Roman holiday - 4
 The Vatican is the smallest
country in the world. It is the spiritual centre for Catholics the world over.
Vatican City is inside Rome but is not under Italian rule. The Pope, who heads
the Vatican, is the religious head of Catholics.
St Peter became a martyr and
was buried at the site where the Vatican stands. Subsequently, it became the
residence and office of the papacy. This great Basilica of St Peter is a
splendid edifice attracting several thousand tourists everyday. The Vatican
became a sovereign State in February 1929. About a 1,000 people live here. There
is an office and several shops and a Vatican radio station broadcasting to the
world in over 20 languages.
The imposing St Peter’s
Basilica - Vatican Square, is renowned for its architecture. The dome, designed
by Michelangelo, is awe-inspiring and the Vatican stands on the tomb of St
Peter. This first great basilica was built by emperor Constantine in 349 AD.
Unable to withstand the vicissitudes of nature, it started degenerating by the
15th century. In 1506, Pope Julius II laid the foundation stone for the new
church. It is amazing to note that it took nearly a century to complete it.
Great architects of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque period designed it. There
were additions to the original structure over a period of time.
The interior of the dome is
laced with designed gold mosaics. The multi-coloured, intricately designed
mosaics enhance the beauty and splendour of the dome. The marvellously decorated
interior, with beautiful frescoes, is proof of the intellectual acumen of the
Florentine painters - Michelangelo and Bernini.
 The bronze statue of St Patrick
in a sitting posture has to be mentioned. One foot of the statue has almost
vanished because millions of people touch it in reverence.
In the dome of St Peter’s, we
look up to the window above Bernini’s Baroque sculpture of 1666. It lights the
image of the Holy Spirit, shown as a dove amidst the clouds, rays of sunlight
and the flight of angels. We could see people kneeling down and praying to the
Father in Heaven.
One could experience sublime
serenity inside the Vatican. The atmosphere is enveloped in tranquility and the
bliss I experienced was inexplicable. I sat there and reminisced about Jesus
Christ and Virgin Mary, Noah’s Ark and several Biblical stories.
The basilica is 187 m long and
its huge marble floored halls consists of 11 chapels and 45 altars. You can
visit the Grottoes, the treasury and St. Peter’s sacristy or climb up to the
terrace for panoramic views. The famous obelisk in the midst of the Vatican
Square was erected in 1586 with the help of 150 horses and 47 winches. The
frontage is wide and there are several steps leading to the main hall.
 ‘Piazza San Pietro’ is an
area which houses the special quarters of the Pope. He appears on the balcony on
religious occasions to bless the crowd gathered below. The especially attired
‘Swiss guards’ guard the Vatican. Their elegant dress draws the attention of
the tourists who take photographs by the dozen.
All visitors are screened with
metal detectors for security reasons. There are dress codes to enter the
Vatican. People who do not follow the dress regulations will not be allowed
inside. The Vatican Square is massive enough to accommodate lakhs of tourists at
the same time. On special occasions like Easter, Christmas and New Year,
thousands gather here. From a point in the midst of the square, we can witness
all the pillars in a line. But, at close quarters, we see several of them. The
skill of the Italian architects is exhibited here.
It is a life-time opportunity
to visit the Vatican and enjoy its glory. Reluctantly, we left Vatican to visit
other attractions in Rome.
Usha Raja
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