The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, and is located within Italy. And, more than that, within the city of Rome. It belonged, for a long time, to Italy and Rome, but in 1929 it achieved its autonomy.
This was important for different reasons, such as ensuring the independence of the State from the Vatican, and giving independence to the decisions of the Catholic Church, removing it from external pressures.
The Vatican has incredible architecture, as well as some of the most important events in Christianity. We will talk a little about these attractions.
Top Attractions In Vatican
These are the attractions you need to know in the Vatican:
- Vatican Museum;
- Sistine Chapel;
- St. Peter’s Basilica;
- Vatican Gardens;
- See the Pope.
Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum is the collection of renowned institutions belonging to the Catholic Church. It brings together materials from different pontifices, or properties of the Catholic Church from different eras.
Thus, to visit the museum, you need to shell out an amount of 17 euros. The visit lasts an average of 4 hours and is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the great attractions of the entire world, especially because of the paintings on its ceiling, made by one of the greatest geniuses in human history: Michelangelo.
Thus, there are several aspects of the ceiling that are universally known, such as the work “Creation of Adam”. Michelangelo took years to complete the work and literally suffered the effects of the exhaustive work on his skin.
So, to admire this work is to recognize the sensitivity and love for art of one of the greatest geniuses of all time.
St. Peter’s Basilica
This Basilica is the largest religious temple in the Vatican and, without a doubt, the most important Catholic temple in the world. The main masses of the Catholic Church take place there, as well as the headquarters of the biggest events.
This Church began to be built in the 16th century and was inaugurated in the 17th century. Therefore, it presents influences from different architectural and artistic styles, such as the Renaissance and the Baroque. The dome of this cathedral was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Gardens
The Vatican gardens began to be designed and built in the Middle Ages, when they were used as a space for planting the private orchards of bishops and popes. Over time, gardens have undergone changes and improvements, from styles to irrigation and planting technologies.
Thus, the gardens currently cover 23 hectares, occupying one of the main pillars of the Vatican. The majority style of the garden is Renaissance, and there are numerous sculptures and scattered fountains. In the 17th century, several cedars from Lebanon were inserted into the garden.
See the Pope
There is a well-known expression about who goes to Rome “Went to Rome and didn’t see the pope?”. That is, it is clear that attending mass and seeing the pope is one of the main actions of anyone visiting Rome and the Vatican, given the importance of this event, even if you are not religious or Catholic.
The pope appears on several occasions to the public, especially on holy dates for Christians. In this way, the Easter masses (death and resurrection of Christ); and christmas (birth of christ), are some of the opportunities you have to see the pope.
Therefore, the Vatican is an incredible destination for you to visit when visiting Italy and the city of Rome. A must visit not just for Catholics but for all arts, culture and history lovers.
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