The grand square in front of St. Peter's Basilica was designed by the famous architect Lorenzo Bernini. As its frame, he built semicircular colonnades, which is why Piazza San Pietro, when viewed from above, took on the shape of Saint Peter's key. Remember how the Gospel of Matthew says that Jesus handed Peter the keys to paradise? So Bernini's square turned out to be not only beautiful, but also deeply symbolic, as if welcoming worshippers into its embrace.
In the middle of Piazza San Pietro stands the obelisk - the very one that once adorned Nero's Circus and was later brought from Heliopolis by Caligula. According to legend, it was a silent witness to the execution of Saint Peter, which took place in the gardens of Nero's Circus. That means this obelisk is the oldest object in the square!
Helping you plan a trip to Rome - Travel planner and guide for iPhone or Android. Hundreds of attractions, ready-made walking routes, the ability to create your own routes, an offline map, and GPS. Everything you need for an interesting trip.
Bernini was undoubtedly a very talented architect, and many people still see secret signs and riddles in his works. In particular, St. Peter's Square became one of the main settings of Dan Brown's adventure novel "Angels and Demons". Those who have read it will surely be interested in seeing everything in person.
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Routes and guides for Rome:
- Guide to Rome
- What to see in Rome in one day
- First self-guided route in Rome: Vatican and the Vatican Museums
- Second self-guided route in Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo - Piazza Navona - Pantheon - Trevi Fountain
- Third self-guided route in Rome: Colosseum - Roman Forums - Piazza Venezia - Trajan's Column - Imperial Forums
- Fourth self-guided route in Rome: Trastevere district
- Night walk in Rome
