"Views of the Vatican" Vatican City by Maryimelda

Vatican City Travel Guide: 1,268 reviews and 3,883 photos

Am I really at the Vatican?

I had long dreamed of visiting Rome and to me Rome meant the Vatican before anything else. When I finally made it for the first time in September 2002, I thought I would need someone to pinch me. We did all the usual things. We traipsed through the Vatican Museum to the Sistine Chapel (I just wish I could have seen it not so crowded, but even so it was mind boggling). After lunch in the Museum restaurant, we were ready to face the square and the basilica.

Pope Innocent didn't wear so well.

There would not be many Catholics who were around in the mid 20th century who wouldn't have a soft spot for the pope who in "Brides of Christ" was affectionately referred to as Johnny EX EX ONE ONE ONE. I speak of course of Pope John XXIII and I was amazed to see his glass coffin and his body still intact. Pope Innocent in the other glass coffin didn't wear as well I'm afraid.

Main floor in St Peter's Basilica

Pros and Cons

Pros:There are no words big enough to describe it.
Cons:Crowds in the Sistine Chapel.
In a nutshell:I have returned twice and will surely do so again one day.

Last visit to Vatican City: Jun 2007
Intro Updated Feb 26, 2010
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Reviews (5)

St Peter's Square Things to Do (5)

The square, as mentioned earlier, was the work of the great Bernini. It is massive in its proportions and is usually a... more travel advice

Many times larger than life. - Vatican City

Bernini's Statues Things to Do (5)

Bernini is renowned for his work on St Peter's. He spent twenty years on the project and in that time designed the... more travel advice

The Cupola Things to Do (5)

There are two choices when it comes to getting to the top of the Cupola or Dome of St Peter's. You can get a... more travel advice

Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City State - Vatican City

The Governorate Palace Things to Do (5)

This is a beautiful building which can really only be seen by the general public from the top of St Peter's Basilica.... more travel advice

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HORSCHECK Sep 26, 2011 at 12:20 PM

Lovely little page about the Vatican here. I am looking forward to meeting you in Zurich soo.