Vatican working to expand cafe space on rooftop terrace.The Vatican on Thursday confirmed that it was working to expand an existing cafe space on the rooftop terrace of St Peter’s Basilica, following reports that it was preparing to open a bistrot on the roof.A small café already operates on the terrace, close to the elevator exit, selling coffee, soft drinks and ice cream. The Basilica's communications office specified that the project involves expanding the area of the terrace accessible to pilgrims "to accommodate the increased visitor flow", a move that "would allow for a reduction in the concentration of visitors in the Basilica and foster a more peaceful atmosphere." Rome daily Il Messaggero had reported that work was quietly underway to create a small bistrot on the terrace above St Peter’s Basilica. The project 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. 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.    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. 

The Vatican on Thursday confirmed that it was working to expand an existing cafe space on the rooftop terrace of St Peter’s Basilica, following reports that it was preparing to open a bistrot on the roof. A small café already operates on the terrace, close to the elevator exit, selling coffee, soft drinks and ice cream. The Basilica's communications office specified that the project involves expanding the area of the terrace accessible to pilgrims "to accommodate the increased visitor flow", a move that "would allow for a reduction in the concentration of visitors in the Basilica and foster a more peaceful atmosphere." Rome daily  that work was quietly underway to create a small bistrot on the terrace above St Peter’s Basilica. The project 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. 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.    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.