GEW - My Favorite International City - The Holy "Must" See
Written: Oct 22 '00 (Updated Oct 30 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent Artistry, Political And Religious Significance.
Cons: None.
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| coldsteel7's Full Review: Holy See (Vatican City) |
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
Review Topic: Sights & AttractionsReview Topic: Sights & Attractions When deciding what International city is my favorite, I struggled. I am attached to many cities, and have not yet visited many others. Furthermore, what criteria does one apply to a city when deciding upon a favorite? What makes a city special? What makes one city better than the other?
After pondering these thoughts, I decided that I do not have a favorite International city. I love Windsor and Toronto, Canada, I love Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, Italy, I love South Korea, Hawaii, New York City, Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, Orlando and Chicago. Every city has it's own allure. New York City represents the "melting pot" image of America, Chicago represents the blue collar strength that built America, Los Angeles represents our "manifest destiny." These American cities are important International cities that I included in my musings.
After putting a great deal of thought into the topic of International Cities, I decided to write about the Holy See. Vatican City is unique in many ways. Vatican City is a sovereign nation. The walls of this Nation/City lie within the boundaries of Rome. However, the Vatican has her own diplomatic relations with foreign powers. Although I am not Catholic, I feel that the historic and political importance of the Vatican should not be overlooked.
When I think about the White House, I think of Marine Guards wearing their dress blues at the entrance. England has the Buckingham Palace Guards in their tall hats. The most colorful guards are the Swiss Guards stationed at the Vatican. Their bright orange and blue uniforms are difficult to miss. They add a splash of color to Vatican City, which probably has more art per square foot than any other city.
Vatican City has a must see Museum, which contains the Sistine Chapel. The fee is comparable to American Museums. I believe the exchange rate placed it around seven dollars when I visited last year. There is a steep ramp that you walk up, and then several hallways and rooms that you walk through to get to the Sistine Chapel. You WILL NOT "miss the forest for the trees." The walk takes you past some of the most remarkable murals, tapestries, paintings and sculptures that you have ever seen. There are stained glass pieces, beautifully detailed sculptures and remarkable mosaics on display.
The Sistine Chapel is remarkable. Although it appeared smaller than I always imagined it, the task of painting it seemed phenomenal. The paintings are kept in an excellent state by maintaining dim lighting, and forbidding snapshots or camcorders. This also adds to the reverence that you feel while you visit. There are security personnel walking through the Chapel to insure that bold visitors do not ruin the experience for those who wish to enjoy the serenity of that room.
Saint Peters Square is surrounded by a large wall that has statues stationed along the perimeter. The wall seems to draw you in to the outer courtyard of the Vatican. The expansive square provides many excellent vantage points to obtain photographs, before entering the Vatican. Photography IS allowed inside the Vatican.
In order to enter the Vatican, you must be wearing sleeves and long pants. If you are wearing shorts or a tank top, you will be turned away by security personnel. The entrance leads you into the large interior of the Vatican. The statue La Pieta is located to your right as you enter. Many of the Popes lie in caskets viewable within the building. There is a large podium, which is magnificently and ornately decorated, where the Pope gives his elocution. There are three chapels which are located in opposite directions from the podium.
The enormous dimensions and extensive artwork displayed at the Vatican make it a treasure to behold. You will feel the immense sense of reverence within the walls of the Vatican, regardless of your individual religious beliefs. Any visit to Italy should include a trip to the Vatican. You will be glad you visited!
Although I managed to post this article on the right day (Sunday), I got the date wrong (October 29, 2000). I jumped the gun by one week. I will add a listing of the other participants when the list is finalized at the end of the week!
Here is the list of others who participated in this write-off...Please visit them and find out which international city THEY like the best!
jo.com, ptiemann, Coldsteel7, ifif1938, VeeZee, bluehawq, nollequeen (coming soon!), pianomam, doglover, ed_grover, jpmcgurk, augustwind, ritalee76, bigtrouble54, Teardrop..., shan1, murasaki, sheann26, diverpam, Joubert, _Cassandra_, Chinook, Howard_Creech, samadust, Stephen_Murray, nightridrr2000 and Jiahong
Recommended:
Yes
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