Our third day in Rome was booked at the Vatican. Vatican City is the smallest city state but it can easily be explored for several days. Tristan pre-booked the tickets for us just a week before our trip (€16 each), it included visiting the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
I was really intrigued by the sculpture Sphere within a Sphere, which is a bronze statue that appears gold when the sun is shining on it. It is 4 metres in diameter and is located at the centre of the Courtyard of the Pinecone at the Vatican Museum. I heard a guide explaining the meaning of the statue - he was explaining that the round shape represents the Earth, it's reflecting the complexity of our world and how easily it can be torn apart.
Our evening ended at a restaurant near our hotel. If you want to experience some real Italian pizza, I recommend checking out Al Forno della Soffitta. There was a great atmoshphere, the staff were friendly (and spoke very good English) and there were a lot of dishes to choose from. We started with wine and deep fried cheese balls, followed with pizza and dessert. I chose a zucchini and ham pizza - the crust was thin and the toppings were fresh and full of flavour. For dessert I had Tiramisu - it was the best I've ever had!
Tristan went for a potato-based pizza
We started our day at the museum to see a bit of art and history. The Vatican Museum has a big collection of paintings, sculptures, archaeological excavations, mummies, portraits of the Pope and so much more. The highlight of the museum for me was The Gallery of Maps, which is a 120 metre long gallery containing a series of painted topographical maps on the walls and a painted vaulted ceiling.
They don't allow photos to be taken in The Sistine Chapel, so I've not got any photographical evidence I can show you guys but it was definitely an amazing experience. I saw the magnificent work created by Michelangelo and got to tick off something else on my bucket list.
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Wenzel Peter
The Gallery of Maps
1st-century Roman bronze Pigna (pinecone) in front of the exhedra - it was an ancient fountain.
I was really intrigued by the sculpture Sphere within a Sphere, which is a bronze statue that appears gold when the sun is shining on it. It is 4 metres in diameter and is located at the centre of the Courtyard of the Pinecone at the Vatican Museum. I heard a guide explaining the meaning of the statue - he was explaining that the round shape represents the Earth, it's reflecting the complexity of our world and how easily it can be torn apart.
Happy tourists
Part of St Peter's Square
St. Peter's Basilica in the background
Maderno's façade
Our evening ended at a restaurant near our hotel. If you want to experience some real Italian pizza, I recommend checking out Al Forno della Soffitta. There was a great atmoshphere, the staff were friendly (and spoke very good English) and there were a lot of dishes to choose from. We started with wine and deep fried cheese balls, followed with pizza and dessert. I chose a zucchini and ham pizza - the crust was thin and the toppings were fresh and full of flavour. For dessert I had Tiramisu - it was the best I've ever had!
Tristan went for a potato-based pizza
rome is such a wonderful place to visit! it looks like you had a great time! :)
ReplyDeletexx Jamie| Love Peace and Shimmer
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