Rome has always fascinated me, the history of the place, renaissance architecture and the people. Several famous artists including the great Michelangelo’s have homed Rome for their inspiration. Vatican City is one of the famous cities of Rome and our topic for today.
We all know Vatican City to be the home of the Pope, and a major hub to the Roman Catholic Church. But apart from that Vatican City can make best of the tourist destination for the art lover and a history enthusiast.
Do You Know?
There is no birth or wedding till now happened in the Vatican City, as there is no hospital or wedding permission available. But that is just an excuse; the real reason is that of religion.
St. Peter’s Basilica- Holding a Unique Position At Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica is an important building that holds the core of Catholic tradition. The site is the burial place of Saint Peter. The Basilica is considered as the unique and the main of all the churches across the globe. The construction of the Basilica was started in the year 1504 and was opened to visitors in the year 1626. The main style of architecture is a mix of Renaissance and Baroque affairs. But the brain behind the design and style is non-other than Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Bramante. This place is a perfect place for art lovers around the world.
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Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was once known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. And the reason behind this was that it was once owned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and later it was turned into castles and fortress by the Popes. Now Castel Sant’Angelo is a full-fledged museum that contains the remains of the cities most reopened and famous Emperor.
The construction of Castel Sant’Angelo was believed to be started in 135 AD and opened for use by 139 AD. Castel Sant’Angelo looks magnificent in its Ancient Roman architectural style.
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Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums is a combined sculpture and art museum spread across Vatican City. It includes the Pinacoteca, with more than 18 rooms containing art and sculptures worked by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. There is also a Pio-Clementino Museum and the Gregorian Egyptian Museum within the Vatican Museums. Pope Julius is the founder of this marvelous place in the year 1506.
Sistine Chapel
If you are a first-timer visiting the Sistine Chapel, let me warn you, that Clicking pictures inside the chapel is completely prohibited. Sistine Chapel is considered the most sacred place for Christianity and hence few things need to be followed.
The Sistine Chapel is the official residence of the Pope. It was built in the year 1481, and since then has been home to the pope of Vatican City. The architects behind this man-made marvel are non-other than Giovannino de Dolci and Baccio Pontelli.
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Saint Peter’s Square
You probably know Saint Peter’s Square, it is that popular. Standing right in front of the St. Peters Basilica, Saint Peter’s Square is a central plaza named after Saint Peter, believed to be an apostle of Lord Jesus Christ. The square is constructed in an Italian Baroque style of architecture. The main brain behind this architectural design is Gian Lorenzo Bernini. No wonder the square is one of the most popular across the globe and undoubtedly the best one.
Gardens of Vatican City
The Gardens of the Vatican City are also known as the Vatican Gardens. There is a fee for exploring the place. You can completely explore the garden in two hours. But as soon as you are done with the garden part you can visit the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and the St. Peter Square, free of cost. The park and garden are private property owned by the Pope.
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Vatican Necropolis
The Vatican necropolis is a one-minute walk from the famous St. Peter Basilica that lies under the supervision of the Vatican City. It is basically an archaeological excavation from peters time. The place is basically underneath the Basilica almost 5 to 12 meters in depth.
You need to book your visit prior as only 250 visitors are allowed per day and believe me the crowd that comes in to explore the city and the places can be more than you fathom. the place is believed to be discovered between the year 1940-1949.
The Last Judgment
Michelangelo painted “Last Judgment” which adorned the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel. The theme of the painting extensively depends on the Sack of Rome. The art lovers and people who study art believe that Michelangelo has painted it along with his personal touch apart from the theme.
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Vatican City may not be a dream destination for many. But it is definitely a place worth visit once in your lifetime. There are several exploration spots for travel enthusiasts. Breathtakingly beautiful architecture, painting and sculptures by renowned artists and the rich history of Christianity are exceptional in Vatican City.
There are few things that you need to observe strictly, tourists should wear a proper dress during the visit. Also, keep in mind not to click pictures without permission. Add Vatican City to your travel bucket list. And till then watch Tom hanks Hollywood Flick “Angels and Demons” based on Dan Brown Book of the same name and enjoy the beauty of Vatican City.
