The majestic Bernini's Colonnade in the square of St. Peter's Basilica in the heart of Rome - stock photo

Vatican, July 03 -- A detailed and perspective view of Bernini's Colonnade with its monumental statues at the top in the square of St. Peter's Basilica, in the historic center of Rome. The majestic colonnade by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, built starting from 1655 under the pontificate of Alexander VII, is made up of 284 Doric-style columns, each 16 meters high, aligned in four rows arranged in a radius. Above each row of columns are 140 monumental statues depicting saints, popes and martyrs of Christianity. St. Peter's Basilica, built between 1506 and 1626 in Renaissance and Baroque style, is the center of the Catholic religion and one of the most visited places in the world for its immense artistic and architectural heritage, with works of art by Michelangelo, Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Pietro da Cortona and other famous artists. In 1980 the historic center of Rome was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Image in high definition format.