Overview:

The Statue of St. Paul was erected by Pope Paul V in 1614 to commemorate the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus. The statue was sculpted by the famous Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and stands over 40 feet tall in the Piazza San Pietro Square in Vatican City. The statue and the four volutes around the base were designed to create a powerful, imposing presence that would add to the majesty of the papal palace. The statue is a representation of the saint at the moment of his conversion, with his arms raised, his face towards the heavens, and his eyes closed in ecstasy. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Statue of St. Paul is one of the most prominent features of Vatican City. It is situated at the entrance to the main courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, and has long been an iconic symbol of the Papacy and its religious authority. The statue was commissioned in 1655 by Pope Innocent X, and was created by the famous Baroque artist, Bernini. The statue stands eleven metres tall and depicts St. Paul holding a sword in his right hand and a book in his left. The base of the statue is inscribed with the words, "Paulus Apostolus, Princeps Apostolorum," which translates as, "Paul the Apostle, the Prince of the Apostles." The statue is made of bronze, and its majestic presence has come to symbolize the might and power of the Papacy. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Statue of St. Paul is a marble sculpture produced in the late 17th century, depicting the Roman Catholic Apostle Paul. It was sculpted by the Italian master sculptor Giuseppe Mazzuoli, and acts as a centerpiece in the Cortile del Belvedere in Vatican City. In its initial form, the sculpture was commissioned by Pope Innocent XI to adorn a large pedestal in the large courtyard of the Palazzo del Belvedere. The statue, which stood around 6 meters tall in its original form, was created to celebrate the fact that the canonization of St. Paul took place during Innocent’s papacy. After initially being placed in a corner of the courtyard, the Statue of St. Paul was moved during the reign of Pope Innocent XII, where it was relocated and placed in the centre of the courtyard, establishing it as the principal sculpture in the main courtyard in the Vatican. Today, the Statue of St. Paul is one of the most iconic pieces of art in Vatican City, representing a significant moment in the city’s history. It can be made out from various locations across the city, and is a popular visitor destination for those wanting to get up close to the unique artwork. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The statue of St. Paul in Vatican City was created by the renowned Italian sculptor and artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII in 1667. 2. The massive bronze sculpture is located outside the Chiesa Nuova in the Vatican, beneath the main cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica. 3. The work which stands 5 meter high and weighs 4.5 tons, is one of the most celebrated pieces of the Italian Baroque sculpture. 4. The bronze figure of St. Paul is positioned atop of a massive stone block, carved with an elaborate scene inspired by the life of the saint. 5. The sculpture holds a sword raised to the sky, as if it were about to be thrust down with full force. 6. Even though it is often mistakenly referred to as ”The Statue of St. Peter”, this work is without any doubt, a stunning representation of St. Paul. 7. The work is so famous and popular that, since 1929, it has been registered as an Italian national monument. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.