The Swiss Guards are all young men from a certain German-speaking canton in Switzerland. While the guards out in public (at the entrance to the various public gates) do speak Italian, in fact, German is their native language. Some of the guards inside the Vatican don't speak much Italian at all.So, if you need to ask a favor of a guard, do it in German - you're more likely to get a response...
Here is another view of Vatican City as seen from the Vatican Museum. Not everyone can enter Vatican City. The only grounds you're allowed to step foot on are the St.Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum, as far as I know. But you can get a good view of Vatican City from both of these places. And if you want to mail something home from "Vatican City", don't worry, there are official Vatican City post offices near the St.Peter's and inside the Vatican Museum.
Here is a view of Vatican City from the Vatican Museum. As you can see there is a strong contrast between Vatican City and Rome. Vatican City has more trees, grass, and plants; and not many people walking around; whereas Rome there is hustle and bustle and cars and lots of people.
You would be wise to purchase a copy of the museums guide before starting your tour through the vastness of the museums. A lot of the exhibits are not marked and without the guide you will miss out on a lot of information.
The 'dress code' is considerably relaxed from earlier times. What isn't appropriate is too much skin e.g. shoulders, midriffs, legs. Short shorts and skirts are definitely out. You also must have shoes on.
As you may have noticed, the clergy of the Catholic church tend to wear clothes that neatly cover most of a human's bare skin. It certainly is expected that lay visitors do the same. In other words: no bare shoulders, necks or legs. So wear slacks/long skirts and sleeves. It might also be a good idea to leave clothes with offensive/inappropriate slogans and pictures at home. The last thing you want is to leave the Vatican cursed by all the staff present!
The Sixtinian Chappel is world-famous for these great paintings. I saw it some years ago, and this time there were so plenty of people waiting at the entrance of the Vatican Museums, that I did not visit it again and have to show some stamps of my collection instead.
On Sundays at noon, provided the Pope is at the Vatican, he addresses the faithful from a floor high in the Vatican Palace. The window is marked by a tapestry emblazoned with the papal arms. The tiny dot appearing above the casement, the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church, is yet another proof of the enormity of Vatican City. I probably figured in an audience of 100,000.
Although this is the Vatican surrounded by Italy, the guards retain the name given to them long ago. The swiss guards can be found at many locations around the Vatican providing security and still wearing the same outfits designed for them by Michelangelo. Who knew of his talents as a fashion designer?
You will not be allowed into the Vatican unless your shoulders and thighs are covered, so pack a shirt to wrap around your shoulders.Even in the 40/c heat, the priests manage to clothe themselves in a heavy brown hooded robe - much like the Franciscan order.
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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