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Vatican Must Do’s

St. Peter’s Basilica

01.

The centerpiece of the Vatican is a church built in the Renaissance style. The history of original St. Peter’s Church goes back to 4th century AD when Emperor Constantine completed a basilica over the site of tomb of St. Peter. The original church stood there for more than a thousand years undergoing restorations and alterations until towards the middle of 15th century it was decided to replace the aging old St. Peter’s Basilica. The construction of the present Basilica began in 1506 under instructions from pope Julius II and completed 120 years later in 1626. Ironically it was the selling of indulgences to finance this building in 16th century that provoked Martin Luther to begin the protestant reformation.

Highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica:

- Is the world’s largest church by internal measure.

- Imposing and breathtaking, it has contributions from Italy’s greatest artists of the time [like Michelangelo who designed the dome, Bernini who created the whole square’s arrangements, Maderno who designed the church’s majestic front besides Raphael, Bramante, Peruzzi and many others who were involved in this epic project.

- In the portico before the entrance there is an equestrian statue of Constantine by Bernini and double bronze doors from the old church.

- Its cavernous and lavish interior contains many spectacular works of art, one of the most striking is the Pieta sculpted by Michelangelo – the only work of art he ever signed by him, his soaring dome, Bernini’s 95 feet high baldachin over the papal altar and the pope is the only priest allowed to serve at the altar. Nearby a red floor disc marks the spot where Charlemagne and later Holy Roman Emperors were crowned by the pope.

- Other things of interest are Benediction Loggia, the balcony where newly elected popes are proclaimed, collection of Vatican treasures in the Museo Storico.

- Beneath the church is Vatican necropolis, the final resting place of several popes and it is also said to house the remains of St. Peter himself.

Vatican Museums

02.

The Vatican museums are 26 in number spread over 1400 rooms with a collection of over 70’000 artifacts of which 20’000 are on display in lavishly decorated halls chapels and galleries. This group of art and Christian museums is spread over a vast 13.6 acres complex situated within the walls of Vatican City. Founded by Pope Julius II in early 16th century the collections were enlarged by successive pontiffs, the Vatican museums boast one of the world’s greatest art collections. Some of the prominent ones include The Museum of Classical Antiquities, the Pio-Clementine Museum, Chiaromonti museum, the Bracco Nuovo Gallery, the Gregorian Profane museums which are mainly dedicated to classical sculpture comprising of statues, sculpture groups, friezes, urns and mosaics. The ’Pinacoteca has a collection of 460 paintings exhibited in 18 rooms covering a time span of 800 years from the 12th to 19th century. The collection includes masterpieces done by Renaissance greats like Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio, Perugino, Fra Angelico and many more. The Etruscan Museum showcases rare artifacts like Etruscan bronze sculptures, ancient busts, ceramics, tapestries, silverware from the archaeological sites of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria. The Egyptian Museum showcases Egyptian mummies and art pieces from ancient Egypt exhibited in 9 rooms. The Ethnological Museum holds a collection of thousands of rare pieces mainly religious from all over the world on display. They also have a collection of Modern Religious Art with works of artists like Van Gogh, Gauguin and Pablo Picasso on display.

Depending on visitor’s interest in art and architecture the Vatican museums can be done in a few hours or over a number of days – a choice visitors have to make.

Below TBO Academy is listing the must-sees from the immense collection Vatican museums offer.

Highlights of Vatican Museums:

- It is one of the most visited museums in the world.

- Greek and Roman antiquities – the Pio-Clementine and the Gregorian Profane museums are dedicated to treasures of antiquity with highlights like Laocoon, a large marble composition from 1st century AD, Belvedere torso from BC, the Discus Thrower and a collection of Roman mosaics.

- The Bramante Staircase – designed by Donato Bramante in 1505 (is not open to visitors) and the modern version designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932 is open to public.

- Raphael Rooms – were commissioned by Pope Julius II IN 1508 and named after the famous painter Raphael. They form a suite of reception rooms in Apostolic palace. The most famous room is Signatura in which Raphael painted the School of Athens. Famous for their grand fresco sequences they mark the height of Renaissance art.

Vatican Museums (Contd.)

