Italy -- The Vatican

WOW!



The Vatican is, by far, the single most impressive structure I have ever seen (as it was designed to be). The Piazza San Pietro, with it sweeping cononnades, was created by Bernini. The Piazza was designed to be a place for the Christians of the world. The end of the Piazza was left open, because there is always room for more of the faithful. The centre of the Piazza is adorned with an obelisk, brought to Rome from Heliopolis by Caligula. The Piazza is definately impressive.



The Vatican Museums are huge, and take some time to explore. The Vatican has "aquired" phenomenal treasures, statues and paintings from around the globe. There was one long corridor, lined with both Greek and Roman statues and sculptures on both sides, that seemed be about a half a kilometer long. The Throne of Ramses II can be found in the Egyptian collection.

As with every other part of the Vatican, the museums are impressive. Rarely is a spot left undecorated. Even the ceilings contain amazing woodwork and paintings.




Of course, the Sistine Chapel is the crowning glory of the museums. Photos are not allowed within the Chapel; Swiss Guards are quick to remind people. Michaelangelo's ceiling frescos, and his Last Supper are amazing. Even a non-religious person like myself can appriciate the skill and effort that went into their creation. Despite the warnings of "no photos" I still took a couple (I'm probably going to Hell!). For those looking to get a few illegal pictures, turn off the flash, set your timer, and lay your camera down.




Below St. Peter's Basilica are the Vatican Grottoes, where some many popes are buried. Each of the sarcophagi has an image of the pope on the cover. Very cool. I would like to have that when I die. Another cool thing is that you exit into the Basilica, near Bernini's Baldacchino.

The interior of the Basilica can hardly be put into words. It was created to awe, and it does. The floor is made from several types of marble, the ceiling is a massive mosaic, and the artwork is the work of masters. The Basilica is huge (it can hold 60,000 people), but every square inch is a work of art. It is said that the Basilica can hold 4 football fields and is rumored to have around 10,000 square meters of mosaics. WOW!






The top of the dome (119 meters) can be reached by, stairs to the base of the dome, then a short curving corridor takes you to the tightest spiral staircase you have ever seen. I had to scrunch my shoulders to be able to navigate the staircase (check out the pictures below). What a view!




To summarize, the Vatican is amazing, outstanding, phenomenal, incredible, etc. Definitely worth a visit. Allow yourself at least a half day to check it out.