The
Vatican state's Basilica di San Pietro and the Bernini designed
Piazza San Pietro. The curved lines of huge columns encircling
the square symbolically welcome visitors to the Catholic church
with open arms. Rome Images and Information: Rome | Rome Travel Guide Italy Photos: Genoa | Lucca | Beaches | Italy Gallery | Venice Carnival Information: Italy Travel Guide | Map | Tours The
Vatican, a sovereign [self-controlled] state within Italy since
1929 has around 1,000 inhabitants living in spacious, attractive
and well-protected surroundings. Security indoors is famously
provided by Swiss guards in colourful stripey uniforms designed
by - no prizes for guessing - Michelangelo.
Michelangelo's
wonderful Pieta statue [created at the age of 24] is
unfortunately behind glass after attack by a headcase, but the
Basilica also offers a bronze statue of St Peter whose feet
pilgrims line up to rub smooth, a bizarre marble-cloaked Death
by Bernini and various other colourful creations though the
majority of hand-waving white marble popes are extremely dull. The
Vatican Museums and their massive 1,400 room collection of some
of the world's best art are around the corner where a wait will
be necessary to get in and you will be far from alone inside.
A full viewing of the museums will take at least two days and
a 7km [4m] walk, but a short highlight walk is colour coded
for simplicity. The Museum must-see pictures are Big Mike's
Last Judgement painted on the ceiling of the Sistine
Chapel and Raphael's frescos in the four rooms known as Stanze
di Rafaello.
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