Welcome back to my blog on Italy.  It’s time to talk about Vatican City.  I must admit, that of all the attractions Italy has to offer, I did not think the Vatican would be very interesting to anyone who wasn’t a devout Catholic.  But, I was wrong.  The history is pretty fascinating.  Let’s begin with some minor, but important facts, shall we?

First, the Vatican is not only a city; it is a complete small state, and indeed a whole (but tiny) country in its own right within the boundaries of Italy.  It became such in 1929 when the Lateran Treaty was signed granting it separation from the policies and workings of Mussolini’s Italy.  It has its own flag, army, budget, labor force, railway, post office, and radio station.  There are about 1,500 residents.  The governor, for lack of a better word, is called the Supreme Pontiff and is Pope Benedict XVI.  The Secretary of State is Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

The Vatican City is built on the site where it is believed the tomb of St. Peter was buried some 2,000 years ago.  Many Popes have made residence here and some of their reigns have not been without controversy.  There are many stories that would even seem to belie the spirituality of this holy place – some ancient, some more modern day.  One notably persistent story (some say is a myth only) is that a female posing as a male priest rose within the ranks to be appointed Pope John Anglicus.  The deception was not uncovered until Pope Joan, as she became to be known, delivered a baby on a narrow road during a procession from St. Peter’s Basilica.  Once her identity was relieved, she was killed and buried on that same road.  It is also commonly know that many Popes fathered children.  Christopher Columbus was thought to be the illegitimate son of Pope Innocence VIII who supposedly fathered at least eight children.

The Vatican is protected, still to this day, by the Swiss Guard.  They are still all male, all Catholic, and all Swiss. Their job is to keep the peace within the Vatican and to guard the Pope.

The museums and chapels are must sees.  But, be sure you allow ample time to enjoy the few you can get into.  There are so many paintings within the museum walls that (it is said) if you were to take only one minute to admire each one it would take you over four years to view them all.  The altar wall and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were painted by Michelangelo from 1508-1518.  The artist painted six days a week, for more than eight hours a day, either standing up or lying on his back on scaffolding he built himself…in the sweltering heat of the un-air-conditioned sanctuary.

While you’re there, stay at the Hotel Alimandi Vaticano…it’s near the museums so you can get a head start on the other tourist.  Or, consider Excel Rome St. Peter; expensive, but only 550 meters from St. Peter’s Square.  Both places are known for their friendly staff and generous breakfast buffets. 

Until next week….Arrivederci!