Saint Peter's Square was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII so larger numbers of pilgrims could participate in functions. He commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design the colonades. Bernini's design is an elliptical plan that wrapped the piazza in an embrace as if Holy Mother Church was drawing her children in and embracing them. The collonades measure approximately 394 feet in length and 56 feet in heighth. The arm of the left is called Charlemegne and the one on the right is Constantine Atop the colonade are 140 ten feet statues depicting various saints who were defenders of the faith, the founders of religious orders, popes, bishops and Doctors of the Church.
The obelisk is 90 feet of solid granite weighing over 300 tons. It was transported by the emperor Caligula from Heliopolis Egypt, and set down in his circus, which later became Nero's In 1586 Sixtus V had it placed where it is today. There are two fountains that set on each side of the obelisk. They are almost identical. The statues atop Saint Peter's Basilica are of Jesus, John the Baptist and eleven of the apostles.
Two large statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are situated near each side of the steps leading up to the Basilica.
It is definitely a site to behold. Walking into Saint Pete's Square give pilgrims a sense of awe and wonderment and brings tears to many eyes.
