It is the kingdom of the Pope. The world's tiniest country where the sacerdotal meets theTemporal -in a definitive mode of power play. Overpowering the senses and the mind with a dazzling, ostentatious display of opulent grandeur, grandiloquent monuments and mind-boggling collection of perhaps the world's greatest artistic treasures. For, the Church, art was always the handmaiden of its power, a way to announce to the world its culture, sophistication and powers of appreciation far removed from the ordinary. Patronage and plunder flowed relentlessly and gathered into a humongous repository in its museums. And the greatest works are strategically - even carelessly- placed everywhere.
Ultimately however, the Vatican is the residence of the world's greatest religious power. And the fulgurous display, somehow, seems becoming.
The riches begin at the gate. Bernini's St. Peter's square (Piazza Sam Pietro) is a massive masterpiece - an ellipse enclosed by a Dove-pillared colonnade. Look above at the 140 saints emanating saintly advice in every gesture. From the vantage point , you can also glimpse St. Peter's Basilica from the entrance, as also papal apartments and the ultimate repository of western art- the Vatican museum.
As you move inside the Vatican, the incredible riches only grow in scale.Basilica di Sam Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica)
Originally, the site of St. Peter's crucification it has been built and rebuilt to ultimately showcase the best in Renaissance. The finest pieces by Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo jostle for space in an overwhelming medley of pomp, grandeur, gilt amidst marble and mosaic.
The center of attraction is of course Michelangelo's sublime Pieta. Employing the Renaissance technique of realism, he has suffused life in every character - as well as Mary's expressions. Most Catholics would revel at the sight of the bonze statue of St. Peter. The endlessly stacks of riches of the church is displayed in the treasury - jewel studded chalices, reliquaries ,copes and more .Move into the sacristy for a glimpse of the Historical Museum (Museo Storico) displaying Vatican treasures. Be mesmerized by the large 1400s bronze tomb of Pope Sixtus V by Antonio Pollaiuolo as well as the antique chalices.
Walk down to the Vatican grottoes to view the tombs of popes, both ancient and modern.Behind a wall of glass rests St. Peter himself!Vatican Museums (Museo Vaticani)
This is where art becomes a statement of power. One of the greatest art collections occupies labyrinths palaces, apartments and galleries that are opulent to say the least. Ultimately, you reach the jewel: the Sistine chapel. Some of the Museums inside are:
Chiara Monte Museum
Constituted into the Corridoio (Corridor), the Galleria Lapidaria, and the Braccio Nuovo (New Side)., the museum was funded by Founded by Pope Pius VII. Step inside to witness a stunning array of Roman scriptures and Greek inscriptions. Journey into the roots of the western civilization with the 800 Greek-Roman works, including statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi. The trip to destination could not be more rewarding! Pio Clementino Museum
The centerpiece of the Greek and Roman collections is the singular masterpiece the Apollo Belvedere (a late Roman reproduction of an authentic Greek work from the 4th century B.C.) .Its depiction of the human form impressed even the great Michelangelo. In fact, its exquisite craftsmanship and rich detailing had made it a worthy rival to Michelangelo's David for a while. Exhilarate in the medium as well as the message of the Laocoön and his two sons locked in eternal struggle with the serpents…. the treats are endless!Raphael Rooms
While still a young man, Raphael decorated one of apartments of Pope Julius II and left an imprint that reverberates with classical beauty and realism. His majestic School of Athens, is still one of the greatest masterpieces .Seek out Bramante as Euclid, Leonardo da Vinci (as Plato), and even Raphael himself disguised as Greek philosophers. The great Michaelangelo is left sulking on the steps. You will leave the room on the wings of delight!Sistine Chapel
The chapel's munificent murals are a labor of hate -or at least antagonism. Coerced by the Pope against his will and fighting his incessant demands of deadlines, Michaelangelo drew a masterpiece that continues to attract millions. Breaking every norm, he painted nine panels from Genesis- surrounding them with prophets and sibyls- to leave behind an immortal learning story found hidden in the quintessence of the Bible. Keep a binocular handy and you can discern the fine details in the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and the creation of man. The exhilaration of discovery, the wonderment at cracking the great code of life mingled with realization of the disastrous consequences, remain indelibly etched. The expulsion of Adam and eve keeps you riveted. But it's the "Last Judgement" where the master poured the entire life experiences as the sinners are sent to bowels of hell by an unrelenting god- that grabs you - forever!