Vatican City — Heaven on Earth
Written: Aug 23 '00 (Updated May 03 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: a wonderful experience, breathtaking culture and history, beautiful artwork
Cons: lots of walking, dress code might put off some people
The Bottom Line: It would take a lifetime to appreciate all the marvels at Vatican City.
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| elvisdo's Full Review: Holy See (Vatican City) |
My trip to Vatican City in the fall of 1996 was nothing short of spectacular and it left a lasting impression with me. Words cannot express what I witnessed or how I felt but I will do my best to convey those thoughts. As a Catholic visiting the Papal state for the first time, it almost became a personal pilgrimage.
It's easy to forget that within the heart of Rome lies another country — the world's smallest sovereign state — but as soon as you cross the "borders," there is no mistaking that you have entered another world. I was lucky that half of my trip to Italy was centralized in Rome so I had many opportunities to visit the Vatican (it also helped that I was only less than 10 walking minutes away).
St. Peter's Square
As soon as I stepped into St. Peter's Square, I knew I was in for some walking because it was large. The area is surrounded by many statues which rest on top of the walls. I arrived there at 6:30 am and the sunrise was absolutely gorgeous. What was even more symbolic was seeing the sun reflecting behind the statue of St. Peter.
It's hard to miss the Swiss guards that surround the place (they are the ones dressed in blue and orange uniforms). The changing of the guard is always a delight to watch. Nothing too fancy but it's another thing to add to the experience.
The Pope conducts special masses in the courtyard such as Palm Sunday and Easter. The attendance is astronomical. People from around the world gather together in unison to celebrate their faith with the Pope. He also gives a Papal audience once a month in the courtyard which is again attended by many people from all over the globe. I was fortunate to be attending one day as part of the Canadian delegate to the Holy See.
But the real highlight of the trip was having a private audience with His Holiness himself. Don't be fooled by the physicality of an old, frail man because underneath it all, when I looked into his eyes, was a vigorous and determined fire which was truly inspiring. I still joke with my dad to this very day... if he can get taught by Mother Teresa in Calcutta, then at least I should be able to meet the Pope in person.
St. Peter's Basilica
I knew what I was expecting when I first entered through the doors of St. Peter's Basilica but nothing could still prepare me for what I witnessed. Truly and utterly amazing! My first thoughts were "Wow, it's bigger than I imagined." It was easy to sense the history that surrounds the basilica. Every piece of sculpture, ornament or painting that I saw breathed a life on its on. Yet despite all the glorious artwork that surrounds this building, there was a sense that I was in a warm and safe place; this was sanctuary.
In the middle of the basilica is the High Altar and underneath that is St. Peter's tomb. Along the perimeter are many side altars for small, private masses in which many priests who are visiting from all over the world come and conduct their own daily mass. And the masses are said in all languages... English, French, Italian, German, Latin... you name it. It was just a matter of finding which language you could understand.
Again I was lucky to attend a private mass. My friend who was studying in a nearby college was ordained a deacon at St. Peter's (that was one of the reasons why I made the trip to Italy).
There is also a tour which takes you to the very top of St. Peter's Basilica which costs around $10. Along the way up, you will get to see the mosaics on the wall close up at the balcony level. Truly breathtaking when you see all the tiling that composes these works of art. This isn't for the faint of heart for there is a lot of climbing to do. The stairs are steep and the corridors are narrow; you will definitely feel a sense of vertigo as you ascend higher and higher. But you know what, it's all worth it. The view from the top is absolutely spectacular. I saw all of Rome from up there. There was also an excellent view of the Papal Estate and the Papal Gardens which is off-limits for visitors.
But I can't forget about Michelangelo's Pieta which adorns a side chapel on the right as soon as you enter St. Peter's Basilica. It is truly a deeply moving piece of artwork.
St. Peter's Tomb
I don't think too many people know about this but there is a tour that takes you underneath St. Peter's Basilica through the catacombs to St. Peter's relics, which are placed under the High Altar. It costs less than $5 and is well worth it. It might be a claustrophobic experience for some people and it gets humid at times but the history lesson given by the tour guide is fascinating. Throughout this tour, I got to see the history of the many popes which led back into St. Peter's Basilica itself.
The Vatican Museum
It costs around $10 to enter but once every month (the last Sunday I believe) admission is free. So once again, I lucked out. The museum itself is enormous. As an artist, my senses were going into overdrive. I just couldn't believe all the artifacts I was actually witnessing. There are collections from the Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek and Roman Ages. I honestly don't know if I got to see everything in the museum as it isn't hard to get disoriented. But I didn't squander my time in there. I took full advantage of what I was seeing. To see the works of Bellini, da Vinci, Giotto, Raphael and Vandyke, to name a few, is an inspiration. I wish I could go there every week to rejuvenate myself whenever I get artist's block.
Personally I found myself admiring The School of Athens painted by Raphael.
The Sistine Chapel
This is without a doubt the main attraction of the Vatican Museum. In fact the museum was built around this monument. What can I say about the Sistine Chapel? It was a deeply, moving spiritual experience. I sat down and looked at everything that graced the walls and ceiling for at least 30 minutes. It was still under restoration when I was there but it didn't interfere with what I saw. The side walls bare frescoes by Perugino, Pinturicchio, Botticelli, Rosselli, Ghirlandaio, Signorelli — all who are 15th-century masters.
However, people come to see Michelangelo's depiction of the Last Judgment which graces the altar wall and the vaulted ceilings with frescoes based on the Book of Genesis. It's interesting to know that Michelangelo never considered himself a painter — he was more a sculptor — yet he produced some of the greatest paintings to this day.
Flash photography wasn't permitted when I went. Now I understand that any photography, flash or otherwise, is forbidden. In a way I can understand because you are, first and foremost, in a place of reverence. People should understand that this is a chapel and there should be respect for that. In any case, I don't think any photos I could take would do the place any justice, It's something that you really need to experience for yourself.
Here are some tips when visiting Vatican City:
• Get a guide to show you around the Vatican. There is a tour that starts at 9am every day near the courtyard. If you really wish to learn about the history, then a guide is very helpful for they are very knowledgeable. Take advantage of it.
• Shorts and tank top shirts are not permitted inside St. Peter's Basilica (or any church for that matter) since it is a place of worship and respect. You will be turned back if you try to enter these places in the wrong attire.
• Prepare to do a lot of walking. There is a lot of ground to cover and it can be very tiresome especially on a hot, sunny day.
• The line-ups to the restrooms can be long (especially the women's). If you have to go, try to do so earlier. And be prepared to pay for some basic toiletry necessities if it is required (those who visit Europe for the first time find this absolutely mind boggling).
• Believe it or not, you can get a better exchange rate for your currency at Vatican City. I guess there is something to owning your own state.
• There are lots of small shops and restaurants for your "touristy" needs.
• Be very, very careful when crossing the streets in Italy. The drivers will not stop for you unless the light turns red, and even that isn't a guarantee. You really have to take the initiative but again, be careful when you do.
Overall, I wish my trip to the Vatican was longer (I wish my trip to Italy was longer... period). I know I will be going there again sooner or later. If you have a chance to go, you won't be disappointed at all. Just take the time (if you have it) to experience all you can, and maybe you'll come away feeling better about yourself. Divine intervention will always do that.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
elvisdo
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Member: Charles "The Grim One"
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Thank you to everybody who participated in both my write-offs. Until the next one!
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