| Page Views: 16,969 Last Visit to Vatican City: June, 2004 | Destination: Citta Del Vaticano by Escadora7 - last update: Nov 16, 2007 |
| A storm over the Vatican? (pic off the web) |
Some Interesting facts -
The Vatican City is to a Roman Catholic what Mecca is to a Muslim and Jeruslem to a Jew, the difference being the Holy See comprising an entire country unlike any other religion till date. The hub of Christianity and the residential quarters of His Holiness, the Pope, the Vatican draws thousands of pilgrims from all over the world every year. It is the smallest independant state in the world, (with a population under a 1000 heads) and yet the richest in terms of its priceless art and treasures acquired during past centuries.
Personal Comment -
It has always been a dream of ours to visit the Vatican, and so Eva and I were extremely excited at the thought of taking a flight out from Vienna to Rome and spending a few but special moments exploring this historical city. June seemed perfect for a visit. The weather was pleasant and the ambience was terrific. Words could not even begin to express our amazement at the grandeur within the walls of the Vatican, but through our tips and travellogues we will make every attempt to do this city justice.
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The Holy Father The Roman Pontiff is the successor of Peter and is the foundation of unity of both the bishops and the faithful.
[Sidenote - As you can see, I have not yet modified the adjoining picture to the new pope Benedict XVI, simply because Pope John Paul II was the one who inspired me during my growing years, and this was the one Eva and I met on our first trip to the Vatican - so he will always have a special place on this page.]
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| | Swiss guard
Going back into history -
Pope Julius II invited Helvetian soldiers to join the Vatican army during the period of the Renaissance in 1506, and since then these enigmatic characters have been the 'Defenders of the Church's freedom' and the pope's personal bodyguards.
On the morning of May 6th, 1527, spanish mercenaries launched a series of attacks on Rome. The Swiss Guard, standing firm at the foot of the obelisk (now in St. Peter's Square), resisted desperately. Of the 189 Swiss Guards, only 42 survived. Pope Clement VII was able to escape to safety, through the "Passetto", a secret corridor built along the top of the wall connecting the Vatican with Castel Sant’Angelo, thanks to the renowned courage, noble sentiments and loyalty of the Swiss guards.
Admission requirements to the Swiss guard can be found at - The Roman Curia
[Sidenote - Eva got thrown out of the vatican by these guards, when she jumped a barricade and tried to get close to Pope John Paul II to snap some closeup pics. We did get back in a few minutes later without any trouble though. ]
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| Pros: | "Papa Giovinni Paulo II (Pope John Paul II); currently Pope Benedict XVI" | | Cons: | "Huge crowds at the General Audience to meet the Pope" | | In A Nutshell: | "A trip that saw my lifetime dream come through with someone I love so much" |
Escadora7's Vatican City Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 25 - Photos: 50 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 |
 Escadora7's Vatican City Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for Escadora7 about Vatican City | | | | |
ChrisMaltese Tue Jul 21, 2009 09:04 UTC
There are many lies with regards to St. Peter. He was a discipile, but then rebuked by Christ when he denied him 3 times. He never set foot in Rome, let alone cruxified. See http://100777.com/spiritual/sinking_sand and where his grave, is. | globetrott Fri Nov 16, 2007 09:40 UTC
excellent tips and brilliant photographs bringing back nice memories ! | mvtouring Fri Feb 23, 2007 05:47 UTC
Excellent tips. Brought back fond memories. thanks ;-) | kris-t Wed Mar 22, 2006 23:06 UTC
Thank you for the exellent trips!!! K&T |
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