The papal residence was built over the tomb of St Peter and is really
a city within a city, or rather, since 1929, a state within a city. It
comprises a huge basilica, 11 museums, the restored Sistine chapal, the
Swiss Guard, a radio ststion, a daily newspaper, all signposted in a highly
sophisticated system of organisation. More than a thousand residents are
responsible for the smooth, day-to-day running of this nerve centre of
official Christianity, with of course the Pope as its head.
The Vatican Museums
This one of the world`s greatest collections of Classical and Renaissance
art, as well as Greek and Roman antiquities. Visitors are expected to
follow the one-way designated route. Try to save some astonishment for
the Raphael rooms and the Sistine chapel at the end.
Entrance in Vuale Vaticano:
Mon.-Sat. and last Sun. of month 8.45am-1pm,
Mon.-Fri., Jul.-Sept. and Easter 8.45am-4pm.
Closed on public and religious holidays.
There is a bus service from the museums to St Peter`s Square.
Castel Sant`Angelo
This fortress was first built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, but
it has also been a prison and a papal residence. The museum inside retraces
its history. It also has a corridor linking it with the Vitican. As in
the last act of Tosca, admire the beautiful view from the terrace and then
why not go for a coffee in one of the many café`s in the rampart
towers.
Apr.-Sept., 9am-6pm
Oct.-Mar., 9am-2pm
Last admission 1hr before closing time
Closed on public holidays
Fonderia Luccichenti (the Vatican Foundry)
The open-roffed Vatican foundry has existed since the 16th century. It
was here that were built, amongst other things, the extraordinary Baroque
canopy in the nave of St Peter`s and the canons of the Castel San Angelo
made of bronze taken from the vault of the Pantheon. Small aouvenir bells
are on sale here.
Via Cola di Rienzo
This is the biggest shopping street near the Vatican. A perfect way to
spend a day would be to visit the museums in the morning and come here
after lunch to shop for good quality, reasonably priced clothes. You`ll
find all kinds of interesting and unusual items on sale that you simply
can`t buy in other places, especially in mens clothes. And the street vendors
sell pure silk imitation designer ties at excellent prices. Museums and
shopping, the perfect combination for an enjoyable day in the city.
|
