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The square is unique. It is dominated by the immense suggestive dome, by Michelangelo.
When Michelangelo's immortal genius conceived it, he must have perceived this sense of the
absolute and infinite that would impress the soul of whoever saw it. The colonnade is the finest
work of Bernini and forms a superb entry to San Pietro and the Vatican. The two large wings opening like half circles
seem like two outstretched arms of the temple receiving all mankind in one universal embrace.
The obelisk was begun in 1586 by Domenico Fontana by the will of Sixtus V. The two fountains, the one on the right
designed by Maderno in 1613 and the one on the left by Carlo Fontana in 1677, harmonize perfectly
with the vast square. The Loggia of the Benedictions, above the central entrance, is used to
proclaim the election of every new Pope and it is from here that he delivers his first blessing
"Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world). |