subject: The Vatican City: A Significant Cultural Encounter For Every Member Of The Family [print this page] The influential and renowned history of Vatican City is enough to excite anyone. A visit to the Vatican is sure to leave you and your travel partners spellbound. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage site that covers the whole city. But, when you want to escape to this amazing destination, you need to prepare yourself well in advance with a passport. And now that there are a myriad of useful web sites that offer USA passport renewal services, it's incredibly easy to get a passport fast and conveniently. Then, you can finally experience Italy and the Vatican City for an unforgettable cultural and historical vacation.
As the smallest independent state on Earth, a trip to the Vatican City still holds enough culture and adventures to either fill a day, a week, or month. A population of a little over 800 fits into an area of 110 acres. Located within the city of Rome in the country of Italy, the Vatican is a walled city ruled by the Pope. The famous Vatican Gardens take up over half of this territory. These gardens date back to Medieval times and are decorated with whispering fountains and beautiful sculptures.
The historical past of Vatican City is famously rich and intriguing. Even though it has only been an established state since the early 1920's, the history of the Vatican extends back many, many years. It is rumored that Saint Peter was buried at this site, which is maybe the reason that it is such a sought after destination. More specifically, the Circus of Nero is said to be the place of Peter's death. Built in AD 40, the Saint was crucified upside down at this place. And still today, history continues to generate in the Vatican.
The Vatican houses some of the most prominent art and architecture on the globe. The place where St. Peter is rumored to be buried, St. Peter's Basilica, contains a few of these masterpieces. Michelangelo, Maderno, Bernini, Bramante, and Giacomo della Portaare are just a handful of the renowned artists and architects who created pieces for the Basilica. Their collective abilities produced works of art that are unique and unmatched. One more exciting site for gorgeous art from the Renaissance period is the Sistine Chapel. Some of the artists to work on the artwork and architecture of the Sistine Chapel include Ghirlandaio, Perugino, Botticelli, and Domenico. But, the most noteworthy piece in the chapel is located on the ceiling. Michelangelo's famous painting is sight that can't be missed. So, be sure to locate a US passport expediting service online so that you can experience the art and life of the Vatican.
Definitely make the time to see the famous, and exceedingly colorful, Swiss Guards. Originally a group of Swiss mercenaries, the official Swiss Guard was established in 1506 by Pope Julius II. Recruitment is reserved specifically for Catholic male citizens of Switzerland, and it's these men that serve as the special personal bodyguards to the Pope.