- Borgia Apartment – is where Pope Alexander VI lived. Painted by Pinturicchio, the rich, colorful frescoes depict scenes from Greek and Egyptian mythology and showcase lavishness of the Vatican palace.

- Niccoline Chapel – Pope Nicholas V worshipped in this chapel which has beautiful and vibrant 15th century frescoes painted by Fra Angelino and Benozzo Gozzoli.

- The Rotunda Room and Porphyry Basin – resembles the pantheon of Paris but is smaller in size. Must see are Oculus in the ceiling and the rosettes in the dome. Stunning 2nd century mosaics with intricate designs decorate the floor which are intact and have not lost their color. The giant Porphyry basin carved out of an igneous rock is in the center of the room.

- The Tapestries Hall – on the walls of this hall visitors will find tapestries from two different periods and regions. On the right 17th century tapestries depict the life of Pope Urban VIII. On the left are tapestries woven in Brussels which used silk, wool, gold and silver threads.

- The Maps Room – contains a series of painted topographical maps depicting Italy and its provinces. It was done by Dominican monk and geographer Ignazio Danzi and has 40 panels.

- Pinacoteca Vaticana – this art gallery housed in 16 rooms was inaugurated in 1932 showcases priceless art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Famous paintings include Pieta by Bellini, St. Jerome in wilderness by Leonardo da Vinci, Christ’s transfiguration by Raphael, Frari Madonna by Titian, Christ in glory by Correggio and the entombment of Christ by Caravaggio and many more.

- Collection of Modern Religious Art – was added in 1973 housing paintings and sculptures from artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Chagall, Paul Klee, Picasso and Salvador Dali.

- Egyptian Museum – was founded by Pope Gregory XVI. Important collections worthy of mention are Hieroglyphic inscriptions on statues, masterpieces of Pharaonic statuary, votive bronzes of 1st millennium BC, funeral costumes of ancient Egypt, Cuneiform seals and tablets from Mesopotamia, vases and bronzes from Syria and clay figurines from Hellenistic period.

- Other points of interest are – gallery of statues, cabinet of masks, Greek cross gallery, Vatican historical museum and the Sistine chapel.

Sistine Chapel

03.

Part of Vatican museums but deserves to be described in more detail. Also known as the ‘Greater Chapel’ it is located inside Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope. It was constructed on orders of Pope Sixtus IV between 1473 – 1481 with later additions made to it between 1508-1512 under Pope Julius II. Sistine Chapel is a rectangular hall which is the pope’s domestic chapel used for services and special occasions of the Papal Calendar. Words cannot express the sense of wonder, majesty of space and outstanding artwork that visitors will encounter once inside the chapel.

Highlights of Sistine Chapel:

- It has been the site of the papal enclave, the process by which a new pope is elected.

- The fame of Sistine Chapel lies mainly in the frescoes by Michelangelo and others covering the walls and ceiling that decorate its interior are acknowledged as the pinnacle of Renaissance painting. The frescoes are divided into three sections with biblical scenes ‘The creation of the heavens and earth followed by the creation of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the garden of Eden and finally the story of Noah and the great flood. Nude youths sit in fictive architecture around these frescoes accompanied by prophets and seers who foretold the coming of Christ. In the four corners of the room visitors will find scenes depicting the salvation of Israel.

- Other great example of Michelangelo’s genius are his creation ‘the last judgement’ and ‘the Deluge’ where he has used the physical space of the water and sky to separate four distinct parts of the narrative – on the right and left side of the painting shows people seeking sanctuary from heavy rain under makeshift shelter as water is rising, a small boat is about to capsize in unending downpour and in the background men working on building the ark – the only hope of salvation.

Attractions of St. Peter’s Square

04.

Watched over by St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s square is a large and beautiful plaza with much to explore and appreciate.

Both the square and the basilica are named after St. Peter, an apostle of Jesus considered by Catholics to be the first pope. The space as we know today as St. Peter’s square was designed by Bernini between 1656 - 1667on orders from Pope Alexander VII as an appropriate forecourt so that greatest number of people could see the pope give the blessing from either the façade of the church or from a window of the Vatican palace. Though Bernini’s work ended in 1667, his pupils continued to add to the square installing 140 statues above the columns till 1670. The colonnades that extend from the basilica and surround the square are said to be ‘the motherly arms of the church’ which reach out to embrace the faithful and welcome followers.

