The archaeological site of St. Peter's Square at the very tip of the low promontory occupied by the Old Town of Bari, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Bari.
The area, overlooking the sea, was inhabited since the Bronze Age. In the excavations traces of the indigenous, some remains of the Roman phase and part of a medieval church with adjoining cemetery emerged.

In the fifteenth century a Franciscan monastery was built in the area: its cloister is still visible and now a symbol of the square.
In modern times, the whole area was occupied by the Consorziale Hospital, then demolished in 1969 as a result of the severe damage suffered during the Second World War.
It was then created one of the few open spaces of the Old City of Bari.