St Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy or Piazza San Pietro is probably one of the world’s most famous squares. Also, one of the most breath-taking. St. Peter’s Square is just one of the reasons why you should pay a visit to Rome.
St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy is one of the largest squares ever. In addition, St.Peter’s Square is also one of the most charming and squares in the world. The very famous St. Peter’s square is located in Vatican City, at the feet of St. Peter’s Basilica. In Italian, St. Peter’s Square is Piazza San Pietro.
Physically, the square is 320 meters long and 240 meters wide. In some events, St. Peter’s Square has held more than 300,000 people. So, imagine how big it is.
The construction of the square was carried out between 1656 and 1667 at the hand of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, with the support of Pope Alexander XII. Bernini also designed the Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna.
Piazza San Pietro represents the core of Vatican city, the smallest state in the world. In the origins, the square used to be the place where Circus of Nero and Gardens were located, and where many Christians, including Saint Peter, suffered from torture.
So, let us continue our journey to visit St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy.
What to See in St. Peter’s Square
Visiting St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy is worth it. Most importantly, seeing it is free and doesn’t require a reservation.
The most amazing part of the square, besides its size, are the 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square in a colonnade of four rows. If you look at the colonnade from an exact point of the St Peter’s square (close to the obelisk, indicated by a stone) you get the feeling of seeing just one row of columns instead of four. This impression makes a very specific optical illusion. Above the columns, there are 140 statues of saints made in 1670 by the disciples of Bernini.
In the middle of the plaza the obelisk and the two fountains, one of Berni ni (1675) and another of Maderno (1614) sticking out. The obelisk, which is 25 meters in height, was brought to Rome by Emperor Caligola in 37 B.C from Egypt. The obelisk was also built during the Ramsete II dynasty.
The most fascinating way to arrive in St. Peter’s Square is along Via della Conciliazione, a long road that begins in the Castel Sant’Angelo. If you take this road, you will surely enjoy the walk and the whole view of the st. Peter’s Square. Just imagine walking into a long aisle and being surrounded by greatly designed buildings by great and famous architectures in world history.
So, planning to witness the charming beauty of the St. Peter’s Square in Rome? Just be safe.
Hi! It’s me! I am a hospitality professional and a part-time blogger! I am a travel dreamer and world conqueror based in Rome, Italy.
