Piazza San Pietro
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Latest page update: 5 December 2024
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By Dion Protani
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Marking the eastern boundary of the Vatican City in Rome, the Piazza San Pietro is one of the most grandiose public spaces in the world. It's characterised by two semi-circular colonnaded walkways and crowned by the facade of Saint Peter's Basilica.
Thronged with tourists all year round, it receives even greater focus when the pope addresses the masses from his balcony. |
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Where the white smoke rises
This is where the white smoke rises to signal that a new pope has been chosen and an important site for pilgrimage. The centre of the Piazza is adorned by the Ancient Egyptian Vatican Obelisk while to each side of the granite structure are monumental fountains: the Fontana del Maderno on one side and the Fontana del Bernini on the other.
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Piazza is the set of two colonnades that dominate the two flanks. Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the covered walkways which are supported by lines of Doric columns. The elliptical shape of the colonnades is suggestive of the Church opening its arms to the faithful in a gesture of embrace.
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Piazza is the set of two colonnades that dominate the two flanks. Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the covered walkways which are supported by lines of Doric columns. The elliptical shape of the colonnades is suggestive of the Church opening its arms to the faithful in a gesture of embrace.
Reaching the Piazza
The Piazza is reached at the end of one of the most glorious roads in Rome: Via della Conciliazione. Brimming with Renaissance and Baroque palazzi and churches, the street begins on the banks of the River Tiber, close to Castel Sant'Angelo, before meandering its way to the extraordinary Piazza and Saint Peter's Basilica.
Piazza San Pietro
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City: Rome
Province: Metropolitan City of Rome Region: Lazio Landmarks: Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican Obelisk Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 27 minutes by car (30 km) Close by: Vatican City, Vatican Museums, Castel Sant'Angelo Recommended accommodation: Hotel Artemide |
