St. Peter's Square is surrounded by Bernini's Colonnade, which forms the solemn entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican. The two great open semicircular wings represent the outstretched arms of the church, receiving all mankind in one universal embrace (only seen from an aerial view). This colonnade shows the height of Bernini's genius, with 140 statues of saints topping each column in the interior of the structure.

In the center of the Piazza (or Square) is an Obelisk erected by Domenico Fontana. The Obelisk measures more than 25 meters in height and was brought from the nearby ruins of the Circus of Nero.

The facade of St. Peter's Basilica was constructed by Madero (1607-1614). He had his name and title written in very large letters across the entablature.

In different areas around St. Peter's Square, you can see the famous Swiss Guard. Since 1506 when pope Julius II invited Helvetian soldiers to join the small Vatican army, they have been the guards of the Vatican and the pope in particular. The guards must be Roman Catholic males of Swiss nationality who have completed basic training with the Swiss military and can obtain certificates of good conduct. Recruits must be between 19 and 30 and at least 174 cm (5ft 9in) tall. They wear colorful outfits designed by Michelangelo.