St. Peter's Square

The Piazza is another example of 17th century Baroque design in a city with some of the world’s greatest examples of this period. The Piazza San Pietro can be attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Baroque period architect was commissioned to design a space that would allow large numbers of people to enjoy the then Pope’s addresses from the glorious Vatican Palace. To this day, when Easter Day comes round, Piazza San Pietro will be teeming with people on a pilgrimage to hear the Pope’s annual Easter message.

Though religious holidays are the busiest days in St. Peter’s Square, it doesn’t mean that other days are any quieter. In fact, it’s quite the contrary. Busy days are the norm in this particular piazza.

One of the square’s particular highlights is the Egyptian obelisk, located at the very core of the piazza. This totemic monument, standing at more than 25 metres high, is made of distinctive red granite. According to popular legend, the obelisk dates back to 37 AD, when it was moved from Alexandria to the Circus of Nero by Caligula, thereby being located from this point at the very centre of the brutal theatre of sport and human sacrifice which was part of Roman society. It is also believed by some to be the place where St. Peter was crucified by the Romans. This is depicted in a painting by Caravaggio on display in the Cerasi Chapel.

Towering above the Piazza are four huge, imposing colonnades, which have been skilfully placed to create a clever optical illusion. You’ll see various saintly figures including St. John the Baptist and Christ the Redeemer. St. Peter can be found on the right-hand side of the steps leading to the basilica and he is faced on the other side by St. Paul.

St. Peter's Square is located right in the middle of Rome, within walking distance of the city centre. The Ottaviano Metro station is a short walk away along Via Ottaviano.