VATICAN CITY STATE
The
Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) is located in the very heart of
Rome. It is the pulse of Catholic life. It attracts millions of
pilgrims from all over the world, who come every year to gather in prayer and seek the blessing of the Pope. A beloved destination for all those visitors attracted by the magnificent artworks in the
Vatican Museums, its foremost monument is
St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church on the globe, the imposing dome of which stands regally over the rooftops of the
Eternal City. The Basilica overlooks St. Peter's Square, designed by
Bernini in the 17th Century, who realized the imposing lateral colonnades, consisting of 284 Doric-style columns that are topped by 140 10.17-feet-tall statues of saints and six large coats of arms of Alexander VII Chigi. Thanks to the genius of Bernini's architecture, the columns are arrayed perfectly one behind the other; positioned on their porphyry disks, as if by magic they seem to move. The piazza's longest diameter measures to 787 feet in length, while the central
obelisk stands at a height of more than 82 feet. Taking the front stairway, renovated by Bernini and consisting of three levels, visitors enter the portico, with five gates arranged along its 233 meters. Each of them corresponds to one of the front portals of the Basilica. The portico and facade were both realized by Carlo Maderno. While entering the Basilica, the visitor is immediately struck by the artistic profusion of the
interior and the spiritual evocations of thisis masterpiece. At the end of the central nave is the
statue of St. Peter giving his blessing, with his foot worn by the public's caresses. In a chapel on the right nave is the famous
Pietà by Michelangelo, a marble complex of sublime expression, completed by the artist at the age of 23. Symbol of the Catholic Church and of the city of
Rome is the main
dome, an impressive work designed by Michelangelo, and completed after his death by Domenico Fontana and Giacomo della Porta. The
Vatican Grottoes, located under the Basilica's floor, guard the
tomb of Saint Peter and those of other popes, including Pope
John Paul II. Not very far from the Basilica, walking along the walls, visitors arrive at the entrance to the
Vatican Museums, housing incomparable works of art. Among the various exhibition halls, the Museum of Egyptian Art displays numerous examples of sculptures, sarcophagi and mummies, Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets and seals. The Painting Gallery (Pinacoteca) contains works by
Giotto, Caravaggio, Beato Angelico, Perugino, Leonardo,
Titian and Raphael. In the Apostolic Palace, visitors are allowed to enter the
Raffaello Rooms that are decorated with beautiful frescoes realizsed by the artist between 1508 and 1524. Nonetheless, the main attraction is the
Sistine Chapel, a wonderful masterpiece brought about by the efforts of many artists, particularly Perugino, Botticelli, Rosselli and Ghirlandaio. Although the most famous contribution was undoubtedly that by
Michelangelo - i.e. decoration of the ceiling and the realization of the
Last Judgement behind the altar.
kate08
Feel blessed
We attended the Papal Audience it was indoor and packed. I applied for tickets a few months ago and collected them on the Tuesday evening. We arrived early and got through security with ease. We selected good seats right beside the aisle his holiness would walk down. The atmosphere was lively and exciting. The big moment and the crowd erupted with joy. Pope Francis has a beautiful smile and a genuine smile and we were honoured to meet him and receive his Blessing. The audience lasts about 2 hours and is so worth the time and effort.
From Viator/Tripadvisor – December 2019
Global8300
Amazing experience!
Picked up at our hotel by a friendly guide and led to FRONT ROW seats to see Pope Francis – This
was an incredible experience. The company is top notch with very pleasant and professional people.
Rosanna and Giuliana made this day very special for us. We would highly recommend booking this!
From Viator/Tripadvisor – October 2019
Sally R
Above and Beyond
Being part of a papal audience was on my husband’s bucket list and picking out this tour was such good fortune for us. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel until we were dropped off we were treated like family. My husband has some walking difficulties and our guide Guilianna helped us navigate the crowds at St Peters Square, the security lines and getting to our seats which were saved by Rosanna, the tour operator, who got to St Peters at 6 am to get us seats in the first row. We were lessthan 6 feet away from the Pope. It was a thrill. Highly recommend this tour — true professionals,
From Viator/Tripadvisor – October 2019
sharonem
Excellent!!!
Our tour guides were outstanding!! I would highly recommend Rossana and her staff! We felt very
welcome and had fabulous seats!! Thank you !! I would give more stars if I could!! Xx
From Viator/Tripadvisor – September 2019
Rhianna
The Most INCREDIBLE Experience & Service
Our trip in Rome, Italy ?? was absolutely amazing thanks to Rossana, Luigi & their entire staff!!! Everything was personalized just for us from the time we landed at the airport, private transfers to and from, VIP tours including front of the line and even being up close with the Pope ✝️ Our next trip to Italy will definitely be planned though Rossana & Rome Italy Explora Srls. I am recommending all my friends and family to use their service as well when booking their travels to Italy because they will not be disappointed ???? Thank you all again for everything…we had an amazing time and can’t wait to come back soon ❤️??❤️ ¡Ciao!
From Viator/Tripadvisor – June 2019
KarinaG26
The Most Caring Tour Guide: Rossana Lanucara
Rossana is the most caring, dedicated, and reliable tour guide. She is very knowledgeable and went over and beyond to make this event the most special for my parents. I booked this tour for my parents from California and Rossana immediately contacted me via text to go over the details. On the day of the papal audience, Rossana kept me informed and sent me pictures of my parents as the day progressed. My parents had the best seats. Pope Francis approached them and had a conversation with them. My parents had the most unforgettable experience thanks to Rossana. I highly recommend Rossana and this tour as well!!
From Viator/Tripadvisor – June 2019