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The Pope Is Not The Only Reason To Visit Vatican City

VATICAN CITY

A city within a city, Vatican City is a tiny little walled town. It is located in the city of Rome. So, visiting Vatican City not only brings you into proximity of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums but also to the wonders in Rome proper. There is so much to see and learn about its rich heritage that it’s worth taking a tour in order to absorb at least the essentials. Tours are also a great way to meet like-minded travelers and enrich your lengthy journey across the main landmarks described below:

SWISS GUARD & VATICAN GARDENS

Vatican City is the home of the Pope and the Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guard, whose uniforms still reflect the same dress of the 1500’s, are the military/police force of Vatican City. There is more to see. The Vatican Gardens have been a place of meditation for pope’s since the 13th century. You can practice your own meditation wandering around these beautiful grounds.

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ST. PETER’S BASILICA

Don’t miss the archetype of renaissance architecture, St. Peter’s Basilica. The Basilica is a masterpiece which was designed and built by master artists and craftsman life Michelangelo and Bernini. While is it consider one of the holiest sites among Catholics, this building is truly a work of art. You needn’t be Catholic to revel in the beauty that is St. Peter’s. Additionally, there are many aspects of the Basilica to be explored and investigates than just the sanctuary.

SISTINE CHAPEL

St. Peter’s Basilica was not the only building touched by the hand of Michelangelo. Taking about four years to complete and commissioned by Pope Julius II, Michelangelo pointed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Although the ceiling is of great renown, Michelangelo is not the only master whose works appear in the Sistine Chapel.  Paintings from Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Pietro Perugino. In additional Raphael created a series of tapestries which depict a great deal of the Catholic doctrine. While the religious history of the Sistine Chapel is significant, the art history is unparalleled.

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VATICAN MUSEUMS

Finally, don’t miss the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums is a collection of art, artifacts, and architecture. It is not one museum but many sites within Vatican City. The sites include the places mentioned about but also include the following museums:

  • Classical Antiquities Museums (4)
  • Gregorian Etruscan Museums (2)
  • Gregorian Egyptian Museum
  • Pio-Christian Museum
  • Ethnological Museum
  • Sacred Museum
  • Belvedere Palace

Other sections of the museum include miniature mosaics, contemporary art collections, and a dozen other museums, rooms, art, galleries, tapestries and much more. It’s best to plan for lots of walking and seriously consider a tour guide to make sure you get a chance to maximize your time in Vatican City.

 

Article Submitted by Community Writer.

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