exhibition on St. Peter's Terrace is shown on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the dedication of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (2026 Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)The existing snack bar is being nearly doubled in size.Cardinal Mauro Gambetti insisted Monday it was perfectly acceptable to provide a sandwich or drink, alongside bathrooms, to visitors to the basilica, especially those who have exerted themselves to visit the cupola of St. Peter’s, which was designed by Michelangelo.To honor the Renaissance master is a related initiative: a new font available in Microsoft Office, entitled “Michelangelus,” is styled using his actual penmanship. The basilica initiatives, sponsored by Italian energy giant ENI, are being rolled out to commemorate consecration in 1626 by Pope Urban VIII of St. Peter’s, which replaced an earlier basilica.More aboutVaticanMichelangeloEniItalianRenaissanceMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next