Wealth of the Vatican

The Vatican, the center of Christianity, has over 4 million visitors each year marvelling at its interesting museums, unique art collections, and architectural masterpieces. I, too, waited since the break of dawn along the walled gates to get inside.

Although within Rome Italy, the Vatican still retains its autonomy. The population of the Vatican is under 1000 (according to Wikipedia), yet it has its own postal system, used to mint its own coins before the Euro, has its own army of Swiss Guards, and retains Latin as the official language. Althought the Vatican may be small in size and numbers, it has power and influence over millions of people worldwide.

Inside the Vatican museum

Entering the Vatican, you are enchanted by all the art within the museums. I walked around the museums staring at artwork and eavesdropping on different tour guides. You could probably spend a whole week in there, and still not see everything within the museums.

Afters hours of wandering I finally reached the famous Sistine Chapel! Many famous Renaissaince artists worked on this chapel. Michaelangelo spent 4 years painting, upside down, the ceiling of the chapel. His famous The Last Judgement is widely believed to be one of his best works. I kept staring up until my neck hurt.

Sistine Chapel

As you continue, you reach the grand St. Peter´s Basilica, the largest religious building in the world! It is remarkably huge, and remarkably beautiful- lavishly decorated, famous works of art, gigantic dome, gold coated statues, and everything else you can image. It was a truly incredible sight!

The Basilica is the center of a huge circular plaza lined with statues of saints overlooking the plaza. When you see the Pope on t.v., many times he is speaking right from this plaza.

Its amazing to think of how much wealth and influence is connected to this city-state.