Travels in Italy: The Vatican in Rome (Part 1 of 2)

While visiting Rome, we toured St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.  Each time we visit, we are astonished by the size of the Basilica and the museums.  It seems they go on and on with no end in sight. 

We visited during Holy Week, the week before the Easter celebration.  Because many school children in Europe have a week long break (French children apparently enjoy a 2 week break), Rome in general and Vatican City in particular were full of visitors from all over Europe.  Plus, we noticed many visitors from overseas.  There was a lot of energy, not to mention a lot of crowds and long lines.  Still, we very much enjoyed our visit to the Basilica and the museums.

St. Peter's Basilica:  New St. Peter's Basilica was built during 1506-1626.  The Basilica is primarily a Renaissance style building and is one of the largest Christian church buildings in the world--largest in interior area and volume, second largest in exterior area. Michelangelo designed the dome, the tallest in the world.  The Basilica, inside and out, is truly a sight to behold. 

St. Peter's Square

The Basilica's façade

The nave of the Basilica

A view of the Basilica's barrel vaulted ceiling and, in the distance, the altar.

Bernini completed the 96-foot-tall canopy over the altar in 1633.

Pietà by Michelangelo (1498-1499)

The Basilica is beautifully decorated throughout.  Above is a carved dove holding an olive branch.

One of Vatican City's Swiss Guards standing at attention while guarding a gate inside Vatican City.  The weapon in the soldier's hand is a halberd, a nasty weapon in the hands of someone skilled in its use.   

Recruits of the Papal Swiss Guard must be unmarried Swiss Roman Catholic males aged 19-30. 

Vatican City has a special currency, the Vatican Euro coin.  Recent coins have either the image of Pope Francis (like the coin pictured above) or his papal coat of arms.  

Next Up:  The Vatican Museums