St. Peter's Square
Piazza San Pietro Città del Vaticano VA
An Opening Embace for Pilgrims to Vatican City
Open Daily | General Audience Tickets | Photos
Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and constructed between 1656 and 1667, St. Peter's Square is one of the most iconic squares in the world. When Fabio Chigi was elected and became Pope Alexander VII, he envisioned a grand piazza to welcome pilgrims. Bernini's design for St. Peter's Square symbolizes the arms of the Church.
96 statues of Catholic saints stand above the colonnades on both sides of the square. At the center of the square is an egyptian obelisk that once stood at the center of Circus of Emperor Nero at the same time that St. Peter was crucified. The square can hold approximately 300,000 people and is connected to the center of Rome by Via della Conciliazione.
On most Wednesdays at 9.00 am for the General Audience and Sundays at 12.00 noon for the Angelus, it is possible to see the Pope. For tickets, please see the link below.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As I stand in the heart of St. Peter's Square, surrounded by the echoes of faith and history, I humbly seek Your presence. I thank You for this sacred journey to Vatican City, a place where the universal Church gathers in unity and devotion.
May this pilgrimage deepen my faith and draw me closer to You. As I look upon the magnificent basilica, the symbol of St. Peter’s unwavering faith and leadership, I ask for the strength to follow his example of dedication and love for Christ.
Guide me with Your Holy Spirit as I explore this holy place, that I may encounter Your grace and wisdom. Bless those I meet along the way, and may we be united in our journey towards holiness.
Inspire me with the courage to be a true witness of the Gospel, and to share the love and peace of Christ with all whom I encounter.
Through the intercession of St. Peter and all the saints who have gone before us, I pray for a heart open to Your will and the courage to live out my faith boldly.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia
Built atop the site of a former temple dedicated to Minerva, this Basilica stands as one of Rome's two Gothic churches and one of the oldest homes of the Order of Preachers. It is renowned for being the resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena.
See Also:
Holy Week - Relics in Rome Walking Tour
Located throughout Vatican City are places that require special permission to visit. In this self-guided itinerary, we will show you the best places to see.
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