A WALK IN THE ARTS OF VATICAN CITY

The columns of Gian Lorenzo Bernini surround with a halo of spirituality the imposing St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City. The house of the heir of Peter and all other architectural components that accompany this place make it the cradle of the Catholic Church, in one of the most prized jewels of the planet

The church is part of one of the smallest and most important cities in the world, and the greatness it projects in its smallness transforms this city into a tourist attraction of great power.

The State of Vatican City, as it is officially called, is located in the heart of the Italian capital, Rome, and is inhabited by at least a thousand people. It is considered a sovereign country, which has an area of ​​44 hectares, although it enjoys extraterritoriality of some buildings and sites in Rome and elsewhere in Italy. It is also known as the Holy See.

However, the size of this state contrasts with the amount of architectural and artistic works harboring in its territory, as the Vatican necropolis, gardens, library and museums; the Sistine Chapel and its famous mural of the Last Judgment; the tombs of the popes, the canopy and the colonnades of Bernini, the spiral staircase, and many more. It is said that if we took a moment to admire each of these places, it would take four years to admire everything.

The Vatican in one of the tourist and religious destinations most visited in the world, with an average of 15 million people a year. However, there are three places that stand out and are a must in any guided visit:

The Plaza de San Pedro: Impact for its size of 320 meters long and 240 meters wide. It can accommodate over 300 thousand people. Moreover, it is impressive to see the pilasters and columns lining the square, which lay 140 statues of saints. In its center, an obelisk of 25 meters high and is located two fountains. In this square the pope celebrated the solemn liturgies that cannot be performed in the Basilica of San Pedro.

The Basilica of St. Peter: It has a dimension of 190 meters long and 46 meters high, and a first-class finish. Two details that go unnoticed are the dome of the basilica, which reaches a height of 136 meters and the interior capacity, allowing to receive 20 thousand people. In it we find several works of art such as Bernini’s Baldacchino, The Pieta and statue of St. Peter.

The Vatican museums: They are one of the main attractions of the Vatican, because in them thousands of works of art, many of them recovered by the church throughout the years, which is also known as the gateway displayed to the Sistine Chapel.

Undoubtedly, either for tourism or religion, the Vatican has a lot to offer, so take this venture to discover a stunning city. In addition, if it’s possible, stay on a Sunday and not to sack the city without receiving the papal blessing.