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Send Image as a Free e-Postcard		St. Peter's Basilica: One of the word's great religious shrines and the world's largest church, St. Peter's Basilica is an impressive monument to Catholicism. I came across this scene during a long walk one night and was inspired by the view. The large light posts are designed to complement the original Egyptian obelisk found in the central courtyard.
Send Image as a Free e-Postcard	Send Image as a Free e-Postcard	St. Angelo's Castle: (Left) This massive compound has had many uses since its original construction in 130. It was originally a tomb for Hadrian, a castle, a fortress, and now serves as a museum. St. Peter's Square Fountain: (Right) One of the world's great public spaces, St. Peter's Square is a feast for the eyes with beautiful columns, ornate fountains, and an Egyptian obelisk.
Send Image as a Free e-Postcard		Ponte Sant'Angelo (Pons Aelius): This bridge, known as the Pons Aelius (Aelius Bridge), Ponte San Angelo, or the "Angel's Bridge," has been spanning the Tiber in one form or another for almost two thousand years. This bridge links St. Angelo's Castle to the Campus Martius and the ornate statuary gives the bridge a grandeur fitting for its location.
Send Image as a Free e-Postcard		The Angel's Bridge: While crossing the Ponte Sainte Angelo I came across this scene with one of the bridge statues along with St. Angelo's Castle. I'm quite fond of this photo because I feel it displays the contrast between holiness and raw power which is quite evident throughout the Vatican City.
Send Image as a Free e-Postcard	Send Image as a Free e-Postcard	Papal Swiss Guards: (Left) Dressed in colorful regalia, the Swiss Guards (Cohors Helvetica) have been faithfully guarding the pope for over 500 years. Although the guards may look like court jesters, they are actually highly-skilled fighters and represent the some of the best soldiers Switzerland has to offer. Vatican Statuary: (Right) The statues on the Vatican grounds imposing and impressive.
Send Image as a Free e-Postcard		St. Peter's Basilica: After a long climb (or a short elevator ride if you are unadventurous) to the top of St. Peter's Basilica, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the city as well as up-close views of the ornate basilica domes.
Send Image as a Free e-Postcard		Bernini's Columns: Truly an architectural masterpiece, Bernini's St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) is known around the world for the curved walls of columns that encircle the square.

Please visit my Italy page for more photographs from Italy!

Encarta map of the Vatican City: See an excellent map of the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City.

Holy See Travel Information: Lonely Planet Destination Guide: Lonely Planet's guidebooks are second to none. Go here to read their online edition.

Vatican.va: The official site for one of the world's most powerful religions.

New Advent.org: Everything you've ever wanted to know about Catholicism.

Communion Wafers Recipe: Have a holy culinary journey from the comfort of your own home!

History of St. Angelo's Castle: A great history of this imposing and rather ugly structure, complete with pictures and detailed information.

St. Peter's Basilica: A very well-written history of the world's largest church.

Sistine Chapel Frescoes: Since the Sistine Chapel is often closed, get the best view of Michelangelo's frescoes on this site.

Romaclick.com: Vatican City History: More information about the Vatican City and the beautiful architecture found there.

Newadvent.org: Bernini: Learn about the master architect of St. Peter's Square as well as many structures throughout Rome and the Vatican City.

Holy See Mission To the United Nations: The Holy See is the only country in the world that is not part of the UN. It does, however, have official representation which you can learn about here.

CIA Factbook: Holy See: All the nitty-gritty details you wanted to know about the Holy See.

InfoRome: Swiss Guards: The official protectors of the pope for 500 years. Check out their snazzy uniforms!

Flags Of The World: Vatican City: Information about and history of the Vatican City's flag as well as an excellent discussion about the proper usage of the terms "Vatican City" and "Holy See."

Do you have any questions or comments about this page? Please let me know!

Time Visited: November 2003

Main Cities Visited: Vatican City

Modes of Transportation: Feet

How I Ended Up There: While wandering around Rome on a great trip through Italy, it seemed only natural to visit the Vatican City

Memorable Foods: Gelato, Holy Water (?)

What I Liked: Elaborate and impressive architecture, beautifully laid-out public square

What I Disliked: I have to wonder what all the brilliant minds that were devoted to Catholicism could have done if they spent their time for the greater good instead of creating the same painting over and over again and building massive cathedrals here and across the world.

Where I Stayed: A small hotel in Rome

Vatican City in Five Words: Ornate, tradition, power, success, intimidation

My Thoughts: Trivia buffs out there should already know that the Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and for that reason alone it is worth visiting. Besides that fact, a visit to the tiny city-state is very interesting because the Catholic church as been so dominant throughout history and like all major capitals, it is interesting to see how its wealth and power are displayed. At times I felt the display was overdone and ostentatious, but after later contemplation I realized a suitable show of power should be expected from one of the world's great religions.