Of course, there excist no police in Vatican, no need for them here in this holy place except to keep order if somebody with no manners try to disrespect long line of people who wait to enter into the St. Peter's Church or Vatican Museum.
A statue in the Vatican museum, standing in a niche just about opposite the entrance to the Egyptian rooms. It looks like a fertility goddess, although at the time I didn't think those things hanging off her were breasts. On either of her upper arms sit two small lions. And on her dress are all bulls with either two breasts or their paws sticking out, I don't know. On her collar are what look like spooky ghosts, with bulls heads and breasts too.I thought no more of it, until VT member craic posted a question about well-rubbed statues. To which sirgaw replied, describing this statue, saying: "In the Vatican Museum is a statue of a woman who at first glance seems to have about 20 boobs, however we were told they are bulls testicles. Legend has it that if a woman wants to get pregnant, she is supposed to walk around the statue 3 times. To stop all this "unseemly conduct" the good folks at...
When leaving St. Peter's Basilica, you might see some Swiss guards in their medieval uniforms by the exit. This "army" has been protecting the pope for centuries and they still wear the same costumes, use the same weapons, etc as they did back in the olden days. You're allowed to take pictures, but don't expect to pose with them - the two that I saw were young and quite cute so I would have loved a pic of myself standing between them (hehehe... I'm so boy crazy!), but they wouldn't let anyone come close.Among the necessary requirements for being a Swiss guard are Swiss citizenship (obviously!), speaking Italian fluently, and being a practicing Catholic. They swear allegiance to the pope, and I think they actually live in Vatican City (as opposed to Rome).
Every Catholic Church has Holy Water Fonts, and of course the greatest Catholic Church in the world, St Peter's Basilica, has the most ornate and beautiful fonts I have ever seen. That being said they are an important part of an entry into a Church for Catholics. Who traditionally, I am not sure why *I am Catholic* but we always do it and that is what I was taught was proper and very important to do as you enter and leave the Church. Anyway, a worshiper takes the Holy Water and make the sign of the cross on his or her body. These are meant to be kept free so that worshipers can use them. They are practical art. So please I know the are beautiful but don’t try and take a picture in front of them. It prevents worshipers from accessing the Holy Water, and a guard nearby will shoo you away as soon as he sees you set up. If you however, like me, want a picture of the fonts, do it at a...
It's been said before but bears repeating, to enter St. Peter's Basilica you must have appropriate attire, which means even if it's 95 degrees outside you will not be allowed entry if you are wearing shorts, skirts with a hem above the calf or tank tops. Women are offered the courtesy of shawls to cover their shoulders if they are showing (there may be a fee for this, I'm not sure).Please, if for any reason you are not wearing appropriate clothing and are denied entry to the Basilica do not act like the woman in front of me who gave the guards a very hard time when she was not allowed in. It's embarassing for you and no one wants to see that. There are signs everywhere showing you the dress code before you get to the gate. There seems to be some leeway or judgement factor made by the guards. You may be allowed into the Basilica with borderline clothing, but there is a small chapel room...
THINK YOU ARE TOUGH ENOUGH?Well you have to have the following requirements of you want to guard the Pope:* Swiss Citizen* Catholic* Good moral and ethical background* Attend the Military School in Switzerland* Be between 19-30 years old* Be at least 174 cm tall* Be unmarried* Have a professional diploma or high school degree(I think you have to be a Man as well).So how did this all start?The Swiss Guards (officially: The Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard) were Swiss mercenary soldiers who served as bodyguards, ceremonial guards and palace guards at many European courts from the 15th century until the present day in the Vatican. There have been several ‘Swiss Guards’ with the one here in Vatican City being founded in 1506 when Pope Sixtus IV made an alliance with the Swiss Confederation. It is also the last. It is the army of the sovereign state of the Vatican. It currently has 134...
Many traditions are firmly in place when a new Pope is elected. The "smoke signal from the chimney of the conclave room is one of the more famous. Pope John Paul II himself promulgated a whole new set of rules in 1996 and added the ringing of bells to the white smoke signal. The eligible cardinals vote in secret ballots until someone receives a vote of two-thirds plus one. The ballots are burned after each vote. Black smoke drived from the mix of straw with the ballots indicates a failed election while the appearance of white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. Since the cardinals meet in isolation, it's the only way to inform the public about the proceedings.The current Pope Pope Benedict XVI was elected as the new Pontiff in the fourth round of balloting by the cardinals.
As nice as the guys in the colorful outfits look, the really aren't there for your personal amusement. They are actual soldiers. Apparently, Switzerland requires compulsory military service of all healthy males. Those who go through basic training and can receive a certificate of "good conduct" can apply to serve their compulsory period as a member of the Vatican Swiss Guard . They are real soldiers, trained in modern tactics and weaponry, but in addition, giving extensive training on the use of the sword and the halberd (the long spear/axe weapon shown in the pics). Anyway, my tip is this. I saw too many tourists try to walk up and take pictures with the guards. They do not like this. Keep a respectful distance. Pictures from a distance are okay. But don't walk up, throw your arms around one, and say cheese. You might find yourself on the wrong end of a helberd.
Via del Croce in Roma took place this evening of Good Friday. The Vatican conducted the Way of the Cross under a full moon in the Colosseum/Forum area for a multitude of international people. A most impressive ceremony marking the passion of Christ. A travelogue will show the best of the photos we were able to retrieve.
The Pope and the Vatican are guarded by the famed Swiss guards. They have been the paid mercenaries of the pope since 1506 when they were hired to protect the Pope from the warring city states of Italy.
Reviews and photos of Vatican City attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Vatican City sightseeing.
Q: How I can book tickets for the visit of Vatican Gardens in minibus and than museums of Vatican? In thw website I find the Vatican...
A: The only thing I can find for the gardens that mentions a minivan - and it isn't even very definite - is this...
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