The five-year restoration of the majestic colonnade of St. Peter's Square has just been completed.
Started in the spring of 2009, the largest restoration ever undertaken of the colonnades built in the 17th century by Bernini, occupied more than 100 conservators, scientists and engineers using the most modern techniques. They were thus able to bring to their former glory 88 pillars, 284 columns and 140 statues of saints surrounding the square, which forms part of the border between the Vatican and the Italian states.
The site will be free from the scaffolding in time for the celebrations of the Holy Week and the canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II in April.
