27.05.2011 – Rome-Vatican-Sistine Chapel-St Peters-Colosseum-Parthenon

Today was a very big day in Rome, we visited the Vatican City State, is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of just over 800. Vatican City was established in 1929.The Vatican City State issues normal passports but very few passports are issued by either authority. The Vatican City is a state, ruled by the Bishop of Rome—the Pope. The Popes generally resided in the area that in 1929 became Vatican City. I actually have a photo showing where the Pope’s bedroom is!!

We then followed through to the Sistine Chapel. It is famous for its architecture and its decoration that was frescoed by artists including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio and others. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 1,100 m² of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. A Japanese company paid for the restoration of this chapel, and therefor bought the rights to all photographs, no photographs are permitted.

We then preceded to St Peters Cathedral, Well…what an experience that was….It is just all too much to just try to explain, again, the hordes and hordes of tourist, spoilt the entire experience. It was just unbearable to try and appreciate this fantastic place of history. Some of the people on the tour were disgusted by the wealth and grandeur, and yet there is poverty in the streets, we all ask…what is all this for? Jesus preached on a mountain….why this entire splendor now

Then…yes, we went to the Colosseum, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It’s construction started in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96).

Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. I was so throughly tired of the crowds by then and just went in, took the necessary photos and waited outside for the rest of the group to return.

At 4.45pm we took a walk through Rome, and saw the Parthenon, made a wish at the Fontana di Trevi Fountain, went for a quick bite to eat Spaghetti Bog and a huge glass of red wine, as I so needed it after such a busy day!!!!

Tomorrow beautiful romantic Venice….hope the pace is alittle better…see you then!!