The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
The Vatican City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with millions of visitors from all over the globe flocking to the smallest country in the world to explore its rich history and cultural heritage. Among the many attractions of the Vatican City, the Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb is a must-see for history and art lovers.
The Vatican Museum
The tour starts at the Vatican Museum, which is home to a vast collection of priceless artworks and artifacts from different eras and civilizations. The museum has more than 70,000 pieces of art, only a fraction of which is displayed in the galleries open to the public. Among the most famous exhibits of the museum are the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps.
The Sistine Chapel is the masterpiece of Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of all time. The chapel is famous for its ceiling, which depicts scenes from the Book of Genesis, and for its Last Judgment fresco, which covers the wall behind the altar. The Raphael Rooms, on the other hand, are a series of four rooms decorated by Raphael and his assistants, with frescoes portraying scenes from classical mythology and the lives of the popes.
The Gallery of Maps is a corridor adorned with frescoes depicting the regions of Italy, each with a corresponding map and a view of the major cities and sites. The gallery is both an artistic masterpiece and a historical document, as it provides an overview of the political and cultural landscape of Italy in the 16th century.
The Vatican Gardens
After the Vatican Museum, the tour proceeds to the Vatican Gardens, a lush oasis of greenery and tranquility in the heart of the city. The gardens cover an area of 23 hectares, and contain fountains, sculptures, and rare plants from all over the world. The gardens are also home to several historical buildings, such as the Palazzina di Leone XIII and the Bramante Courtyard.
The St. Peter's Basilica
The final stop of the tour is the St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and one of the holiest sites of Christianity. The basilica is built on the site where St. Peter, the first apostle of Jesus, was buried, and is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The basilica is famous for its dome, which was designed by Michelangelo, and for its many works of art, including the Pieta by Michelangelo and the Baldacchino by Bernini.
The Dome Climb
The highlight of the tour is the climb to the top of the dome, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Vatican City and the surrounding areas. The climb is a steep and winding staircase of 551 steps, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning view from the top. The climb also provides a close-up view of the interior of the dome, with its intricate mosaics and decorations.
Conclusion
The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines art, history, and adventure. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the treasures of the Vatican Museum, the serenity of the Vatican Gardens, and the majesty of the St. Peter's Basilica, culminating in an unforgettable climb to the top of the dome. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or an adventurer, the Vatican City has something to offer, and the Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb is the best way to experience it all.
