A country within a city, welcome to the Vatican- Travel #20

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to a country within a city, the Vatican, Italy. Vatican City is by no surprise the smallest country in the world both by population and land mass. Vatican City covers a circular area of slightly over 100 acres, meaning you could fit just about 8 of them into New York city's central park. It may be tiny but this little country is beyond impressive proving true that in some cases size really doesn't matter. It fulfils all prerequisite of a country, produces its own euros, issues passports, has its own anthem and flag, even its own monarchy lead by the Pope. One government function it does lack however is taxation. The money generated from sales of souvenirs and admission fees contribute to the Vatican’s revenue. Wealth, money, riches and gold is definitely something this country isn't lacking. I dare say there is more gold in this country than bricks and mortar.

How does such an extravagant and dare I say extremely over-the-top country even come about. Officially Vatican City was founded following the signing of the Lateran treaty between the Holy See and Italy on February 11th 1929 though its history dates back much further. In 37 AD, the Roman Emperor Caligula had a private circus built on the land. This circus later became the home to the suffering of many martyred Christians living in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. The famous St Peter who is believed to have been crucified upside down was buried to the north of the circus, in a necropolis which over the centuries was rebuilt into the Basilica you see today. Much to Michelangelo's despair the original Basilica including its ancient Roman columns and façade was clumsily torn down by Borromeo, the Pope's architect. Unfortunately very little of the original structure was salvaged, this is not to say the structure you see today isn't impressive because it certainly is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture I've seen.

St Peter's Basilica is not the only treasure that can be found in the Vatican, why of course, The Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is renowned for its Renaissance art, especially the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The history behind the unparalleled beauty of this chapel is not immune from a grim and violent history either. It seems a trend throughout Europe and in fact, the majority of the world that beauty is forged from dark pasts. Ironic that places of such deep seeded pain and anguish is now the site of awe and intrigue. I do believe we can learn a lot from history and this knowledge helps us to forge a better future.

To find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

Rome

Vatican City

To get to the Vatican City, essentially you just have to travel to Rome. It is important to bear in mind that as it is another country there is a border to cross. The border resembles an airport security checkpoint, you have heavily armed Italian police patrolling the entrance. You have to pass through a security scanner and have all bags checks. Though not required, I would recommend having some formal form of identification be it a drivers licence or passport.

Rome, being the capital of Italy has a large international airport. The Leonardo da Vinci International Airport or simply Rome Fiumicino Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe. It is situated 26 kilometres/16 miles southwest of the city and approximately a 30 minute drive to the Vatican. If public transport is more appealing, there is the Leonardo Express which is a direct train service that connects the airport to the city centre and departs every 30 minutes. The international airport offers daily services from the United States, United Kingdom and various destinations across Europe and Asia, connecting Rome to the rest of the world.

Flying into Rome is not the only way to get to the Vatican City. As many of my returning readers know, my choice of travel if possible is always cruise liner. The port of Civitavecchia is the port of call you want to see on your itinerary for access to the Vatican. It is 67 kilometres/41.6 miles north of the Vatican and about a 1 hour journey by coach/taxi or car. A more economical option to travel from port to city would be via train, there are 2 or 3 local trains each hour between Rome and Civitavecchia. It is important to allow extra time during rush hour on weekdays to avoid missing the boat, literally. I travelled into the port of Civitavecchia with my family on the world class cruise ship, the carnival vista. The vista was the flag ship of the fleet, a huge luxury floating resort that offers travelling in comfort and style. Carnival is the industry leader in cruise vacations and it is easy to see why. Travelling this way eliminates all the unnecessary stress of finding hotels, lugging baggage around and getting lost in an unfamiliar country. Carnival does all the hard work for you. There are several cruise companies that offer Civitavecchia as a port of call, so you are spoilt for choice.

The Carnival Vista

On-board the Vista

Once in the ancient city of Rome, there are many city buses that stop next to the Vatican, most frequently the number 64 and 40 bus. Of course like most major cities in the world, there are multiple sightseeing buses that pass by however, you would only get to see the outside of the Vatican and that really defeats the point. If your physical fitness allows for it, walking is the most rewarding way of sightseeing. There is so much interest around every street corner and much of the city centre is composed of alleyways that are too narrow for vehicles. Vatican City is only a 15 to 20 minute walk north of the Piazza Navona in the heart of Rome. I have travelled to many cities and destinations worldwide and Rome may just be my favourite. It is so rich in culture, dense in history and is so beautiful. Unlike any other city I've been to the only modernisations are the vehicles, the buildings and monuments are exactly how they were in the time of the great Roman Empire. I love walking the cobble stone streets and touching the walls as I walk, for I am touching the same piece of stone that someone did centuries before me. Maybe it's just me but this connects me to the history of a place and although many atrocities were inflicted here long ago, there is an incredible sense of peace here now.

Entrance into the Vatican City

My Mum and brothers outside the entrance

I love travelling with my family, my mum and both my brothers Wayne and Scott. My younger brother Scott travels all around the world in his trusty set of wheels, his wheelchair. He has never allowed it to hinder him in anyway, he has been to ancient ruin sites, palaces, castles and up and down narrow cobbled streets. Rome as ancient as it is served no real challenges to him, he was able to get around the Vatican fairly hassle free. He even received some blessings from Cardinals passing by. He is a true blessing in my life so they got that right.

St Peter's Square

My mum, Scott and I

I'm taking in the Square

Wayne, Mum and Scott

Wayne and Mum

The Pope, also known as the supreme pontiff, is the Bishop of Rome, and the leader of the Catholic Church. He is the head of state for the Vatican City. The role is the apostolic successor to Saint Peter, to whom Jesus is said to have given the Keys of Heaven and naming the as rock upon which the church would be built. The current pope is Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI. We were lucky or shall I more appropriately say blessed enough to have been present when Pope Francis made a public speech.

Pope Francis

Surrounded by Cardinals

The crowds pile in to get a glimpse

Beautiful Roman text

Visiting the Vatican is a must for any visitor to Rome, of course any religious site will always be shrouded in controversy but beliefs aside, we can all appreciate the stunning artwork, time and effort put into the interior. All around the works of Michelangelo leave you breathless and wanting more. It is easy to get lost in the beauty, there are no photographs that could ever give it justice. You have to see it in real life, this was one talented artist, I knew there was a reason he was my favourite ninja turtle.

Do not forget to look up

After looking at all that gold and wealth, mum and I felt it would only be fitting to go shopping for our own pieces of gold. We ended up with some delicious golden chestnuts. As controversial as a destination may be, there is always something we can learn and take away from the experience. I do recommend a trip to the Vatican City at least once in your life, there is so much to appreciate if only that of a very talented artist.

Mum and I fancied some roasted chestnuts

Enjoying my gelato

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on a country within a city, the Vatican, Italy, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Ciao, Vegoutt Everybody!!