A trusted travel advisor from Rome in her latest newsletter states that the Vatican has removed public access to Michelangelo's Pieta until September, for the purposes of restoring the glass protecting it. St. Peter's is full of other wonderful sights, however just wanted to put this out there for anyone planning to see it over the summer.
This is the announcement from the Vatican that's on the basilica's website:
https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/news/2024/renewal-works-of-the-protective-glass-of-michelangelo-s-pieta.html
Just one of many restoration projects in advance of next Year's Jubilee.
Good of you to provide the heads-up, ponygirl813!
We visited in May. Not only was the Pieta about a football field away, but major restoration is underway and Bernini’s Canopy is completely under wraps. This essentially blocks the center of the basilica and there’s no way to experience the sheer magnitude that is part of what makes St Peter’s so awe inspiring. I’m glad we were able to see it 10 years ago. If you have limited time and are choosing among sights to see in Rome right now, I’d think twice before including St Peter’s.
A lot of people will undoubtedly be disappointed.
I was amazed at how 'invisible' the previous barrier was; that they have come up with an improvement in transparency is stunning.
We just saw it last week. How lucky for us.
Us too. I had no idea it would not be available this summer. Feeling very fortunate.