If you are a big fan of the Roman Empire history than your top tourist destination should be the Vatican City. Yet, the question may arise – from where to start and what roadmap is better to choose?
We are going to share all the insights about the Vatican City landmarks to make your journey never-to-be-forgotten.
The Vatican City Phenomena
The significant part of all the Roman attractions is located in the smallest state of the world. The Vatican is the center of one of the world religions. Besides, it is also a place where a priceless collection of art objects can be found.
If your next school assignment is to write an essay about the history of the Vatican City, you are a lucky one. This place has gathered a centuries-old history and a huge number of interesting facts.
Yet, some students may feel unconfident about composing a well-written paper. Or you may want to get lost in the Vatican and forget about all the deadlines.
The online writing service, EssayPro, will take care of academic assignments of any level. Turning for help to these professionals, you will achieve at least two goals. First, your teacher will be impressed by a perfectly written history essay. Secondly, you’ll carve out some necessary free time.
If you consider the Vatican as the next travel destination, you may need a couple of days to fully immerse yourself in its history. Even though the area of this independent country is only 0.44 square kilometers, there is a wide range of must-see places.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is the heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world. It is a monument to Peter, whom Jesus has chosen to be the apostle.
Peter and the Apostle Paul came here to share faith in the Lord at the beginning of the first millennium. But the early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. So in 64 A.D., Peter was arrested and transferred to one of the vast circus arenas of the empire and tortured on an inverted cross.
Constantine I, the Christian emperor of Rome, ordered to build the church on St. Peter’s grave some 300 years later.
One of the most popular places that attract history majors is the History and Art Museum, located in the cathedral.
Hundreds of books, articles, researches have been written about its architecture and artistic value. St. Peter’s Basilica is a unique cathedral and is worth seeing even if you are not a big fan of history.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Basilica has the highest dome in the world. Its height is 119 m, and its diameter is 42 m. To get on the top, you have to get through 510 steps to the edge, and 330 steps to the terrace.
If the number of stairs scares you, you can cut a part of the way using an elevator.
3. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous and popular attractions among tourists. On the outside, it is an unremarkable 15th-century church building. However, there are the authentic pearls of the Renaissance epoch inside.
The Sistine Chapel is decorated with magnificent frescoes from the top down, telling the life story of Moses and Christ. Even though there are hundreds of images on the walls, thousands of tourists come here to see the ‘Creation of Adam’ and ‘The Last Judgment’ by Michelangelo.
Catholic cardinals still meet there after the death of the Pope to elect a new pontiff.
4. St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is the main and only square of the Vatican. It is always crowded with thousands of people coming to visit the city.
Every Sunday at noon local time, the Pope reads prayers and sermons from the window of his residence. At this time, thousands of believers come to the square, despite the rain, heat, or cold. The window is closed only when the Pontiff is outside the Vatican.
5. Swiss Guard
It is difficult to take the Swiss Guards, who are called to ensure the peace and security of the Pope, seriously. The reason for that is their colorful form, which, according to legend, was sewed on Michelangelo’s designs.
The guards had to take part in the actual battle only once. It took place in 1527, defending the Pope from the forces of Emperor Charles V.
Even though 147 guards died, they accomplished their mission, and Pope Clement VII was successfully rescued.
6. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a must-see destination for history majors who come to visit the capital of Italy. The cultural treasures include impressive examples of sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, historical, and religious artifacts.
The age of some exhibits is more than five centuries. In total, in the museums of the city-state, there are 1400 halls with more than 60 thousand works of art in them.
7. Sant Angelo Castle
Castel Sant’Angelo offers a breathtaking view and has no less impressive history. The cylindrical mausoleum was the last refuge for the Roman emperor and the residence of the pontiffs. Today it has obtained the status of a museum and is a treasury of Vatican.
Based on the legend, Archangel Michael appeared above the mausoleum sheathing a sword. This happened at the end of the black plague epidemic in 590 AD. The tomb has received its current name in honor of this sign.
8. Vatican Gardens
Vatican Gardens is a beautiful landscaped botanical park located in the west part of the city.
They occupy almost half of the Vatican and can be visited only with a guided tour. The Gardens is a complex of palaces, towers, flower beds, paths, and shady alleys, as well as fountains and spring water sources.
The Pope loves to walk along the alleys of the garden in the midday, so the entrance to the gardens for tourists is limited, and sometimes there is a close sign.
Wrapping Up
Vatican city is an ancient place with a remarkable history. It’s one of the most popular destinations of religious people all over the world.
No matter how perfectly you know the Vatican city history from books and other sources. Nothing compares to seeing its beauty with one’s own eyes.
