Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square), Rome

Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square), Rome (must see)

St. Peter's Square, situated within Vatican City, is a globally recognized and esteemed plaza. Crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini during the 17th century, it serves as the majestic entrance to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Christian church and the spiritual heart of Catholicism.

The square's grand scale and impressive design exude a sense of awe, its expansive layout forming a distinctive trapezoidal shape. Dominating the center stands a commanding obelisk, known as the Obelisk of Caligula, originating from ancient Egypt. Rising to approximately 25 meters (83 feet), it serves as a focal point and infuses the surroundings with a connection to ancient history. Flanking the obelisk, two splendid fountains, envisioned by Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, contribute an air of grace and serenity.

The colonnades, composed of 284 columns and 88 pilasters, symbolize the open and embracing nature of the Church, beckoning believers from every corner of the world. The twin fountains represent the life-giving waters of the Christian faith, while the obelisk serves as a testament to Christianity's triumph over paganism.

St. Peter's Square serves as a gathering place for momentous events and ceremonies within the Catholic Church. Pilgrims from across the globe assemble here to attend papal audiences and receive blessings from the Pope. During significant occasions like Easter Sunday and Christmas, the square transforms into a splendid backdrop for grand celebrations and religious rituals.

Why You Should Visit:
The architectural marvels encompassing the square are truly breathtaking. This square offers a splendid backdrop for capturing memorable photographs, even if your plans do not include entering the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Vatican Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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