Rooftop bistrot could open this year, according to reports in Rome.
A rooftop bistrot overlooking St Peter’s Basilica could open later this year, according to reports in Rome, adding an unexpected new feature to one of the Vatican’s most visited sites.
Work is quietly underway to create a small bistrot on the rooftop terrace above St Peter’s Basilica, Rome daily Il Messaggero reported on Thursday. The project, which has so far attracted little public attention, would transform part of the basilica’s upper level into a space offering light food and drinks with panoramic views over Vatican City and Rome.
According to the newspaper, the bistrot would be located near the statues of the apostles, in an area that until now has been used as a storage space by workers responsible for the maintenance of the basilica. The location sits along the terrace accessed by visitors who climb to the dome, one of the most popular attractions in the Vatican.
A small café already operates on the terrace, close to the elevator exit, selling coffee, soft drinks and ice cream. The new bistrot would represent a more ambitious step, potentially offering seating and a broader menu, though details on the food and pricing have not been made public.
Il Messaggero reports that the Vatican had originally planned to open the bistrot in time for last year’s Jubilee celebrations, but the project was delayed due to technical and logistical issues. These are understood to be linked to the complexity of carrying out construction and fitting work in a highly sensitive historic and religious site.
Recent developments suggest the project is now nearing completion. Vatican sources told Il Messaggero that furnishings for the new bistrot have arrived in recent weeks, indicating that the work is well advanced and moving into its final phase.
The newspaper speculates that the opening could coincide with the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St Peter’s Basilica, which will be marked in November. If confirmed, the timing would give symbolic weight to the launch, linking a modern amenity to a major milestone in the history of one of the world’s most important churches.
Neither the Vatican nor the Fabric of St Peter’s has officially confirmed the opening date, and no formal announcement has yet been made. If and when it opens, the rooftop bistrot would be one of the most unusual dining spots in Rome, combining contemporary hospitality with an unparalleled historical setting.
