Swiss Guards serve as bodyguards to the Pope. They protect the 108-acre Vatican City and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo. Roman Catholic Church employs them under the leadership of the Pope. The world’s smallest army currently stands at 135 members. Swiss Guards have protected popes for more than 500 years. …
Santa Croce Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. This is a beautiful and historic basilica. It dates back to the thirteenth century. Wealthy Florentine families funded the construction. It is a vast church and well-known for its Florentine art. …
Santa Croce Basilica – Architecture and Art TreasuresRead More »
Rome has a long history behind it. Top Rome attractions comprise classical ruins, age-old places of worship and iconic fountains. Rome is a modern and vibrant city where you will come across wonderful eateries, museums and activities. The city can be overwhelming to the visitors who may not know where to go first. But there are landmarks that are almost obligatory, such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
Founded by Pope Julius II in early sixteenth century, Vatican Museums is one of the largest museums in the world. Popes amassed the collection over the centuries. The museums hold 70,000 works of art, out of which 20,000 are on display. Visitors walk through 7 km of halls and corridors. At the end of the route is Sistine Chapel which contains Michelangelo’s famous fresco The Creation of Adam. …
Roman Forum is in the heart of Rome, a spread of impressive ruins. This is a small valley between Palatine and Capitoline hills. Many Roman emperors had built their palaces here. The Roman Forum was the scene of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats in republican times and was lined with shops and open-air markets. It was the hub of political, social and commercial activity of Roman citizens. As you go around Roman Forum, you will see ruins of temples, churches and public buildings. …
Vatican Museums contain an enormous collection of priceless art. The immense collection was built up by the popes, starting from Pope Julius II in early sixteenth century. The popes were among the first sovereigns to throw open their art collection for viewing by the public.
It was Pope Julius who hired Michelangelo, a reluctant sculptor, to repaint the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. …