Vatican – the city-state of countless art treasures
The Vatican is the smallest independent state in Europe, which possess the territory of 0.44 square kilometers. This Italian enclave completely surrounded by the territory of Rome. Despite its tiny proportions, the Vatican contains a vast priceless treasures presented to humanity by such immortal giants like Michelangelo, Giotto, Bernini and Raphael.
The development of Vatican was done around the complex of Basilica San Pietro, and the city is surrounded by high medieval walls that were constructed for protection of the city.
Without any doubt, the main place in Vatican takes the Basilica of St. Peter that appears immediately in all its splendor, but approaching it closer it is impossible do not admire the beauty of its scale, which is visible even in the smallest details.
The greatness of the facade of the Basilica of the seventeenth centenary constructed by the architect Carlo Maderno, emphasizes the huge size of the church, which to this day is amongst the largest Christian shrines in the world.
The original St. Peter’s Basilica, in size comparable with the present structure was erected around 320 by Emperor Constantine in the very spot where, according to legend, was buried in St. Peter. For centuries, and under the guidance of different pontificates proceeded a long process of transformation and improvement of the church. here worked the great masters such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Bernini and others, who completely transformed as a result that earlier basilica of Constantine.
Church dome was designed by Michelangelo and creates a wonderful harmony with the interior and exterior.
Among the incomparable masterpieces, you can see the work of Michelangelo Pieta, which is admired by millions of visitors for its uniqueness and fills in with the emotions the people for centuries.
Basilica surrounded by a magnificent colonnade, consisting of 284 Doric columns and eighty-eight pillars. At the entrance to the square, visitors will feel embraced by this majestic Bernini colonnade, which is surmounted by statues of saints. In the center of the square, on the red granite pedestal, stands an obelisk with bronze lions and a cross, which reaches a height of 40 meters.
The Vatican Museums were founded during the sixteenth century by Pope Julius II of, and are represented one of the richest art collections in the world, which is constantly enriched thanks to the patronage of the popes. Here you can visit the famous Sistine Chapel and admire the frescoes of Michelangelo, Raphael rooms, the Belvedere Garden. To reach the museum you can by walking along the perimeter walls of the Vatican City, in close proximity to the area of the Risorgimento.
Borgo Pio is known as an area which is close to the Vatican and retains its charm of Pap district. You can visit the antique shops and traditional restaurants with Roman cuisine.