Why My Jaw Dropped in the Vatican (A Preview of What You'll See in the Vatican)

Related posts:

- Rome's Best in One Day (excluding Vatican) -

- Where to Eat in Rome -

- What You'll See in Venice -

- What to See in Verona -

- What to Eat in Florence (plus some sights to see) -

For some reason, Rome wasn't in my "Must See Cities" list. This is mainly because I'm not much of a fan of ancient architecture. I'm more into modern architecture and would rather prioritize seeing Berlin's Reichstag and Prague's Dancing House. Nonetheless, the Vatican made Rome "oh so worth it" for me. I was particularly fascinated by the "3D" painted ceilings that no matter how much I stare at them and no matter how much I am told that they are only painted, my eyes still register them as "real". Anyway, here's what you can expect to see inside the Vatican. I'll post Rome's other sights on a separate entry.

Gallery of Tapestries - My Favorite Ceiling!

This in particular looks so real to me even if it's only painted. The picture makes it obvious that it's only painted but if you walk along the halls of the room, you'll understand what I'm talking about.

 

"Ceiling to Wall Paintings" inside Immaculate Conception, Sobieski, etc. Rooms

Jaw dropping because there are Ceiling to Wall Paintings room after room. Watch the video to to have a better idea.

Sistine Chapel

A chapel which was famous for the grandeur of its design which was frescoed throughout by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo. I feel I spent too short of a time to appreciate the magnificence of this chapel. Don't make the same mistake!

St. Peter's Basilica

Inside the Basilica and a glimpse of the Pieta

 

The Papal Altar & Baldacchino

 

Altar of the Chair of St. Peter (Left); Statue of St. Peter (Right)

 

Tomb of St. Peter

Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple by her parents (Above)

Body of St. Pius X (Below)

Ceiling shots of St. Peter's Basilica

 

A 360 view from the inside

The New Wing, Braccio Nuovo

Chiaramonti Museum

 

Gallery of Candelabra 

 

 

 

Gallery of Maps

 

Collection of Modern Religious Art

 

Stained Glass and Contemporary Art

Outdoor Area

... and more Ceiling Shots

 

 Before we end... Here's the Vatican Square

 

Now, can you blame me why I consider the Vatican "jaw-dropping"? While I believe that a visit to the Vatican is a must (if you don't have budget constraints) for all Catholics, it is still worth seeing even for Non-Catholics especially if you appreciate the Arts.