Piazza San Pietro: History, Architecture, and Curiosities

Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.

Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.

If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.

Gianluca

Piazza San Pietro, or St. Peter’s Square, is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks in Rome. Located at the heart of Vatican City, this grand square is a monumental gateway to St. Peter’s Basilica, a center of religious devotion, and a masterpiece of artistic and architectural brilliance. From its origins to its present-day grandeur, the story of Piazza San Pietro is as captivating as the Eternal City itself.

For guests at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, this breathtaking site is just a 12-minute walk away—a must-visit destination steeped in history and beauty.

What Was Here Before Piazza San Pietro?

Before its transformation in the 17th century, the area that is now Piazza San Pietro was a mix of medieval streets and structures surrounding the basilica. The original St. Peter’s Basilica, built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, was the focal point of the space. However, as centuries passed, this basilica fell into disrepair, prompting Pope Julius II to commission a new basilica in 1506.

The construction of New St. Peter’s Basilica spanned over a century, and the piazza itself would not take shape until later under the visionary leadership of Pope Alexander VII in the 17th century.

Designing the Piazza: A Collaboration of Masters

The design of Piazza San Pietro is attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest architects and sculptors of the Baroque era. Commissioned in 1656, Bernini envisioned a space that would symbolically embrace the faithful as they approached the basilica. The piazza was completed in 1667, with contributions from other notable architects over the years.

Key contributors to the construction:

Carlo Maderno: Earlier work on the basilica influenced the alignment of the piazza.
Domenico Fontana: Transported the Egyptian obelisk in 1586, a central feature of the square.
Francesco Borromini: Collaborated on elements of the basilica’s façade and surrounding structures.

The Iconic Colonnade: Embracing the Faithful

The defining feature of Piazza San Pietro is its grand colonnade, which consists of 284 Doric columns arranged in four rows. These columns form an elliptical shape, creating two arms that symbolically embrace visitors as they enter the piazza.

Symbolism: The colonnade represents the Church’s open arms, welcoming the faithful from all over the world.
Optical Illusion: Bernini designed the colonnade to create a sense of movement and dynamism. Standing on specific markers in the piazza, visitors will see the rows of columns align perfectly, demonstrating Bernini’s mastery of perspective.

The Egyptian Obelisk: A Journey Through Time

At the center of the piazza stands an Egyptian obelisk, a monument that predates the square by centuries. Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt, it was transported to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD to adorn his circus, which stood near the current basilica. Pope Sixtus V had the obelisk relocated to its current position in 1586.

Height: 25.5 meters (41 meters with its base).
Cross at the Top: Added to Christianize the monument and represent the triumph of faith.

Curiosities About Piazza San Pietro

The Piazza’s Size: The square covers an area of 320 meters in length and 240 meters in width, accommodating over 300,000 people during papal events.
The Keyhole View: The colonnade’s design creates the illusion of a smaller piazza when viewed from the basilica steps, enhancing its grandeur as visitors enter.
The Fountain Duo: Two fountains, one by Bernini (1675) and the other by Carlo Maderno (1614), frame the piazza symmetrically.

Piazza San Pietro Today

Today, Piazza San Pietro is a hub of religious, cultural, and tourist activity. It hosts some of the most important Catholic events, including the Pope’s weekly audience and Easter Mass. The square also becomes a focal point during Christmas, with a majestic tree and a nativity scene drawing visitors from all over the world.

How to Visit Piazza San Pietro from QuodLibet

For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, reaching Piazza San Pietro is as easy as a short stroll through the charming streets of the Prati district. Whether you visit early in the morning for a serene experience or during a papal audience to witness the vibrancy of faith, the piazza offers something unique at every hour.

Discover the Eternal City with QuodLibet

Piazza San Pietro is a testament to Rome’s ability to blend spirituality, history, and artistry into one breathtaking space. Staying at QuodLibet provides the perfect opportunity to explore this iconic landmark and many more within walking distance.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Eternal City.