Saint Peter's Square

Bernini's elliptical colonnade (1656–1667) is engineered theatre — 284 columns and 88 pilasters in four rows that frame the basilica with what Bernini called 'the motherly arms of the Church embracing all faiths.' The space holds 240,000 people for papal events and aligns optically so that, from two marked spots near the central obelisk, the four columns appear as one. Free to enter; the Wednesday papal audience and Sunday noon Angelus are also free but require booking ahead during peak season.