Europe Trip (Vatican City & Rome, Italy)

12th April 2011
In the morning, we took a metro bus to Vatican City. Vatican City is actually a country within Rome. It is the smallest country in the world. Rather unique. You do not need to show your passport though to enter the place. The bus that we took from Rome costs €1 (RM4.50) for every 75 minutes. Vatican City is not that far away from the place we stay.

The story of the crucifixion of Jesus depicted in sculptures
along the way from the bus station to St. Peter's Square

We walked straight until we reached St. Peter's Square. It is the square where St. Peter's Basilica is situated. The church is a Late Renaissance church and is one of the largest churches in the world. It has been said to "hold a unique position in the Christian world". According to the Roman Catholic tradition, Saint Peter's body, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is buried in the church.

In St. Peter's Square and behind me is the St. Peter's Basilica.

Tall pillars surrounding the Square.

There was no entrance fee. We had to line up to enter the Basilica. Inside, we visited the tombs, most of them are of popes. We also visited the St. Peter's burial site. No camera is allowed inside though.

A statue in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

One of the high entrance.

People filling up bottles with holy water.

We proceeded to the Castel Sant'Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel). It was first used as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. But later the popes used this place as a castle and fortress too. It used to be the tallest building in Rome. Now it serves as a museum. There was free entrance on that day due to the Cultural Week. However, if you would like to find out more about the price of the ticket and the opening hours, click here [link].

Entrance to the fortress

Up the castle!

Look at the small ancient door and window!

Looks like a temporary prison to me, or a guards' resting room.

Catapult! Weapon of mass destruction. :P

Upper part of the castle

Tiber River - view from the castle

Climbing stairs towards the roof of the castle.

Bronze Statue of Archangel Michael, on the rooftop!

View of Rome <3

Other parts of the castle

Weapon Room

Coming out from the castle, we crossed the Tiber River using Pont Sant'Angelo. It is a Roman bridge that is lined with statues of angel.

Pont Sant'Angelo

We walked towards Piazza Navona. It is known as the competition arena as back in the days, ancient Romans went there to watch games. In the square, there are the Fountain of Neptune, Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain) and also the Fountain of the Four Rivers with Egyptian obelisk.

Piazza Navona

Fountain of Neptune

Fountain of the Four Rivers with the Egyptian obelisk

Living statues so real!

Beautiful paintings!

Next destination is another place which I have been anticipating and read about in school. It is the Pantheon! A Roman temple, the name literally means a temple consecrated to all gods. It is very well-reserved. The Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Cool yea? The square in front of Pantheon is Piazza della Rotonda.

Pantheon!

Translation? This is at the entrance.

The altar

Interior!

The dome!

Reached Trevi Fountain next. The largest Baroque fountain in the city. People throw into the fountain. The place was crowded with people sitting around the stairs nearby.

Trevi Fountain with awkward pose of people lifting up their arms.

We explored the rest of the city as much as we could. Everywhere was so beautiful, not only these tourist attraction sites. Even the simple building at the side of the road of nowhere looked amazing. Rome, another wonderful city that is worth the second visit!

Pillars! Tall pillars of a building.

Sat on a bench beside the road to enjoy the surrounding.

 Next Post: Europe Trip (London)