Vatican City

The Vatican City is a tiny fragment when compared with the extensive Papal States of central Italy, which were conquered by the forces of Italian unification in the mid-19th century. The Vatican City itself packs many imposing buildings into its small area. These include St Peter's Basilica, a pilgrimage site. The Vatican Museums and Art Galleries house the priceless art collections of the popes.

Holy See

## During my time in Rome, I have had the pleasure of making friends with Joanne Bergamin, who is a public relations expert, a travel and lifestyle blogger, and one of the few hundreds residents in the Vatican City.



On a beautiful late autumn day, Joanne took me and my family on a special day tour of her second hometown,** the Vatican City. **The tour focused on **the Vatican Gardens** but we also had the privilege of visiting special parts of **the St. Peter's Basilica **and walking through the **hidden paths** which were normally closed to the public. **The beauty of everything we saw took my breath away.**

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During our visit to **the Vatican Gardens, **some of the highlights were **the oldest church in the Vatican City, the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, and the Vatican guest apartment building**, *where the Pope currently lives rather than the Apostolic Palace*. Another favorite moment of mine was the unique view of **the dome of** **St. Peter's Basilica** **from** **the Pope's gardens. **The serenity of the view made me feel like it was **the most peaceful place on Earth.**

**One of the best parts of the tour was to learn more about the discreet Swiss Guards **and to observe them from a close distance. Some of them even greeted us in a serious yet friendly manner. As we walked in one of the exclusive corridors guarded by the Swiss, **all of us felt like we were exploring a different world, a world of holiness and history.** It was a learning experience as much as a pleasurable one.

How did Joanne end up living in the Vatican City? *In 2017, Joanne came all the way from Australia and began working for P**rada***. And yet, that is still not the best part of Joanne's adventure. **If you are curious about Joanne's fascinating journey to the Vatican City, why don't you find out more on her travel blog Tr[avelAngel?*](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/www.travelangel.me)* You can also listen to her stories during her private tour of **the Vatican Gardens**. Joanne's modern fairy tale is best told in her words.

Contact the travel/lifestyle blogger Joanne Bergamin for an exclusive tour of the Vatican City and its secret paths and gardens.

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Private Tour of The Vatican City with TravelAngel

### The Magnificent Pietà in Città del Vaticano: A Masterpiece by Michelangelo

Città del Vaticano, the smallest independent state in the world, is home to some of the most remarkable works of art. One such masterpiece is the Pietà, a renowned sculpture created by the legendary artist Michelangelo Buonarroti. Housed in St. Peter's Basilica, this exquisite piece of Renaissance art is a must-see for any art enthusiast or traveler visiting the Vatican City.

#### A Work of Unprecedented Beauty and Naturalism

The Pietà, completed between 1497 and 1499, is considered Michelangelo's first masterpiece. At just over twenty years old, the artist crafted a sculpture that would go on to become one of the greatest works of art in Western history. What sets this piece apart is its fusion of classical beauty and naturalism, a hallmark of the Renaissance era.

#### The Commission and Significance

Commissioned by the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, the Pietà was originally intended for the cardinal's funeral monument. However, it found its permanent home in the first chapel on the right as you enter St. Peter's Basilica in the 18th century. This sculpture holds immense historical significance as it is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed, with his name inscribed on the sash across the Virgin Mary's chest.

#### The Depiction and Symbolism

The Pietà depicts the body of Jesus Christ lying on the lap of his grieving mother, Mary, after the Crucifixion. This theme, popular in Northern Europe at the time, was brought to Italy by Michelangelo. His interpretation of the Pietà is unparalleled in Italian sculpture, capturing the profound sorrow and tenderness of the scene.

#### Architectural Features and Location

As you enter St. Peter's Basilica, the Pietà can be found in the first chapel on the right. The sculpture is made of Carrara marble, known for its exceptional quality and purity. Its placement within the chapel allows visitors to appreciate the artwork up close, marveling at the intricate details and the emotional depth conveyed by Michelangelo's skilled hands.

#### When to Visit

St. Peter's Basilica is open to visitors throughout the year, but it's important to note that the Pietà is a highly popular attraction. To avoid large crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or during weekdays. This will give you ample time to admire the Pietà and explore the other magnificent artworks and architectural wonders within the basilica.

#### Fun Fact: A Tale of Restoration and Vandalism

Over the centuries, the Pietà has undergone several relocations and restorations. In 1972, it suffered damage when a disturbed individual attacked the sculpture with a hammer. Thankfully, skilled artisans were able to restore the masterpiece, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate and admire.

Visiting the Pietà in Città del Vaticano is an awe-inspiring experience that allows you to witness the genius of Michelangelo firsthand. The combination of its historical significance, architectural beauty, and emotional power make it a must-see for anyone visiting the Vatican City. So, make sure to include this iconic masterpiece on your itinerary when exploring the wonders of Città del Vaticano.

Pietà

The Gardens of Vatican City also informally known as the Vatican Gardens in Vatican City are private urban gardens and parks which cover more than half of the country, located in the west of the territory and is owned by the Pope.

The Vatican Gardens

Once the core of the mighty Roman Empire, and the cradle of the Renaissance, it is also home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, including high art and monuments. Italy is famous for its delicious cuisine, it's trendy fashions, luxury sports cars and motorcycles, diverse regional cultures and dialects, as well as for its various sceneries from the seas to the Alps and Apennines, all reasons why it got nickcoded Il Bel Paese (the Beautiful Country). One of the great things about Italy is that its long thin shape means that when you get fed up with sightseeing you are often a relatively short distance from a beach. In many of the more popular areas, large sections of beach are reserved as paid beaches. Italy is full of differents cultures you can see: Etruscan Italy, The Greek influence, Roman ruins, Christian Italy, The Byzantine cities and The Renaissance.

Italy

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The Secret Paths in The Vatican City

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Born and raised in Hanoi, I strive to protect my Vietnamese identity while being a global citizen. Having lived in the UK, the US, Italy and visited more than 30 countries, I am now more eager than ever to re-explore my beautiful country Vietnam. It would be rewarding to discover new things about Vietnam through the perspectives of both a local and an outsider, as I used to live abroad for many years. One of my favorite quotes is “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science” (Albert Einstein). That’s why I travel to experience not only the beauty but also the mysteries of the world. Let me share with you some of the mysteries of Vietnam, which might make you decide Vietnam is your next destination to discover.

The Secret Paths in The Vatican City

During my time in Rome, I have had the pleasure of making friends with Joanne Bergamin, who is a public relations expert, a travel and lifestyle blogger, and one of the few hundreds residents in the Vatican City.

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