May 20th, 2010
Best Places In Rome
In 1929, the Italian Government and the Church of Rome signed three agreements resolving a long standing dispute between Italy and the Vatican regarding territorial rights. The treaties recognized the independence and sovereignty of the Holy See and created the State of the Vatican City.
The term “Holy See” refers to the composite of the authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty vested in the Pope and his advisers to direct the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. As the “central government” of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy See has an authoritative legal standing that allows it to enter into treaties as the juridical equal of a state and to send and receive diplomatic representatives .
The Holy See has formal diplomatic relations with 177 nations, the Order of Malta. The Holy See also maintains relations of a special nature with the Russian Federation and the Organization for the Liberation of Palestine.
The Vatican City State (usually called the Vatican City) is located in the middle of Rome and is an independent country with an area of approximately half a square kilometer. Only limited sections of the Vatican City are open to the public, but those available are exceptionally interesting and very popular with most visitors to Rome.
Papal Audience
If you are interested in attending a general Papal audience, they are held in St. Peter’s Square, the Paul VI Hall (Aula Nervi), or in Saint Peter’s Basilica. During the summer, general audiences may be held Castel Gondolfo, the pope’s summer residence (approximately thirty miles outside of Rome).
Tickets are free of charge and available from:
Prefettura della Casa Pontificia (the Pontiff’s Household)
Palazzo Apostolico
00120 Vatican City State
Tickets can also be requested through your local Catholic diocese.
If you do not have a ticket for an audience, you can attend the Sunday Angelus, held at noon in Saint Peter’s Square, which is hosted by the Pope, unless he is at Castel Gondolfo or traveling.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world and one that is linked with Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and other famous artists. The present St. Peter’s was not the first church on this site and the building that we see today was put into construction in the early 16th century. St. Peter’s was a work in process for the remainder of the century and the original plans were altered numerous times
The exterior design and architecture of St. Peter’s are stunning, although eclipsed by its interior, which is richly decorated and awe-inspiring. The paintings, statues and architecture of St. Peter’s are noteworthy and the sights numerous. In addition, you may want to climb to the top of the Dome for an excellent view of the St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican.
If you are a follower of Catholic Church history, you should consider touring the excavations beneath the Basilica. These tours require advanced reservations,
Saint Peter’s Square
You have seen it on the evening news but it will seem even grander when you explore it on your own. Designed by Bernini and completed in the 17th century, the square is dramatic and impressive. However, it is just the start of an unforgettable day of touring the Vatican.
Elliptical in shape and designed so that its perspective leads to St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square is comprised of several outstanding elements. Bernini’s curved colonnades run along on each side of the Square and are comprised of equidistantly-spaced, four-column supports throughout its extent, producing a formal and majestic border for the Square. The colonnades are topped with 140 statues of saints, who were crafted by followers of Bernini, who were members of his school of artists.
In the center of St. Peter’s Square is an obelisk of Egyptian origin that was moved to this site and erected by Fontana before Bernini began his renovation. There are fountains on each side of the Obelisk, although the second was added by Bernini to balance the first, which had been added earlier. The size of the Square was limited by the existing Papal Apartments, but it was designed specifically to be impressive, while allowing room for large crowds to assemble and receive the Pope’s blessings.
Alterations have been made to the entrance of the Square since Bernini’s original work and the widening of the entrance and establishment of a wide thoroughfare leading to Castel Sant’Angelo has been the subject of great debate as to whether it enhanced or detracted from the beauty of Saint Peter’s Square.