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The Vatican is quietly moving ahead with plans to open a small bistro on the rooftop terrace of Saint Peter’s Basilica, a project that would allow visitors to eat and drink while overlooking one of the most iconic panoramas in the world, according to reports in the Italian press and Turkish media citing the same sources.
Italian daily Il Messaggero reported that work has been underway for some time on a dining space located on the large terrace above the basilica, close to the monumental statues of the Apostles.
The area, which has long been closed to the public, was previously used as a storage space by the Sampietrini, the workers responsible for the basilica’s maintenance.
Internal Vatican sources indicated that furniture and materials have already arrived on site, suggesting that the project is at an advanced stage, even though no official opening date has been announced.
The planned bistro would operate within the roof level of the basilica, directly above the main interior and near the exit point for visitors who take the lift up to the dome. From there, guests would be able to enjoy light meals and drinks while looking out over Vatican City and the historic center of Rome, often referred to as the “Eternal City” for its long and layered history.
The idea of expanding food and refreshment services on the terrace is not new. According to the reports, Vatican officials initially hoped to launch the project during the recent Jubilee Year, a major Catholic holy year that drew exceptionally large crowds to Rome.
However, technical and logistical difficulties reportedly slowed things down, and other priority works took precedence.
Now that the Jubilee period has ended and visitor flows have eased, the bistro could open later this year to coincide with a major historical milestone: the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica in its present form.
The basilica was officially consecrated on Nov. 18, 1626 under Pope Urban VIII, marking the end of a construction process that began in 1506 and involved figures such as Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini.
In comments cited by Vatican sources, the basilica’s communications office clarified that the project should be understood as an expansion and reorganization of existing terrace facilities, including a small cafe that already operates near the dome exit. The aim, according to this explanation, is to help manage heavy visitor traffic and create a calmer flow through the site, while respecting the sacred character of the basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica, built over what is traditionally believed to be the tomb of the Apostle Peter, has increasingly functioned not only as a place of worship but also as a major tourist destination. During peak periods such as the Jubilee, daily visitor numbers reportedly rose far above normal levels, putting pressure on infrastructure and staff.
Despite the low-profile approach, news of a rooftop bistro has sparked criticism on social media, where some users have questioned whether a dining venue is appropriate at the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church.
For now, Vatican authorities have neither confirmed nor denied specific details, maintaining a cautious silence as work continues behind the scenes.
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