Marble

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

1659-1662

Height:

• 11,5 m

Length:

• 70 m

The western end of the north colonnade of Saint Peter’s Square

The area of the so-called arm of Constantine, which leads from the bronze door to the “Scala Regia,” has always been the privileged entrance to the Basilica and the Vatican Palace. It extends onto the square and is  perpendicular to the basilica. It is situated at the end of the basilica’s portico in which there stands a statue of Constantine, sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Constantine was the first Christian emperor and the founder of Saint Peter’s Basilica. At one time this area was covered by a gabled roof, which was later demolished to become the present terrace.

At one time papal processions would wind through this corridor, escorting the pope during each of his solemn processions from the Apostolic Palace to the Basilica. Even to this day funeral processions pass through this area, accompanying the remains of the pope on the day of his solemn funeral. On October 11, 1962, the opening day of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the endless procession of the 2,498 council fathers, gathered in Rome from every part of the world, passed through this same entrance.

Video, Papal Funeral Procession.