St Peter's Square

Visit one of Rome's most beautiful locations

Word to the wise: The beauty and majesty of St Peter's Square is best appreciated when there aren't so many people around. Early morning before 8am is a good time.
St Peter's Square was described by its creator, Bernini, as "the motherly arms of the Church" that would embrace Catholics and invite non-Catholics into the fold. He redesigned it in 1656-1657 under the direction of Pope Alexander VII.

It's situated directly in front of St Peter's Basilica and on Sundays the huge space is filled with thousands of pilgrims from all over the world listening to the pope's noon address. They are watched over by the 140 statues of saints, martyrs and popes that adorn the square's colonnades. In the centre of the square is an Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula. It was used as a turning post in the chariot races at the circus of Nero.