The SQUARE is a monumental elliptical space, the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who laid it out during the pontificates of Alexander VII and of Clement IX (1657-1667).
Colonnades & 140 Statues. The Colonnades consist of 284 Doric columns and 88 pilasters of travertine marble. These columns, 60 ft. tall, are arranged in four rows. With the trabeation surmounted by a balustrade, the overall height is 21m.
The fountain on the right is the work of Carlo Maderno (1613). Bernini, who designed the square, had it erected where it now stands, and for purposes of symmetry built the fountain on the left (1675).
The obelisk from Egypt (1835 BC), was brought to Rome in 37 BC by Emperor Caligula for his circus. It became the witness of martyrdom of St. Peter and other Christians. Sixtus V had Fontana move it to its current position in 1586.
Centro del Colonnato
Between the obelisk and each fountain are white marble discs with a granite center, which mark the centers of each colonnade. Standing on the disc, you will see only the fist row of columns. Sundial Markers, From the obelisk toward the fountain on the right, are white marble discs used as sundial markers for the obelisk. Two dates are inscribed on each disc to indicate when the noon shadow of the obelisk will reach this spot. There are also four discs showing the points of the compass as 'winds'.
This fabulous piazza, that the obelisk in its center, is in fact a gnomon for a giant sundial. Examine the markings on the ground when the sun casts its shadow and you can tell the time and in which equinox.
Papal Water Fountain,
Just outside the colonnade, against the passetto wall, is the fountain of the four tiaras. Or you could just use one of the four fountains around the obelisk.
John Paul II Shot Here, A small red porphyry stone in the pavement of the square, marks the spot where Pope John Paul II was shot on May 13, 1981.
The Papal Apartment occupies the top floor of the Apostolic Palace. The top two right windows are the study and bedroom of the pope. On Sundays at noon, the pope usually appears at the second window from the right to pray the Angelus and bless the crowd in the Square.
Statues of Sts. Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome, were ordered by Pope Pius IX (9th) to replace the existing smaller ones. both statues were sculpted in 1838-40 and stand over 18 feet in height, on pedestals measuring over 16 feet high.
Arch of the Bells Entrance
Swiss Guards at this entrance will let you pass if you have business in the Vatican, or if you have reservations for the Scavi tour. Above this arch are the bells of St. Peter's, the largest with a diameter of 2.5m.
Loggia of the Blessings, It's from here that the new pope is announced with "Habemus Papam", and gives the "Urbi et Orbi' (to the city and the world) blessing. The relief below the balcony, by Buonvicino (1614), is of Jesus handing St. Peter the keys.
The Clocks' on each side of the front of the basilica Giuseppe Valadier designed these two clocks from 1786-1790. The one on the left, showing Rome time, is called the Italian clock. The one on the right, with one hand to show European mean time, is called the Oltramontano clock.
Obelisk Marker, If you book the Scavi tour under St. Peter's, you'll see the spot where the obelisk stood from the time of Caligula until it was moved into the square in 1586.
SWISS GUARDS.
The pope HAS BEEN defended by them Since the fifteenth century. Although they mostly perform ceremonial functions, the Guards are skilled soldiers in the Swiss Army, highly trained in security operations, who are sent to the Vatican and are committed to the pope’s protection. There are approximately 130 men in the military unit. Their motto is “Fiercely and Faithfully” and refers to their defense of the pope.
Statues on the Facade, Surmounting the balustrade you'll find Christ the Redeemer, St. John the Baptist and 11 Apostles. From the left: St. Thadeus, St. Matthew, St. Philip, St. Thomas, St. James the Greater, St. John the Baptist, The Redeemer, St. Andrew, St. John the Evangelist, St. James the Lesser, St. Bartholomew, St. Simeon, St. Matthias.
Sistine Chapel, The roof of the Sistine is visible from St. Peter's Square. It's from here that the famous white smoke announcing a new pope is seen. Access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is a 15 min. walk (north) around the Vatican walls.
Thank you John C. for the video and narration.
