Overview:

The statue of St. Peter is located in the middle of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The statue, which was commissioned by Pope Paul V and completed in 1614, is a bronze work by the sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and depicts St. Peter looking towards the sky. The statue's right foot is said to be a focal point for pilgrims who wish to have their prayers answered. The work stands atop a large granite and marble pedestal which features inscriptions listing the Popes from St. Peter to Pope Paul V. The square is considered to be one of the most important sites in the Catholic Church and is a sacred site for pilgrims who visit Vatican City. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Statue of St. Peter in Vatican-City is one of the most prominent features of the city. It stands in the heart of St. Peter's Square and is an iconic symbol of the Catholic faith. The statue was designed by Renaissance sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and constructed between 1647 and 1653. The statue depicts St. Peter, the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, looking up towards the heavens with his right arm raised in blessing. It is composed of bronze and marble and stands over 18 meters (60 feet) tall. It has become an iconic symbol of Christianity and the papacy as well as one of the most famous and recognizable monuments in the world. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Statue of St. Peter in Vatican City is one of the world's most famous sculptures and one of the main symbols of the Catholic Church. Located in the middle of St. Peter's Square, it stands atop an obelisk at the centre of the courtyard of St. Peter's Basilica. The statue's significance is twofold - it symbolizes St. Peter as the first pope of the Catholic Church and it also acts as the focal point of one of the world's largest Christian gatherings on the day of St. Peter's Solemnity. The origin of the statue dates back to the late 15th century when Pope Sixtus IV had a niche built for it into the wall of the basilica. Later, Pope Pius XI had the sculpture replaced with a bronze statue in the early 1920s. The statue was sculpted from bronze and stands about 12 feet tall. It depicts St. Peter with his right hand raised in a sign of blessing and his left hand holding a papal keys. The bronze statue has gone through several restorations over the centuries, including one in 2009 which included the application of a special wax coating, designed to protect it from the elements. The statue of St. Peter has come to represent the spiritual significance and heritage of the Vatican City. It is highly revered and respected by millions of Catholics around the world who come to pay homage. Each year, millions of pilgrims and tourists alike visit the Vatican City to admire the statue and its majestic presence in the bustling city. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Statue of St. Peter, situated in the center of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, was inspired by an ancient legend which claimed that St. Peter was buried in the area and his remains still rested beneath the statue. 2. The statue is a 5.5 meter-high bronze sculpture of the Apostle Peter with crossed arms and a halo. It was designed by the Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1667 and completed in 1669. 3. The artist behind the project was Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who is credited with building walls and replicas of ancient temples to form St. Peter’s Square. 4. The statue weighs 17 tonnes and is meant to symbolize the power of the Catholic Church and the Papacy. 5. When viewed from different angles, the statue appears to be pointing in different directions, much like the decisions Peter must have made as he ran the early Church. 6. During Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005, a spectacular display of lights was projected onto the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica. As the pontiff’s coffin descended, the rays of light converged on the statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Square. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.