The Vatican

Today we visited the Vatican, which isn’t actually part of Italy but a separate state. Our tour guide was able to tell us many interesting facts throughout the day. First thing first though, we all made sure to cover up because within many of the areas of the Vatican City you have to ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered. Even though it was hot we all managed!

                                  Our tour started with the layout of the city being described to us. We then went out into a courtyard where our guide explained the different paintings within the Sistine Chapel. After seeing some of the many statues, paintings and tapestries in the museum we went into the Sistine Chapel. The ceiling was painted by Michelangelo and the walls by other renaissance artists like Sandro Botticelli. The technique they used is call ed“Al Fresco”.  It was breathtaking; the paintings seemed almost three dimensional. It’s hard to believe that Michelangelo did some of his paintings freehand! Of all the pictures I’ve seen, none do this place justice. We had to keep our amazement to ourselves until we got out because of a no talking rule.

                                  We then walked to Saint Peter’s Basilica, which bears the namesake of the saint buried there. It is also the resting place of the popes. It is the biggest church in the world, covering many square feet. There are many beautiful statues and decorations inside. At least we were allowed to take pictures there! At the end of the tour I don’t think any of us could say that we disliked it. The Vatican is such a beautiful place, and was well worth seeing.