Holy See: The Smallest country in the world with the biggest treasure

The world’s smallest country is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. Every see is considered holy. In Greek, the adjective “holy” or “sacred” is constantly applied to all such sees as a matter of course. The word “see” comes from the Latin word “sedes”, meaning “seat”, which refers to the Episcopal throne cathedral.

This country fits within the Italian capital city of Rome, and is the center of the Catholic Church. It is also home to the biggest church in the world – St. Peter’s Basilica, and holds some treasures of the most significant art works of the Renaissance.

I just cannot believed how they keep all the treasure. The Vatican Apostolic Library and the collections of the Vatican Museums are of the highest historical, scientific and cultural importance. In 1984, the Vatican was added by UNESCO to the List of World Heritage Sites; it is the only one to consist of an entire state.

Vatican Treasures
ART & FAITH

St. Peter’s Basilica is a pilgrimage site for many Catholics. Today, St. Peter’s is the largest and one of the best known churches in the world.

20160606_133530 — Panorama view of St. Peter Basilica from the Vatican square.

2. Climb all the way (551 steps) by foot or take the lift and then climb the rest on foot (320 steps). The admission charge is of course a couple of euros less than if you take the lift. Once at the top, you have 360 degree views of St Peter’s Square and the city of Rome. Allow about an hour for the experience.

Panorama view from the cupola of St.Peter’s Basilica, over looking the Vatican City square.

{Closer look} At the center is the obelisk.

Cupola is the highest point in Rome where few people go. Yes I´ve been in the top of St Peter´s Basilica in Vatican.

3. The Vatican Obelisk was originally taken from Egypt by Caligula.

Since the first century the 4000 year-old obelisk stood at Vatican square.

20160606_171805 — Closer look of obelisk.

4. The Basilica main Altar is almost 10 stories tall—it’s just that the dome, above it, is even bigger: 452 feet. By the way, also uses no less than 100,000 pounds of bronze.

IMG_20160609_213049 — The high altar of the Basilica was very deliberately centered over the spot where St. Peter is said to have been buried.

20160606_161242 5. The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s most popular and prized historic sites. The world-famous ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo are of course the main attraction, forming a masterpiece of astonishing beauty. Learn more about Sistine Chapel click here.

The wall above the altar was decorated by the painting of Michelangelo with **The Last Judgement** 1537-1541. ( *Photo via Wikipedia)*

6.Michelangelo’s Pietà, in the Basilica (1498–1499), is one of the Vatican’s best known artworks, he carved when he was only 24 years old. It is shielded by bullet-proof glass.

IMG_20160609_210724 — This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the crucifixion, known us *pietà*. Yes I saw it in actual and this is my own shot using only my cellphone.

7.The same Pope Julius needed a place to house all of his treasures and founded the Vatican Museums in the early 16th century. It now ranks as the 5th most visited art museum in the world.

It is one of the largest museum in the world. There are 54 galleries, or sale in total, with the Sistine Chapel, notably being the very last sala within the Museum.

Vatican City is home to some of the most famous art in the world. Honestly, I forgot all name of those great Artist except Michelangelo. I forgot all Date or how long they make each of those artworks or what materials they use, it was clever decision that I bought DVD of “Vatican Treasures” so I can review all the information about it. It was spectacular & unforgettable experience. To be there at Vatican and seeing it with my naked eyes was such a great blessing.
It was amazingly impressive!