Vatican City

Vatican City, the papal residence, is a country within a city within a country!  It is completely surrounded by the city of Rome, though it is considered an independent state.  Each year, millions of visitors come to Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel and to hear messages from the Pope.

On our last trip to Rome, we visited St. Peter's Basilica (above) first thing in the morning.  As you can see, the square was practically empty.  It was quiet and peaceful and allowed us to soak up the beauty and wonder of this magnificent structure.  Many architects participated in designing St. Peter's, including Renaissance artist Michelangelo, whose Pieta sits just inside the front doors of the basilica.  The Pieta was the first major work Michelangelo completed, and was also the only work he signed.  You can also find Raphael's Transfiguration inside.  It is one of my favorite works by Raphael, who was a contemporary of Michelangelo.

We visited the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel on a different day, because you need to allow a LOT of time to walk throught the musem.  The Sistine Chapel is included as a section of the museum (you cannot go there directly).  The Vatican Museum is laid out unlike any other museum I've visited.  There is one path that you follow - it winds you all around the museum.  You travel in a long line and there is only one direction to walk.  When you get inside the Sistine Chapel, you are not allowed to take photographs or video, so you may want to plan to buy the beautiful keepsake book sold there.  My mom purchased one on our first visit, and I bought one for myself on our last trip there.    After Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling (a four year long project), he was commissioned to paint another fresco in the chapel, called  The Last Judgment, which is one of my all-time favorites pieces of artwork. 

If you journey to Rome, don't miss visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum.  Both are definitely worth it.