Day 2 continued

We headed to the Vatican City which is the smallest independent state in the world measuring only at 110 acres.It is ruled by the Bishop of Rome or more commonly known as Pope. It is the home to some most famous art in the world. The architects behind the Renaissance architecture of Vatican City were Michaelangelo, Bernini, Bramante and Giacomo della Porta.

The nicely wrapped goodies displayed at the window of a bakery

Upon approaching Vatican city there were so many shops selling souvenirs and figurines symbolising the holy religion of Roman Catholic

Truck selling gelatos. Testing how determined was I not to be tempted on a hot sunny day outside Vatican City.

To go to Vatican City, take the orange line and align at Ottaviano Metro Station. Just walk straight to Piazza Risorgimento then along the Vatican Walls and you will end up in St Peter Square.

Opening time of the basilica:
from 7:00 to 18:00 every day (until 19:00 during winter), except on Wednesdays (if there is the papal audience the Basilica remains closed until 12:00). Entrance is free. It’s also possible to visit the dome (from October to March every day from 8:00 to 16:45, until 17:45 from April to September); entrance is charged.

The St.Peter's Square has two majestic fountains called Fontane di Piazza San Pietro in Italian which are created by Carlo Maderno (1612-1614) and Fian Lorenzo Bernini (1666-1677). I guess the picture above was taken with Bernini's Fountain located at the southern part of the square which was comissioned by Pope Clement X.

The egyptian obelisk of St Peter's Square used to stand originally on the south of the basilica  but moved to the center in 1586. It is thought to have witness the crucifixion of St Peter. The obelisk shadow marks noon ever the sign of zodiac in the white marble discs in the paving of the square.

St. Peter's Colonnade designed by Bernini. 

The Colonnade was designed to be pictured as the arm of the Mother Church and the Dome being the head according to Bernini. The Dome being the tallest dome in the world at 448 ft was designed by Michaelangelo.

The Pontifical Swiss Guards which are responsible for the security of the Palace and most importantly  the safety of the Pope.

St. Peter's facade at 376 feet wide and 149 feet tall was designed by Carlo Maderno.

The view overlooking St. Peter's square from the facade.

We didnt spend a lot of time exploring inside the basilica because of the long queue hassle. It is said long queue is expected every single day as early in the morning around St Peter's. Hence we moved to the next walking distance destination which was the Castel St. Angelo.

We spotted this handsome on the way walking back to Castel St. Angelo

Yay! Finally we reached Castel St. Angelo which was actually not really far from Vatican City. Also known as Mausoleum of Hadrian it was initially commisioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. It was later used by the popes as a fortress and also a castle. But now wholly serves as a museum.

How to get to Castel Sant' Angelo:

Castel Sant' Angelo is located on the banks of the Tiber close to the Vatican City.

Bus service 40 (express) from the main railway station.

Metro - Lepanto (Line A)

Opening hours: April-September 9am-7pm

October-March 9am-2pm

Admission fee:

Adults €8, Reduced ticket €6 

(last admission 1hr before closing time), closed on public holidays.

Ponte Sant'Angelo is solely a bridge for pedestrian now which was once in the 16th century used to expose bodies of those executed. 

One of the angel on the bridge

The sun was about to set and it was beautiful.

Stacks of ancient cannon balls made from stone inside the courtyards of the Castel Sant'Angelo

After having a long day of walking, we took some quiet time enjoying the night view overlooking Vatican from the Cafe inside Castel Sant' Angelo.

Vatican City by night looking gorgeous.

There was a legend saying an angel sheathing its sword appeared on the roof of the castle to signal the ending of a plague. Henceforth, this castle was named as Castel Sant Angelo. 

We ended that day by having some common Italian cuisines nearby before heading back our hostel. Tomorrow Day 3 would be another long fun-filled day with lots of historical learning on its way. Good night everyone. Xoxo.