Vatican City and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

An independent country all on its own in the middle of Rome, the Vatican's massive surrounding wall implies importance on every level. Holding within its boundaries the home of Catholicism, it has a feel of importance. Though the lines during high season can be ridiculuosly long, it is worth the wait. Within its walls are are some of the most famous works of man, the Sistine Chapel, La Pieta, and, for me, the most impressive building on Earth, St. Peters Basilica. The Vatican Museum, and all its works, are not to be missed.

The Vatican City is spread apart all over Rome. An example is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. While not having a towering wall surroundiong it like St. Peter's, it is nevertheless, a part of a different country!

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On of the greatest works of mankind lies within the Vatican's walls, the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo produced this wonderous work and then was brought back to paint the entry wall's depiction of Judgement Day. Recently restored to its original splendor, it is something that will amaze you and also give a serious pain in your neck! While it is offically forbidden to take pictures, you can see that its not too strictly adhered to, or policed.

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The product of 120 years of construction starting in 1506, St Peters Basilica is the crown jewel church for Catholicism. The dome was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti and the facade was done by Bernini. Out the front door the piazza is a massive and magnificent square designed with some crazy geometric peculiarities, once again done by Bernini. The area can accomodate thousands of people to watch the Pope give speaches or some other event; truly a massive venue. Contained inside is Michelangelo's Pieta, an often copied jewel of the art world. No matter how hot, bring your proper clothes, no shorts or sleeveless shirts allowed; and they WILL stop you at the door.

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From inside or outside St. Peters Dome, the views are impressive. The dome itself is 133 meter high. You really don't have any concept of how high that is, until you can make the trip up into the dome. My suggestion is to first go into St Peters and walk underneath the dome. Take notice of the writing around the dome's ring. It looks like little writing. Then, take yourself up to the dome and have another look at those little letters! They are 7 feet tall!! This visual image can only be appreciated when you do it. Trust me.

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I know that Rome is one of the world's fashion meccas, but COME ON!! Look at these guys! Blue and Orange! Isn't that worse than the white after Labor Day thingy?? Oh, sorry, wait. They are the Swiss guards that have been assigned to guard the Pope against any harm and that's their uniforms. Yes, blue and orange.

They are actually called the Cohors Helvetica. There are over a hundred of these guys brightening up St. Peters and the Vatican.

What does someone get paid to stand in one place for a long time, you might ask.
Well, the answer is the equivalent of just over 1,000 USD per month, paid in Swiss francs. But they are given full board and lodging.

Their current costum... sorry, uniforms were adopted in 1548. Legend has it that Michelangelo was the designer, but come on. Could someone who painted the Sistine Chapel have that bad of eyesight?

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I'm no Russell Crowe, but I sure felt like I was in Gladiator when I walked around the Colisseum. It is amazing to me that in 80 AD, a structure as grand as this was able to be constructed. I imagine that I would feel that way about the Pyramids as well, but I haven't been lucky enough to go there yet. Anyway, everyine knows that gladiatorial battles took place here. Back in the day, it had awnings over the crowd to block out the sun. Unfortunately for me, they were no longer there when I first went to the Colisseum during the heat wave. Scortched Jason, thats for sure.

Cost is about 8 Euro, and it is open from 9 to 6.

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In its heyday, the Coliseum stood 160 feet high with four stories of windows, arches, and columns. It took 10 years to build, and could hold as many as 50,000 spectators. All gladiators paid their respect to Emperor Titus, who was the ruler at that time.

People were seated according to gender and social class. Women and the poor stood were relegated to the fourth tier. As I said before, they had an enormous awning, or velarium, and could be stretched out over the spectators to prevent the sun from cooking the people. I was not so fortunate...

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A wood floor covered the underground tunnels where all the gladiators and animals were kept prior to the exhibitions. The stadium was used to play out mock naval battles, by filling it with water. They only did this a short time, because they found it damaged the foundation and flooring.

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But I digress...

The shows lasted all day and had comedic skits and exotic animal shows in the morning and had the Russell Crowe guys come in in the afternoon. Death was always an imminent possibility. The gladiators were primarily criminals, prisoners, and slaves. They fought, normally, to death; either by animals or each other. They used nets, swords, spears, or firebrands. In the preliminary development of the modern day streakers, occasionally free Romans and women would enter the fight for a few brief moments of glory. These were promptly killed, and so ended the species of violent streakers. What we have left today are the free-spirited, nudist versions....

Eventually, someone had to rain on the sportsmans parade. And in AD 404, the fights were outlawed by Emperor Honorius.

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Villa Borghese is Rome's version of NYC's Central Park. It is an extremely large park that has numerous places to picnic, stroll, read, or whatever activity you chose. My favorite path is starting in Piazza del Popolo, up to Pincio, down Viale di Oblisk, across the highway on Viale Magnolie and on to Viale di Lago to the beautiful lake there. A wonderful way to enjoy this part of Rome.

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Directions: Within walking distance of Piazza del Popolo and the Metro stops Spagna or Flaminio (Linea A).