Highlights of St. Peter’s Square:

- The most impressive part of the square besides its size which can accommodate up to 300’000 people, are its 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square in a colonnade of four rows. Above the columns there are 140 statues of saints created by disciples of Bernini.

- The Obelisk: originally erected in Heliopolis in Egypt was brought to Rome on orders of Caligula and became part of Nero’s circus. When Bernini was planning the design of new square the obelisk was moved in front of the cathedral. This is the only obelisk in Rome without hieroglyphics and was Christianized by two popes Sisto V and Innocent XIII. Recently it was revealed by Pope Benedict XVI that the obelisk is a huge sundial that can accurately indicate midday thanks to a granite meridian and marble markers embedded in the square. The obelisk is very historical and a great sight for visitors.

- The Fountains: there are two fountains in St. Peter’s square, the first was built in 5th century and fully restored in 1614 while the second was added during the construction of the colonnade. Both fountains look identical except for the pope’s emblem and admired by millions who visit Vatican.

Events at St. Peter’s Square:

- Attend a Papal Audience: when Pope is in Rome, visitors can witness the pope greet general public on any Wednesday at 10.30 AM in St. Peter’s square. Bookings must be done in advance and visitors should be on-site few hours before time.

- The Angelus: is celebrated by the pope every Saturday from a window of the Apostolic palace and visitors intending to attend it should be at the St. Peter’s square by 06.00-07.00 AM. The event takes place between 12.00-12.30 noon time where pope makes a speech and gives blessings to the crowd and the square is super crowded at the time.

- Christmas in St. Peter’s Square: a special time and the beauty of the square with the Nativity scenes that are sent from round the world and Christmas tree at the feet of the obelisk and there are plenty of events to take part in people of all ages.

Visitors send postcards to their loved ones from the Vatican City post office at the piazza and shop for souvenirs at any of the shops round the square.

The Vatican Gardens

05.

Also known as The Gardens of Vatican City are private urban gardens and parks which cover more than half of the Vatican City and one of its highlights. At 57 acres they extend to the back of St. Peter’s Basilica along the slopes of the Vatican hill. Initially n orchard, a lawn and a garden were laid out on orders from Pope Nicholas III in 1279 besides additions of sculptures and fountains as he wanted to have a relaxing space for prayers. The Vatican Gardens are a perfect blend of history, art and faith.

Highlights of Vatican Gardens:

- The Vatican gardens were designed by Donato Bramante in three distinct landscaping styles namely English, French and Italian. Bramante’s Belvedere Courtyard is a must see for visitors.

- In the 16th century the Vatican gardens became home to a magnificent collection of Renaissance masterpieces in the form of architecture, sculptures and fountains. Stand out works of art are Fountain of the Eagle, Lourdes Grotto, St. John’s Gardens and 17 Maria images.

- The beauty of Vatican Gardens can be admired by visitors from the cupola of St. Peter’s.

- Vatican Gardens are home to the Vatican heliport, radio station and train station.

• Visitors are allowed to enter the Vatican Gardens with tour guide.

Castle St. Angelo

06.

Originally designed by Emperor Hadrian as his final resting place, also known as Castle of Holy angel is a towering cylindrical building which houses Hadrian’s tomb was later converted to a papal fortress and today is an important museum visited by throngs of visitors annually. The structure was once the tallest building in Rome and is an instantly recognizable landmark even today.

Highlights of Castle St. Angelo:

- Final resting place of Roman Emperors: the tomb of Emperor Hadrian was erected on the right bank of river Tiber where he was buried in 138 AD and following this the remains of succeeding emperors were placed here the last of them being Emperor Caracalla in 217 AD. The urns containing these ashes are believed to be kept in the treasury room.

- In the beginning of 14th century Pope Nicholas III converted the structure to a castle and connected it to St. Peter’s Basilica by a covered fortified corridor Passage di Borgo. Pope Leo X added a chapel and later a statue of St. Michael holding a sword was added after the plague of 590 AD. The Papal state also used the castle as a prison in medieval times.

- Nowadays the castle houses a museum with grand collection of paintings, military memorabilia, sculptures and firearms.

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