Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Piazza San Pietro

Looking back. St. Peter's Square was still packed with people even after Pope France had left the loggia after the "Urbi et Orbi" and returned to his private rooms. Probably to enjoy Christmas dinner.

A large crowd had gathered on St. Peter's Square. After the Pontifical Swiss Guard and different branches of the Italian armed forces had taken position in front of St. Peter´s Basilica, Pope Francis entered the central loggia.

A large crowd had gathered on St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. In about two hours the Pope would enter the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica and give the "Urbi et Orbi" address and blessing. The atmoshpere was relaxed and reminded me on a music festival. The Pontifical Swiss Guard in shining armour were already on the left side in front of Basilica (previous upload), while in the right side different branches of the armed forces took position. These branches were probably Italian, the State of Vatican does not maintain maritime and ground forces (any more).

A large crowd had gathered on St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. In about two hours the Pope would enter the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica and give the "Urbi et Orbi" address and blessing. The atmoshpere was relaxed and reminded me on a music festival. The Pontifical Swiss Guard in shining armour took place on the left side in front of Basilica.

A large crowd had gathered on St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. In about two hours the Pope would enter the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica and give the "Urbi et Orbi" address and blessing. The atmoshpere was relaxed and reminded me on a music festival. There was even an opening act, when different colourful uniformed troops, groups and bands paraded the square and took place in front of the Basilica.

Bright sunshine on Christmas morning. A large crowd has gathered on St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. In about two hours the Pope would enter the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica and give the "Urbi et Orbi" address and blessing. The atmoshpere was relaxed and reminded me on a music festival, just before the top band enters the stage. There was even an opening act!

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. But with an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world and so I merge it into Rome and Italy. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. It is one of the largest churches worldwide .

Early sunset in winter - St. Peter's Basilica in late daylight. St. Peter's Basilica is of course part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. But with an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world and so I merge it into Rome and Italy. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. It is one of the largest churches worldwide . Seen in the center of the "St. Peter's Square" is the Vatican Obelisk, that was originally taken by Caligula from Heliopolis in Egypt. Next to the obelisk is a christmas tree and a large crib.

St. Peter's Square is of course part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. But with an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world . and so I merge it into Rome and Italy. St. Peter's Square, seen from the doorsteps of St. Peter's Basilica, is already well prepared for the Christmas celebrations.