In the heart of the Italian capital is the Catholic center of the world called the Vatican. This is the smallest country on the planet, in which, however, a tourist can see a lot of interesting things. Here is the residence of the Pope. The museums of this country contain the greatest cultural treasures. Many pilgrims and tourists come here every year to see the sights of the Vatican with their own eyes. Let's look at the main ones.
St. Peter's Basilica
This Catholic church is the most impressive building in the country, in addition, it is considered the main shrine of Christian believers. The snow-white dome of St. Peter's Basilica has been bathed in the blue of the Italian sky for five centuries. There are not enough words to describe this grandiose structure in colors, you need to see it with your own eyes. And when you are inside the cathedral, the surrounding beauty is simply breathtaking. It is recommended to start sightseeing in the Vatican from this temple.
St. Peter's Basilica is remarkable notnot only by its enormous size, but also by a huge number of masterpieces of art. Every tourist is advised to get a guide in advance in order to see all the sights and not miss anything. If you wish, you can climb under the dome of the basilica along a narrow staircase, only you need to pay for this.
Many come to Rome for just a few days. Even they try to visit the Vatican, whose sights are distinguished by their special sophistication, because there may not be a second such chance.
Sistine Chapel
This church is built in the form of a rectangle. Inside the chapel, you can see beautiful mosaic patterns on the floor, and a marble partition runs in the middle.
The walls of the church are made in the form of horizontal stripes that cross special frames. Below you can see beautiful draperies with the coat of arms of the Pope. In the center are paintings by famous artists: Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Luca Signorelli, Pinturicchio, Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli. The last strip, located under the ceiling, is decorated with portraits of the first Popes, there are thirty in all.
Stunning paintings by Michelangelo are on the back walls of the church, as well as on the ceiling. This famous creator spent several years creating such splendor, as a result, hundreds of square meters of ceiling were decorated. It should be noted that the long and almost continuous work had a negative impact on the artist's well-being, because he constantly inhaled the paint, and it penetrated into hislungs. But the efforts of Michelangelo, no doubt, were worth it, because he literally transformed the church, and now tourists simply freeze with delight, looking at his masterpieces. It is for this reason that many people go to the Vatican. Italy, whose sights amaze the imagination, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Today, secret meetings are held in the Sistine Chapel, which are held by the Pope.
St. Peter's Square
She is the most magnificent Italian architectural ensemble that Bernini built. The famous Colonnade is perfectly visible from the square. It's truly amazing. It seems that the columns diverge to the sides, but at the same time they are invited to the cathedral. The illusion of movement is created thanks to the oval shape.
In the middle of the square is a brown granite obelisk, its length is 42 meters. It was brought from Egypt by order of Caligula. It was in the 1st century. And only after a long time, in 1586, Sixtus V ordered to put it on the square. Now he decorates the Vatican. The sights, the photos of which you see, are best viewed slowly so that nothing escapes the eye.
But back to the obelisk. At the top of the pillar is a bronze ball. There is an interesting version that inside it are the remains of Julius Caesar. Among other things, the obelisk can be considered a kind of sundial; markings on the ground also play their role.
Papal Palace
It includes several buildings,twenty courtyards and over a thousand rooms, chapels and other spaces. The bronze gate is the main entrance, passing through which you can get into the courtyard of San Damaso, around which the palace spreads on all sides. On the fourth (topmost) floor are the rooms where the Pope lives. Below are another of his apartments. And the state secretary's rooms are on the second floor. In the center of the palace is a chapel where the Pope holds a service every day. His guests, house workers, and secretaries come there to pray.
Many people who come to Rome strive to get to the Papal Palace. The Vatican, the photo of which you see in front of you, is an amazing place, and everyone understands this.
Apostolic Library
Here is a collection of many documents dating back to the Middle Ages. The library, located inside the palace, contains approximately 65,000 books, including the oldest Bible dating back to 325 AD. e.
Professors from universities, famous scientists, lecturers and teachers come here regularly. You can also meet students here. But only last-year students are allowed here, but for schoolchildren, for example, the doors to the library are closed.
Raphael Rooms
Small rooms of the palace bear the name of the famous artist, because it was he who decorated their walls and ceiling with paintings. The creations of this master are real masterpieces of the Renaissance. It's good that the sights of the Vatican are available to everyone,isn't it?
Today, Raphael's rooms attract many tourists. They cause no less interest than during the Renaissance. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the most beautiful rooms, who are delighted with the great masterpieces. You can simply take your time walking around the premises of the palace and carefully examine the paintings of the famous artist. Some tourists even complain about pain in the neck, because the ceiling is no less interesting than the walls.
Vatican Gardens
Once upon a time, medicinal herbs grew on the site of these gardens, and after a while a beautiful park was laid out here, attracting tourists with its Mediterranean plants, among which quite unusual and rare ones are often found. In addition, there is a fairly large number of ancient monuments, historical structures, fountains and various beautiful buildings. The most interesting sights of the Vatican are located here.
Pilgrims are seduced by the opportunity to walk along the beautiful and well-groomed paths that the Popes walked for many centuries. Many note the calm and peaceful atmosphere that reigns in the gardens. It fully disposes to relaxation and contemplation of the surrounding beauty.
Vatican Museums opening hours
Museums of the country are open from Monday to Saturday, that is, six days a week. They are open from 8:45 to 18:00, however, please note that you can only buy a ticket until 16:00. Museums are closed on public holidays andSundays. But there is one exception. On the last Sunday of the month from 9:00 to 12:30 you can enter the museum for free. As for the cost of tickets, you will have to pay 8 euros for a child (under 18 years old), and 15 euros for an adult. Museums are worth a visit for every tourist, there really is something to see.
