Rome: The Wonders Of The Vatican

Every street of Rome tells a different story where legends are interwoven with reality. However, beyond the historic Coliseum, Trevi Fountain romantic or charming terraces, it is impossible to visit Rome without stopping at the Vatican. The impressive colonnade of St. Peter opens as if it were an embrace with which welcomes thousands of pilgrims flock there or tourists eager to discover each of their treasures. And is that the Vatican is not only the beating heart of Christianity but an inexhaustible source of art.

The Basilica of St. Peter

A total of 240 meters by 284 decorated columns and 140 statues are the prelude to one of the most impressive architectural gems in the world: St. Peter's Basilica. In the center of St. Peter's Square stands the Vatican Obelisk, taken to Rome from Egypt by order of Caligula. Its more than 25 meters of red marble have witnessed much of the history of mankind and are one of the most precious objects of worship of Christians.

In this space, great teachers have left their mark, beginning with Bramante, Raphael, Michael? Angel and ending with Bernini. The result of this mixture of genius resulted in one of the world's largest building, which houses works like the Pietà by? Angel or imposing Baldacchino by Bernini. When you enter do not forget to kneel on the hard pinkish porphyry kneel where once Charlemagne himself.

The Vatican Grottoes

Below the St. Peter opens a world of niches, corridors and small chapels: the Vatican Grottoes. While this area is not really a cave in the strictest sense of the term but is the result of the gap between the old and the new basilica. Access from the Papal Altar, down an elegant staircase lit with 99 lights that lead to a space that now serves as the necropolis of popes and kings.

Beyond the rich ornamentation of the tombs, these caves are an artistic beauty in themselves because they collect the treasures of the ancient Constantinian basilica. One of the most attractive works of art is the Madonna of the pitch, to resale the year 300 but still overpowers with its colors and details. Obviously, a special place is occupied by the remains of San Pedro.

The Apostolic Palace

Few people know that the Pope's official residence is the Apostolic Palace, a series of buildings and chapels within which stands the famous Sistine Chapel. Judgement frescoes continue to marvel at the thousands of tourists every day pass through his room looking for clues to confirm or refute the intriguing hypothesis about the figures represented by Miguel? Angel.

If you are someone who is not satisfied with the visits must continue the journey classic in the Raphael Rooms, decorated by the artist in early 1500. Not to miss is the Seal stay with colorful frescoes full of allegories. If you have not satisfied your thirst for art awaits the Pinacoteca Vaticana that holds within its walls paintings by Giotto, Raphael, Leonardo and Caravaggio.

Online consultation of the many offers last minute flights and hotels in Rome to get away this weekend and spend part of your journey to discover the treasures of this wonderful corner of the world.