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St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica

The vast space in front of St. Peter's Basilica serves as a place of Christian gatherings during papal services. The square can contain about 400 000 people. The gallery along the sides of the square in front of the basilica is created by 284 columns. There are statues of 70 saints on the roof of each side of the gallery. In the midst of the square there is a 25 meters tall obelisk weighting over 300 tons. The square is also decorated with fountains by Carlo Madern.

St. Peter's Basilica was built in the likely resting place of one of the apostles. The monumentality of the construction is stunning. The basilica's dome designed by Michelangelo deserves special attention. The dome is now accessible to the public for a spectacular view.