The backdrop for the Pope's speeches to the faithful, this is undoubtedly the most famous square in the world. Partially enclosed by two sweeping curved colonnades that imbue it with sobriety and solemnity, it was laid out from 1656 by Bernini, the master of Baroque. At its centre stands a 1C BC obelisk which was shipped from Heliopolis to Rome in 37AD on Caligula's orders. It was erected here in 1585 at Sixtus V's request by Domenico Fontana.