Did you know Vatican City is 1/8th the size of Central Park? Yeah, me either, and yet we spent over 4 hours there and barely scratched the surface.
We were very lucky to have an incredible tour guide take us through this wonderful city. Frank, our tour guide, is a modern Renaissance man himself who holds a degree in law, economics, philosophy, history, and theology…and he even plays classical music on the harmonica.
Frank also knows the Pope. That’s right-26 years ago when Frank came to Italy to work-he was assigned to work with “a nice priest” who eventually became the “Big Guy” of the Roman Catholic Church.
And because of that friendship, Frank has a sort of papal dispensation to some special benefits like being able to see the Sistine Chapel at the most perfect time of the day; when the light is at its absolute best, and just before closing when very few people are allowed inside. Once inside because it’s not wall to wall people, you can actually find a pew to sit on, look up and contemplate God’s greatness, and Michelangelo’s brilliant attempt to recreate that greatness, all the while having Frank play “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire” on his harmonica for you.
Even if you are not particularly religious, an art afficianado, a history buff, music lover or a student of architecture, you should still visit the Vatican City. Because while all these elements by themselves are spectacular here, something about their combination in this remarkable place contributes to an experience greater than the sum of its parts. And if you are very lucky, Frank will play his harmonica for you.
Vatican City-the entrance to an unimaginable experience.
This line actually wraps around and around…Traveler’s Tip: Always shell out for the VIP Private “Skip the Line” tours. They are soooo worth the extra money!
The Vatican Museum is surprisingly modern and contemporary inside.
Along with being timeless and ancient…
This is just a foyer. So magnificent and impressive in person!
Because of our stroller, we somehow acquired another kid. Actually it was fine, this girl’s dad helped Brian hoist the stroller up all the many many stairs, and Olivia had fun with her. I think Brian lost about 2 kgs though pushing and carrying this thing through the tour.Because of our stroller, we somehow acquired another kid. Actually it was fine, this girl’s dad helped Brian hoist the stroller up all the many many stairs, and Olivia had fun with her. I think Brian lost about 2 kgs though pushing and carrying this thing through the tour.
Apollo of Belvedere-the inspiration for another famous statue.
Since I am the “official” family photographer, this is the only photographic evidence that I was at the Vatican today.
Lovely little inner courtyard somewhere in the Vatican.
Can you believe this curl is carved in marble? It looks so soft and springy!
The largest original single mosaic in the world.
Hundreds of large tapestries depicting the story of the Bible that each took decades to make. In this one, Jesus’s eyes actually follow you as you walk across. Awe inspiring and yet creepy at the same time.
Every square centimeter of this place is adorned. This ceiling is spectacular-and its just a hallway.
The biggest, richest, most famous symbol of the Roman Catholic Church-St. Peter’s Basilica.
It is impossible to describe just how vast and HUGE the inside is.
You can fit 50 churches inside. This is just one teeny tiny corner set aside for a chapel that is as big as many churches today.
The center aisle to the alter/resting place of St. Peter-the father of the Catholic Chirch.
And the statue that converted Oscar Wilde to Catholicism is just in a nondescript corner of this cathedral…
“The Pieta” – there are actually four of these in the world, carved by Michelangelo when he was only 24 years old.
The view of the dome from the inside.
Talking is forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel so the clever Italians have an area outside where your tour guides can explain everything before entering. They even have HD monitors that the guides use to show you even the smallest details of this incredible work of art.
The entrance to the Sistine Chapel and the only photo allowed. This is why you must go and experience it yourself. There is no way it can be done vicariously. It’s just recently been cleaned, and is soooo beautiful!! A true religious experience!