Vatican
 It is the kingdom of the Pope. The world's
tiniest country where the sacerdotal meets theTemporal -in a
definitive mode of power play. Overpowering the senses and the mind
with a dazzling, ostentatious display of opulent grandeur,
grandiloquent monuments and mind-boggling collection of perhaps the
world's greatest artistic treasures. For, the Church, art was
always the handmaiden of its power, a way to announce to the world
its culture, sophistication and powers of appreciation far removed
from the ordinary. Patronage and plunder flowed relentlessly and
gathered into a humongous repository in its museums. And the
greatest works are strategically - even carelessly- placed
everywhere.
Ultimately however, the Vatican is the residence of the world's
greatest religious power. And the fulgurous display, somehow, seems
becoming.
The riches begin at the gate. Bernini's St. Peter's square (Piazza
Sam Pietro) is a massive masterpiece - an ellipse enclosed by a
Dove-pillared colonnade. Look above at the 140 saints emanating
saintly advice in every gesture. From the vantage point , you can
also glimpse St. Peter's Basilica from the entrance, as also papal
apartments and the ultimate repository of western art- the Vatican
museum.
As you move inside the Vatican, the incredible riches only grow in
scale.Basilica di Sam Pietro (St. Peter's
Basilica)
Originally, the site of St. Peter's crucification it has been built
and rebuilt to ultimately showcase the best in Renaissance. The
finest pieces by Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo jostle for
space in an overwhelming medley of pomp, grandeur, gilt amidst
marble and mosaic.
The center of attraction is of course Michelangelo's sublime Pieta.
Employing the Renaissance technique of realism, he has suffused
life in every character - as well as Mary's expressions. Most
Catholics would revel at the sight of the bonze statue of St.
Peter. The endlessly stacks of riches of the church is displayed in
the treasury - jewel studded chalices, reliquaries ,copes and more
.Move into the sacristy for a glimpse of the Historical Museum
(Museo Storico) displaying Vatican treasures. Be mesmerized by
the large 1400s bronze tomb of Pope Sixtus V by Antonio Pollaiuolo
as well as the antique chalices.
Walk down to the Vatican grottoes to view the tombs of
popes, both ancient and modern.Behind a wall of glass rests St.
Peter himself!Vatican Museums (Museo
Vaticani)
This is where art becomes a statement of power. One of the greatest
art collections occupies labyrinths palaces, apartments and
galleries that are opulent to say the least. Ultimately, you reach
the jewel: the Sistine chapel. Some of the Museums inside
are:
Chiara Monte Museum
Constituted into the Corridoio (Corridor), the Galleria Lapidaria,
and the Braccio Nuovo (New Side)., the museum was funded by
Founded by Pope Pius VII. Step inside to witness a stunning array
of Roman scriptures and Greek inscriptions. Journey into the roots
of the western civilization with the 800 Greek-Roman works,
including statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi. The trip to destination
could not be more rewarding! Pio Clementino
Museum
The centerpiece of the Greek and Roman collections is the singular
masterpiece the Apollo Belvedere (a late Roman
reproduction of an authentic Greek work from the 4th century B.C.)
.Its depiction of the human form impressed even the great
Michelangelo. In fact, its exquisite craftsmanship and rich
detailing had made it a worthy rival to Michelangelo's David for a
while. Exhilarate in the medium as well as the message of the
Laocoön and his two sons locked in eternal struggle with the
serpents…. the treats are endless!Raphael Rooms
While still a young man, Raphael decorated one of apartments of
Pope Julius II and left an imprint that reverberates with classical
beauty and realism. His majestic School of Athens, is
still one of the greatest masterpieces .Seek out Bramante as
Euclid, Leonardo da Vinci (as Plato), and even Raphael himself
disguised as Greek philosophers. The great Michaelangelo is left
sulking on the steps. You will leave the room on the wings of
delight!Sistine Chapel
The chapel's munificent murals are a labor of hate -or at least
antagonism. Coerced by the Pope against his will and fighting his
incessant demands of deadlines, Michaelangelo drew a masterpiece
that continues to attract millions. Breaking every norm, he painted
nine panels from Genesis- surrounding them with prophets and
sibyls- to leave behind an immortal learning story found hidden in
the quintessence of the Bible. Keep a binocular handy and you can
discern the fine details in the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the
Garden of Eden and the creation of man. The exhilaration of
discovery, the wonderment at cracking the great code of life
mingled with realization of the disastrous consequences, remain
indelibly etched. The expulsion of Adam and eve keeps you riveted.
But it's the "Last Judgement" where the master poured the entire
life experiences as the sinners are sent to bowels of hell by an
unrelenting god- that grabs you - forever!
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