So I'll give a little overview with stats and facts and display a few photos. But really you need to read up (or better yet...visit) on your own regarding art and artifacts found there. Just Google it, as Mike says.
Several of the ladies (especially Pat!!) seemed a bit jokingly jealous, so I graciously offered to rearrange seats and share Fabio's company. No one took me up on it and that was OK with me. Keep in mind Fabio was on my left driving and Mike was on my right, so no real hanky-panky going on other than maybe a little extra eyelash flutter on my part.
Fabio explained that Roma was like lasagna, steeped in many intermingling layers. The Vatican State is one of those layers. It is a walled enclave completely surrounded by the city of Rome and lies on the west side of the Tiber River. Mussolini signed papers to make the Vatican a separate union.
After the Great Fire of Rome in 69AD, pagan Emperor Nero wanted to shift the blame from himself, so he accused the Christians. This hill became a necropolis where Christians were burned at the stake, drawn by wild beasts, and crucified. Saint Peter, one of the twelve disciples, was among those crucified and presumed buried here.
Construction of buildings on this eventual Vatican site began in the 4th century AD. It is the smallest independent nation-state in the world at 110 acres (44 hectares) and has a population of 842. This is the home of the Pope (top guy of the Catholic church) and the Catholic "government."
The surrounding 2-mile medieval border wall was completed in 852 and is 39 feet (11.8m) high. The current basilica began construction in the 1500s. The Vatican became an official independent State after the Lateran Pacts of 1929 were signed by Italy's Prime Minister Benito Mussolini and Cardinal Pietro Gasparri. (This pact is an interesting read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateran_Treaty). The Vatican has its own banking and telephone systems, police department, post office, pharmacy, and radio and TV stations.
When the vans dropped us off there was a "uge" line awaiting entry. It wrapped around the outer wall for blocks. No lie!
The Pontifical Swiss Guard stood alert at the entrance. This de facto military unit was established in 1506 and is one of the oldest military units in continuous operation. Their duty is to protect the Pope and the Vatican City grounds. Guards must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30. They wear colorful Renaissance style uniforms.
We were glad that Chef John had purchased tickets in advance (as he always does) and we enjoyed a fast pass through the Vatican museum entrance. This accumulation is said to be the richest western art collection ever.
The main or high alter was designed by Bernini and is the tomb of Saint Peter. Look at its size compared to the tiny person on the left. The letters over the alter are over 10 feet (30m) tall.
Close up of the beautiful columns surrounding the alter.
The alter is under the dome, which is 15 stories high. It was designed by Michelangelo. Construction spanned 1547-1590. Our guide said it is the highest dome in the world.
One of many side alters with mosaic (yes, believe it or not) of "Death of St. Sebastian," a Christian martyr of the late roman empire.
Another side alter, the Alter of Transfiguration. This mosaic is a reproduction of Raphael's original painting "Deathbed."
The Basilica is the final resting place for all popes. Many popes have a space dedicated and decorated to reflect their individual interests. This is Pope Innocent XI with Faith and Fortitude by his side.
Elsewhere, various popes' remains are entombed or displayed, including Pope John XXIII seen through a glass case (but not seen here).
Elsewhere, various popes' remains are entombed or displayed, including Pope John XXIII seen through a glass case (but not seen here).
Monument to Christina of Sweden, who is one of there women honored here. This queen gave up her throne to embrace Catholicism in 1654.
Another magnificent sculpture placed above a doorway. It is the Monument to Maria Clementina Sobieski. In the early 1800s through intended and unintended marriage arrangements, the pope at the time protected her and finagled a way for her to marry a Catholic husband. This so she could be considered the rightful Catholic queen to the English throne. A cherub of charity stands next to her.
This is a marble dove carrying an olive branch...maybe depicting the one that advised Noah (of the Ark and Great Flood) that land is finally nearby.
Go here to see the intricate floor plan description map of St. Pete's: http://stpetersbasilica.info/floorplan.htm. You could spend hours checking this out.
As we continued to our next stop a troop of presumed Swiss Guard marched by.
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