{"id":1965,"date":"2019-12-23T06:44:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-23T06:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vaticantour.com\/blog\/?p=1965"},"modified":"2019-12-28T10:38:35","modified_gmt":"2019-12-28T10:38:35","slug":"4-interesting-things-about-the-vatican-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vaticantour.com\/blog\/4-interesting-things-about-the-vatican-city","title":{"rendered":"4 Interesting Things about the Vatican City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Also widely referred to as the Holy See, Vatican City is the tiniest sovereign state in the world. Few landmarks can rival its astonishing religious and artistic heritage. Though small in size and population, every corner of the Vatican seethes with time-honoured traditions and jaw-dropping artworks. Exploring this blessed land is no small feat; that\u2019s why we suggest our best Vatican City tours<\/a> <\/strong>equipped with expert guides and skip-the-line facilities. However, before that, let\u2019s uncover 4 important things about the Vatican that will help you gain a new perspective and understand the city\u2019s terrific past, in a better way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vatican was not used as the Papal Residence from the\nbeginning.<\/span><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Vatican has always been\nshrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, there\u2019s one thing that we know for sure: the\npopes didn\u2019t start living in the Holy See as soon as the Roman Emperor\nConstantine recognized Christianity in 313. Instead, they lived in various\nparts of Rome and central Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vatican City was used only for ceremonial\npurposes until the 14th<\/sup> Century. As of 1377, it started serving as\nthe papal residence and official seat of the Holy Church.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Peter\u2019s Basilica is constructed right above the Roman necropolis.<\/span><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most fascinating things about\nthe Vatican is that there lies a cemetery of pagan origins right beneath the\ngrand basilica of St. Peter\u2019s. It is believed that St. Peter, the first bishop\nof Rome, himself was buried here after being crucified by Emperor Nero. Later,\nin the 4th<\/sup> century, Emperor Constantine began building the original\nbasilica above the ancient graveyard keeping the grave of St. Peter right in\nthe middle.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tombstones of numerous popes and wealthy Romans are found inside the Vatican necropolis and hence, an encompassing Vatican private tour<\/a> <\/strong>is recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Vatican has a secret passageway that was used as an \u2018escape route\u2019 for popes during emergencies.<\/span><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 1277, Passetto di Borgo, an elevated,\nhalf-mile-long passageway, was constructed to connect the Vatican City with the\nheavily-guarded Castel Sant\u2019Angelo. The purpose was to protect the popes and\nlead them to safety. Till now, two popes, Pope Alexander VI and Pope Clement\nVII are believed to have escaped through this route in desperate situations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can actually \u2018meet\u2019 the Pope!<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter how religious you are, meeting the pope in the Vatican is a one-of-a-kind experience. All you need to do is make an official request for a papal audience<\/a><\/strong> and book the tickets well in advance. The process of receiving an audience with the pope<\/a><\/strong> is surprisingly simple. Plus, the ticket to the audience is free of charge. For more information, click here www.vaticantour.com\/papalaudience<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Papal Audiences are held almost every\nWednesday and continue for an hour or two. Just show up on time; the audience\ntakes place in St. Peter\u2019s Square in the summer and Audience Hall in the\nwinter. However, make sure you are properly dressed: you will be prohibited\nfrom entering the Vatican with bottoms that do not cover your knees and tops\nthat do not cover your shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In our opinion, a trip to Rome remains incomplete unless you explore the glorious Vatican. Book Vatican City tours<\/a> <\/strong>early and see how history comes alive!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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