VATICAN CITY: GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
There are many tourist destinations around the world that advertise themselves as ‘God’s Own Country’, but only one place can officially claim that tag – Vatican City. The smallest country in the world is the epicenter of Catholicism, and a small quake there, can be felt across the world. Vatican City used to be one of the most influential voices in the world, especially when religion controlled the moral fibre of society. When Italy took over, the Vatican had a choice to keep the 0.2 square miles or let everything go. However small it maybe, the Vatican still warrants your attention. It’s an overwhelming experience, and you should dedicate a day to the Vatican during your visit to Rome. Your Vatican experience goes through The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basillica and finally culminates at the iconic St. Peter’s Square.
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS: POPE EDITION
The Vatican Museum is a collection of famous art pieces collected by the Popes over the centuries. Michelangelo and Raphael feature heavily in this highly-coveted museum. The experience is very similar to that of Versailles – too many people, too many guides and too much chaos. But there are a few pieces that will catch your eye, and in the case of ‘The Resurrection of Christ’, quite literally. Situated in the Gallery of Tapestries, this Raphael masterpiece uses the technique of shifting perspective, where you see Jesus Christ’s eyes literally follow you across the room. Another marvellous sight is the 'Gallery of Maps' by Ignazio Danti, situated in the Belvedere Courtyard, just before the Sistine Chapel. The artwork on the celling here is a sight to behold. If you want to see how Gods lived in the day, you couldn’t ask for a better showcase than this one.
SOUND OF SILENCE: A SISTINE CHAPEL SPECIAL
Around 25,000 tourists visit the Sistine Chapel every day. And to quiet all of them down for a few minutes is indeed God’s work. But truth be told, catholic or otherwise, you feel pious at the Sistine Chapel. It’s a humbling experience to stand there in the quiet and join in the prayer service. And when you do look up, you witness one of the most outstanding pieces of high renaissance art by Michelangelo. It’s literally out of this world. Sitting up there is also 'The Creator of Adam', a painting as famous as the Mona Lisa herself. Unfortunately, one cannot take pictures or videos in the chapel, more reason for you to go and experience it. There’s no better way to sum up the experience than in the words of Simon and Garfunkel – “And in the naked light I saw…ten thousand people, maybe more...people talking without speaking, people hearing without listening, people writing songs that voices never share…and no one dare…disturb the sound of silence”.
MEET THE LARGEST CHURCH IN THE WORLD – ST. PETER’S BASILICA
Right in the centre of the world’s biggest church, you can see sunlight entering from the ceiling, making it look almost heavenly. Heavenly is an apt word to describe the Basilica. To start with, it is humungous, with tall ceilings making it look larger than ever. Very rarely are you surrounded by thousands and yet not feel cramped for space. It’s almost as if everyone respects the institution and maintains a decorum. Churches have always held a special place for me. Coming from a school (Don Bosco Matunga, Mumbai) that has one of the most beautiful churches in the city, I’ve always felt spiritual in one; and the experience at St. Peter’s Basilica was no different. Michelangelo again had a big hand in mounting this masterpiece. We highly recommend a visit to this church.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Sample the holy water just before you enter the Basilica. We don’t know how holy it is, but it sure is refreshing. Yes, you can refill your bottles too.
WELCOME TO DISCIPLE TOWN
The enormous piazza opposite St. Peter’s Basilica is the iconic St. Peter’s Square. Iconic for the Papal Address (Pope’s Address), this is a chance for the visiting people to see the Pope and if lucky, get his blessings as well. When we visited in the evening, obviously, this wasn’t the case, but nonetheless it’s quite a spectacle. Built in a way that almost draws you towards the church, it acts as centrestage to the Pope’s address.
The smallest country in the world ironically gives you a grand experience. It’s a curated experience, leaving you wanting for more. And the fact that you can cover an entire country in a day’s time is a feat in itself. If you’re fascinated by Roman history and the old Gods’ mythology, you are in for a treat. After all, it’s God’s own country.