St. Peter's Square

About

St. Peter’s Square – or Piazza San Pietro – is the iconic ceremonial entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Designed by the master sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, the square’s sweeping thirteen‑column Tuscan colonnades frame the view of the basilica and create a sense of open‑armed hospitality for visitors. At the centre stands the towering 25‑metre Vatican Obelisk, originally from Heliopolis, Egypt, which has stood since 1586. The wide, paved plaza hosts large crowds during pilgrimages and major Catholic events, offering sweeping views of the basilica’s dome and the surrounding nave.

Highlights

• Grand Colonnades
• Vatican Obelisk
• Vibrant Views of the Basilica

Must-See Areas

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes