The Vatican City [Rome, Italy ] Walking Tour 4K | Captions & Immersive Sounds
Today I'm going to take you on a great walking tour of this Italian city, Rome! In particular we will take a look to the Vatican City. Remember to like and subscribe, to help me continue this journey on YouTube <3 Vatican City, located in the center of Rome, is a fascinating tiny city that has the distinction of being Europe's smallest state, both in terms of people and space. It is significant since it houses the head of the Catholic Church, and it is also a popular tourist destination while visiting Rome. Vatican City (Città del Vaticano in Italian) is an autonomous city-state in Rome administered by the Pope (Bishop of Rome).
It is the seat of power in the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican is Europe's tiniest state, occupying an area of just 0.44 km2. Within its walls, roughly 1000 people reside, including the Pope and other Vatican officials. This small but influential country is steeped in history, religion, and culture. The Pope resides in this little state, at the Apostolic Palace, which is surrounded by lovely gardens.
The palace is an architectural marvel and serves as the official residence of the Pope. Its grandeur and magnificence are truly captivating. While the Pope's private quarters are not open to the public, visitors can explore the impressive public areas of the palace. On 11 February 1929, an important event took place that forever changed the status of Vatican City. Pope Pius XI and Benito Mussolini, the leader of the Fascist Party in Italy, signed the Lateran Treaty. This treaty established Vatican City as an independent city-state, separate from the rest of Italy.
This agreement granted the Vatican sovereignty and ensured its status as a neutral entity. The Vatican is home to some of the world's most renowned landmarks and attractions. St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums are the three primary attractions in Vatican City. St Peter's Square, also known as Piazza San Pietro, is one of the most renowned and beautiful squares in the world. It was designed by the Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the sixteenth century and is an architectural masterpiece.
The square can accommodate over 300,000 people, making it an important venue for papal audiences, ceremonies, and other significant events. With its vast size and stunning design, St. Peter's Square is one of the world's largest and most picturesque squares. It is situated at the foot of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, creating a breathtaking view and serving as the main gathering place for visitors and pilgrims.
The square is impressive in scale, measuring 320 meters long and 240 meters wide. Its layout is composed of four rows of 284 columns and 88 pilasters, which enclose the square and create a sense of grandeur and symmetry. Above these columns, there are 140 statues of saints, sculpted by Bernini's students in 1670 Standing prominently at the center of St. Peter's Square is an ancient obelisk that has a rich history. The 25-meter-tall obelisk was originally transported from Egypt to Rome in 1586. Surrounding the obelisk are two beautiful fountains, one designed by Bernini in 1675 and the other by Maderno in 1614.
The combination of these architectural elements creates a stunning focal point within the square. To reach St. Peter's Square, visitors can take the Via della Conciliazione, a scenic boulevard that starts at the Castel Sant'Angelo and leads directly to the square. This approach provides a picturesque view, enhancing the anticipation and excitement of stepping foot into the heart of Vatican City. St Peter's Basilica is undoubtedly one of the Catholic Church's holiest buildings and a major pilgrimage attraction.
It is one of Christendom's most significant temples and one of the world's largest cathedrals. The basilica serves as the Pope's place of worship and is where he presides over several liturgies throughout the year. The construction of the new basilica began in 1506, after the old basilica was demolished due to structural instability. It took several decades to complete, with involvement from renowned architects such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. The basilica was dedicated on November 18, 1626. The basilica was named after one of Jesus' twelve apostles, Saint Peter, who became one of the Catholic Church's founders.
According to tradition, Saint Peter was killed in Rome and buried where the basilica currently stands, which makes it an important pilgrimage site for believers. St. Peter's Basilica can accommodate up to 20,000 people and features remarkable architectural and artistic masterpieces. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of St. Peter's Baldachin, a massive bronze canopy designed by Bernini. This prominent feature draws attention to the high altar and creates a sense of reverence and grandeur. Another notable artwork housed within the basilica is Michelangelo's masterpiece, The Pietà.
This sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of his mourning mother, Mary. Its exceptional beauty and emotional depth make it one of Michelangelo's most celebrated works. Among the treasures found within St. Peter's Basilica is the figure of St. Peter on his throne, traditionally believed to contain the remains of the apostle. The faithful and visitors alike often touch or kiss the foot of the statue, causing it to wear down over time due to the loving gestures of countless devotees.
One of the most striking features of St. Peter's Basilica is its enormous dome. Designed by Michelangelo and later completed by Giacomo Della Porta and Carlo Maderno, the dome is a marvel of architecture and engineering. It stands at a height of 136 meters (447 feet), offering stunning panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome from its top.
In conclusion, Vatican City may be small in size, but it holds immense importance as the spiritual hub of the Catholic Church. It is a place where faith, history, and beauty converge. As you explore this enchanting city-state, make sure not to miss the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Square, the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, and the other incredible attractions that await you within the Vatican's borders. Remember to like and subscribe and see you again in another walking tour around the world <3
2024-01-07 09:35