The Vatican

The Vatican is actually a small country

 Ruled by the unchallengeable authority of the Pope. The property holding of the country actually extends to a couple of famous basilicas within the city of Rome.

The Basilica within the Vatican lies under the Dome in the picture. The artwork and size within this building defies description.  It is the length of two football fields and the width of almost to the football fields.  The building itself is about 2000 years old. It has sculptures and paintings with in it from all the famous medieval Masters such as Bernini, and Michelangelo.

There are numerous altars and service areas with many pews. It would be possible to have quite a number of services going on at the same time.

Under this massive building is a basement with the burial caskets all the Popes. There were many of them. The first one was St. Peter in 334. Because of some issue that I actually do not remember he was crucified on the very sight that the Basilica is built.

500,000 people fill the Square in front of the Basilica each Easter. If there is a special event like the introduction of the latest pope this figure can almost double.  I cannot imagine what a madhouse this area must be with that many people squeezed in to this area even though it is a very expansive Square. 

The grandeur and opulence of the Vatican defies description. 

Adrienne, Harv and Wendy braved the 2.5 hour line to visit the Sistine Chapel. I spent that te wandering throughout the endless number of back-alley streets in the old part of Rome in awe at the numerous ancient buildings and churches. It was here I discovered the 11th UNESCO world heritages site of our holiday, Santa Maria Magiorre--one of two properties within the governance of the Vatican but not located within the boundaries of the state.