From a distance, one sees the majestic Basilica of St. Peter as the backdrop of a large elliptical -shaped square surrounded by a colonnade of 284 columns set out in rows of 4. The square was designed and built by Bernini between 1656-1667. The colonnade was so designed that from afar it would seem as if it was only a row of single columns. It was constructed like the welcoming open arms of a mother so that now the colonnade represents the maternal welcome to all Catholics confirming their faith and to skeptics and peoples of different religious persuasions enlightening and reconciling them to the True Faith. Bernini's pupils built 140 statues of saints above the columns in the year 1670. A huge fountain and an obelisk adorn the square.
The Egyptian Obelisk is called "The Witness" because it used to stand near the place where St.Peter was crucified and thus was witness to the great apostle's martyrdom. It was subsequently transferred to its present site in the 17th C. A story goes that during its move the chains began to break due to its enormous weight. A sailor who was one of the workers saw it and was able to save the obelisk from being broken to pieces. As a reward, the palms used at the Basilica of St. Peter on Palm Sunday all come from his hometown.
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