Aula Paolo VI (Paul VI Audience Hall), Rome

The Paul VI Audience Hall, also known as the Pontifical Audience Hall or Nervi Hall (after its architect Pier Luigi Nervi), is a venue for papal audiences, conferences, and concerts. Though the majority of the structure stands on Italian soil (situated to the left of Saint Peter’s Basilica, near the Teutonic Cemetery and the Holy Office building), it enjoys extraterritorial status under the Holy See.

Commissioned by Pope Paul VI in 1964, the hall serves as an alternative space to Saint Peter’s Square for gatherings – intended to host papal audiences in a more controlled environment. Construction began in 1966 and was made possible through the land donation by the Knights of Columbus. The hall was inaugurated on June 30, 1971.

The building is of reinforced concrete, a hallmark of Nervi’s architectural style. The design includes a distinctive parabolic vault, which draws attention toward the stage, making it ideal for large audiences. It has a seating capacity of 6,300 but can accommodate up to 12,000 people with standing room.

Within the hall, there are several smaller rooms, including the Synod Hall, used for meetings of the Synod of Bishops, and representative rooms for the Pope.

One of its most striking elements is "The Resurrection", an 80-ton bronze and copper-alloy sculpture, created between 1970 and 1975. This dramatic artwork serves as the stage’s focal point, depicting Christ rising from the chaos of nuclear destruction. Another significant feature is the 932-pipe organ, equipped with electronic transmission and five keyboards. Installed in 1972 behind the sculpture, the organ is often hidden by curtains.

The hall is illuminated naturally by two large, oval stained-glass windows placed on its side walls. Additionally, a large atrium welcomes visitors before they enter the main seating area. Also, in 2008, a photovoltaic system with 2,400 solar panels was installed on the roof, allowing the building to generate a quarter of its energy needs for heating, cooling, and lighting.