Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square), Rome (must see)

Saint Peter's Square is a grand plaza in front of Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Both the square and the basilica (the largest Christian temple and spiritual heart of Catholicism), are dedicated to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles, who is also regarded as the first Pope.

Dominating the square's center is the Vatican obelisk, a red granite structure, rising to approximately 25 meters (or 83 feet). Originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt, it was moved to Rome by Emperor Caligula in the 1st century AD and was finally relocated to its current position in 1586 by engineer Domenico Fontana under Pope Sixtus V. The obelisk, adorned with bronze lions and a cross-topped Chigi family crest, has remained intact since antiquity. It serves as the plaza's focal point and symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over paganism.

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667 under Pope Alexander VII, the square was intended to maximize visibility for papal blessings. Bernini incorporated colossal Tuscan colonnades, which are four columns deep and comprise 284 columns and 88 pilasters. The colonnades encircle the oval-shaped plaza, symbolizing the "maternal arms of Mother Church." The trapezoidal approach enhances the visual impact, a hallmark of Baroque design.

The square also features two matching fountains, flanking the obelisk, created by Carlo Maderno and Bernini (in 1613 and 1675 respectively), balancing the architectural harmony. The fountains represent the life-giving waters of the Christian faith.

The paving of the square includes travertine lines that radiate outward, breaking up the vast stone surface. In 1817, circular stones were added to transform the obelisk into a giant sundial, marking the sun’s position as it enters each zodiac sign.

Saint Peter's Square is accessible via Conciliation Street, an avenue created between 1937 and 1950 following the demolition of the medieval “spina” area. Its removal, under Mussolini's directive, made the basilica visible from Saint Angel's Castle.

Apart from being an architectural marvel, today the square serves as a gathering space for momentous events and ceremonies within the Catholic Church. These attract annually millions of visitors and pilgrims from across the globe seeking to attend papal audiences and receive blessings from the Pope. During significant occasions like Easter Sunday and Christmas, the square transforms into a splendid backdrop for grand celebrations and religious rituals, much as for capturing memorable photos.