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The smallest country in the world: Photos 21 to 39
Europe » Vatican City
February 27th 2009 by steffen
Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1787
The Vatican City is the world's smallest state by both population (less than 1,000) and area. It is one of only three sovereign city-state worldwide and located within the city of Rome.
For the best approach to the Vatican walk across the beautiful Ponte Sant'Angelo to Castel Sant' Angelo, then turn left into Via della Concillazione which takes you straight to St. Peter's Square. This unique square is surrounded by huge columns with saints on top of them, and an enormous obelisk in the middle. The approach is dominated by the enormous St. Peter's Basilica.
St. Peter's Basilica
Ancient tradition has it that St. Peter's Basilica was built at the place where Peter the apostle was buried; his tomb is under the main altar. Construction began in 1506 and was completed in 1615. Many famous artists worked here, including Michelangelo who served as main architect for a while and designed the dome. The building itself is truly impressive. The nave is more than 200m long and the basilica's dome is the largest dome
Full Text Entry: The smallest country in the world
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March 9th 2009 - Keith and Pete: wonderful photos, as usual!
And you have a shot of one my favorite sculptures, Pieta. Have you seen the Madonna in Bruge? And you found hot chocolate, even at the Vatican. Thanks for a great visit to the smallest country. Now, I want to return.
March 9th 2009 - Anon: Beautiful photos!
Thank you for sharing. I feel like I was there!
March 11th 2009 - capsfan2002: Jealous
Great photos and blog. You seemed to have a much clearer day than I did for exterior photos. Gorgeous pictures. The Vatican has so much to see. I want to go back to Rome sometime to spend more time and your photos really made me miss it!
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School of Athens, Raphael Rooms
This is one of the most famous paintings by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael.
School of Athens, Raphael Rooms
It was painted in 1510 and has long been seen as Raphael's masterpiece.
Detail, School of Athens
Zoroaster holds the heavenly sphere and Ptolemy the earthly sphere. The personage on the right with the black beret is a self-portrait of Raphael.
Put away those high heels
Comfortable shoes are a must for the long corridors and marble floors in the Vatican museum
Rotunda Room
This beautiful room holds a number of statues - including one of Hercules in gilded bronze - and a huge porphyry basin
The Last Judgment by Michelangelo
Michelangelo worked 9 years on this Fresco before it was completed in 1541.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling
The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance.
3 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
March 9th 2009 - Keith and Pete: wonderful photos, as usual!
And you have a shot of one my favorite sculptures, Pieta. Have you seen the Madonna in Bruge? And you found hot chocolate, even at the Vatican. Thanks for a great visit to the smallest country. Now, I want to return.
March 9th 2009 - Anon: Beautiful photos!
Thank you for sharing. I feel like I was there!
March 11th 2009 - capsfan2002: Jealous
Great photos and blog. You seemed to have a much clearer day than I did for exterior photos. Gorgeous pictures. The Vatican has so much to see. I want to go back to Rome sometime to spend more time and your photos really made me miss it!
All Comments
Copyright notice.
The text and photos of this article remain the copyright of the Author (Steffen). Under no circumstances should the photos or text be used without the express written permission of the Author (Steffen). If you wish to use or publish photos or text from this article - please
Contact Steffen.