Vatican City Tour, Rome - Italy
VATICAN CITY TOUR - A glimpse behind the curtain
With its imposing fortress walls and links dating back to the birth of Christianity, the site of the Vatican City is as intriguing as it is awe-inspiring.
Situated in the heart of Rome, the city state provides visitors an opportunity to bask in the world renowned St Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel and numerous Vatican Museums. The vast number of visitors who flock to the Vatican City are almost as overwhelming as the artistic masterpieces contained within.
Upon entering the museum streams of people ascend an escalator as if alluding to the heavens above. From here, you can look across the lush and serene gardens (where the Pope is known to stroll) and witness the clearly visible iconic dome of St Peter’s Basilica.
Continuing through the courtyards, the eclectic collection of pieces gathered by Popes over the centuries is enough to make your head spin. Ancient Egyptian statues said to protect from the ravages of war sit alongside a giant replica of the head of Michelangelo’s David. Filtering into an octagonal open courtyard crowds shuffle between captivating marble sculptures. One of the most mesmerising, Laocoön and his sons ensnarled by sea serpents sent as punishment by the ancient gods. Dating from the first century BC, the desperate and agonising attempts at escape seem frozen in time.
Twisting and turning past numerous more museums is the Gallery of Maps. A 120 metre hallway beautifully adorned with geographical frescoes depicting Italian regions and papal properties. The 16th century version of Google Maps was created during the renaissance of cartography.
Another hall nearby, the Gallery of Tapestries, permeates an intimate atmosphere, with their musty, pungent and aromatic aromas hinting to their historical origin and unfortunate decay. Designed by the school of Rafael to depict historical events, the tapestries are woven with silk, wool and gold thread.
From here you are led to a series of frescoes in Rafael’s Rooms that sing off the wall with such force, you feel immersed in his world. In particular, the angelic glow in the liberation of St Peter beams through the bleak prison and bounces off silver armour in a playful dance between light and darkness.
These rooms lead through an inconspicuous doorway to the pièce de résistance, the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel’s altar wall depicts the Last Judgement. Eyes wander the larger than life fresco to unfold a scene that contains such vibrant realism it inspires a reverent awe. The Chapel’s vault depicts the history of man, commencing front and centre with the birth of Adam. The echo chamber of history strikes hard as you crane your neck in the same awkward position to the very roof where Michelangelo painstakingly painted for four years.
From here, certain tours will lead directly into St Peter’s Basilica. Filled with such opulence and symbology, it is difficult to tear yourself away from one discovery to the next. Of particular fame is Michelangelo’s, Pieta. The carrara marble sculpture showcases a meditative Virgin Mary draped in tragic beauty with the body of her lifeless son.
And all this is but a glimpse of a glimpse behind the curtain that draws open to reveal a rare and privileged experience.
* We recommend booking a guided tour ahead of time either through the Vatican City directly (www.museivaticani.va/) or private operator. Some private operators provide exclusive tours before or after official opening hours to fully appreciate the works of art without the crowds.
