St. Peter's Square, Rome

Visit St. Peter’s Square to see one of the greatest squares of all time!

Visit St. Peter’s Square to see one of the greatest squares of all time! St. Peter’s Square is composed of a semi-circle of colonnades with both sides having four rows of Doric columns. On top of each column is a statue of a pope, saint, or founder of religious orders. Pope Alexander VII commissioned Bernini to create the square in 1656. He chose a semi-circle because it represents an open-armed welcome to all Catholics.

The square is actually very unique because it is symmetrical. In the center of the square is an obelisk from Egypt made of red granite approximately 25 meters tall. It was moved from Egypt to St. Peter’s Square in 1586 under the supervision of Pope Sixtus V. This is the only obelisk in Rome that has not fallen since the ancient Roman time period. 

From the square, visitors have a great view of the basilica and the papal apartment, where the Pope often addresses and blesses the large group of visitors. It is highly recommended to spend a decent amount of time here to really appreciate and see all of the architecture. 

St. Peter’s Square

St Peter's Square, 00120 Vatican City

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St. Peter's Square, Rome
St. Peter's Square, Rome

Opening Hours

Monday:
07:00 - 21:00
Tuesday:
07:00 - 21:00
Wednesday:
07:00 - 21:00
Thursday:
07:00 - 21:00
Friday:
07:00 - 21:00
Saturday:
07:00 - 21:00
Sunday:
07:00 - 21:00
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