St Peter's Basilica, officially known as the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, is a masterpiece of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, a sovereign enclave within Rome. It is renowned as a major pilgrimage destination and for its central role in Catholic liturgy. Throughout the year, the pope leads numerous ceremonies both inside the basilica and in the adjacent St. Peter's Square, attracting crowds that range from 15,000 to more than 80,000 attendees. St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), situated directly in front of the basilica, is a grand Baroque square designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667. Its striking elliptical layout, framed by sweeping colonnades symbolising the Church’s welcoming embrace, can accommodate over 300,000 people and is centred around an ancient Egyptian obelisk.