Day 2 in Rome I visited Vatican City. I managed to get in after queuing for 2 hours which in the height of the summer is pretty good apparently (many que for 4+ hours).
Vatican City has been an independent sovereign state since 1929. It is completely independent of the Italian State. Vatican City has its own stamps, railroad station, flag, national anthem, own security service, and real police force: the famous “Swiss Guards” who have been protecting the person of the Pope since the early 16th century.
In addition to being the head of the Apostolic Roman Catholic Church, the Pope has full legislative, executive and judiciary powers. There is a city wall that divides the Holy See and Rome, Italy.
Just to give you a short history, the original Saint Peter’s was completed in 349 by Constantius, son of Constantine, and over the centuries was embellished and renovated by donations and restoration work carried out by the Popes and munificent princess.
In 1547, Michelangelo was appointed by Paul III for modifying and designing the basilica. He designed the soaring dome to crown the renovated basilica. Then in 1607, work on the façade begun under the architect Carlo Maderno when he added three chapels to each side of the building. After Carlo’s death, the next director was Bernini, who left his unmistakable mark on the building, which is the Baroque character it now displays.
There are lots of works by Raphael but the highlight was certainly the sistine chapel and Michelangelo’s ‘creation’.
The view of St. Peter’s Square from the Copula is another sight not to be missed when visiting Vatican City.
The famous Swiss Guard: In the medieval era, the Swiss Confederation were loaning its troops, who were widely known as excellent mercenary soldiers. To protect the holy land, Vatican City appointed Swiss Guards as its private police force. Today, the duties of the Guard are to stand guard in certain areas of the Vatican Palaces and to defend the Pope during various ceremonies and as he moves within the Vatican and travels outside its walls. Candidates applying to serve in the Guard must be single male Swiss citizens of the Roman Catholic faith, between 19 and 30 years of age, and must meet the height requirement of 1.74 meters. The minimum term of service is 2 years. Another interesting fact about their Renaissance-looking dress uniform was designed by Michelangelo.
By mid afternoon I was ready to leave and finish off a few sites in Rome. I saw the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.
The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. As the brick stamps on the side of the building reveal it was built and dedicated between A.D 118 and 125.
With its irregular butterfly design, the beautiful “Scalina Spagna”, or Spanish Steps are just one of these must see places when in Rome and a great example of Roman Baroque Style. It’s a great place to just sit down and enjoy the atmosphere and views of the Eternal City. The steps are a wide irregular gathering place consisted of 138 steps placed in a mix of curves, straight flights, vistas and terraces. They connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper piazza Trinita dei Monti, with its beautiful twin tower church dominating the skyline.