St. Peter's Square

St. Peter’s Square is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in the world, located in the heart of the Vatican City. This extraordinary space, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, represents a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a spiritual center for millions of Catholics worldwide. The square is a perfect example of how art, architecture, and faith can merge in sublime harmony. The square is famous for its elliptical shape, designed to symbolize a symbolic embrace of the Church to the faithful. Bernini conceived a monumental colonnade composed of 284 Doric columns arranged in four rows, forming two perfect semi-ellipses. This colonnade creates a theatrical effect, guiding the gaze of visitors towards St. Peter’s Basilica. On the columns, 140 statues of saints overlook the square from above, adding a touch of sacredness and grandeur. At the center of the square stands a 25.5-meter-high Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD and placed in its current position by Pope Sixtus V in 1586. The obelisk, which once adorned Nero’s Circus, is topped by a cross that, according to tradition, contains a fragment of the True Cross. On either side of the obelisk, two twin fountains, designed respectively by Carlo Maderno in 1613 and by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1675, complete the symmetry of the square, creating a play of water and light that enchants visitors. St. Peter’s Basilica, which dominates the square, is one of the most important places of worship in Christianity. The current basilica, begun by Pope Julius II in 1506 and completed in 1626 under Pope Urban VIII, was built on the site where, according to tradition, St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first pope, was buried. The facade of the basilica, designed by Carlo Maderno, is imposing and majestic, with a portico that extends across the entire width of the building. One of the most impressive elements of the basilica is its dome, designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti. With a diameter of 42 meters and a height of 136 meters, the dome dominates the Roman skyline and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The dome is accessible to visitors who wish to climb the 551 steps (or take the elevator for part of the way) and admire Rome from above. The square is also the venue for important events and solemn ceremonies, such as papal blessings and general audiences with the Pope. Every year, millions of pilgrims and tourists visit St. Peter’s Square to participate in these celebrations or simply to contemplate the beauty of the place. During the Christmas holidays, the square is transformed with a giant Christmas tree and a nativity scene, attracting even more visitors from around the world. An interesting anecdote concerns the pavement of the square, where two stone discs known as the “fire points” of the ellipse are located. If one stands on one of these discs, the four rows of columns of the colonnade align perfectly, creating the illusion of a single row of columns. This optical effect, masterfully conceived by Bernini, demonstrates his skill in combining art and science. The history of St. Peter’s Square is also linked to dramatic moments, such as the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1981. The Pope was shot while crossing the square in the popemobile, but miraculously survived the attack. This event deeply marked the recent history of the square and strengthened the affection and devotion of the faithful towards the pontiff.