When one embarks on a Vatican City visit, the gardens they can provide a United Nations of trees. In the gardens are trees that have been donated by Australia, the United States, and even the state of Israel. Also, when the gardens are in bloom, the fragrance can take one back in time to when Popes walked among the gardens to ease their tensions, and one may even find their own peace and tranquility there.

In 1279 Nicholas III moved his residence back to the future home of the Vatican City State and it was here that he created the first of the gardens. In the beginning, it was a simple garden with an orchard and a good sized lawn. This allowed Nicholas to roam freely and have time to think and reflect. Today, the gardens have become much more, including numerous fountains and artwork that have stood the test of time to give today’s flock a glimpse of the past creators of these marvels.

A trip to the Vatican City State can give one memories that will last a lifetime. However, if one misses the gardens of the Vatican then they will miss one of the places where a person can be closest to God. The Vatican is based on Christ and what he had to offer the world. The gardens of the Vatican are no exception to this. A visit to these life altering tranquil gardens is a must if one is going to the Vatican any time soon.

By Travel Editor

The most famous of all the Rome City fountains is that of the Trevi. Clement XII made sure that this fountain was impressive. Thanks to his need to rebuild this great area of the city of Rome, people today still enjoy its rushing waters. One unique fact about the Trevi Fountain is that it was at one time the terminal point of the waters that fed into the great thermal baths during the time of Emperor Augustus. Today, Triton and his mighty steeds stand guard over these ancient waters and one can hear them roar for many blocks.

Other great fountains in Rome include the Spanish steps and its unique boat fountain, the Four Rivers Fountain and Piazza Navona. All of these wonderful works of art can be attributed to the papacy and the Vatican City in some form or fashion. However, the Pope of today just enjoys the sound of the rushing waters from the ancient fountains, along with all of the millions who are attracted by them each day.

The Rome City fountains offer most a link to the past that they could only hope for in today’s hectic world. The fountains that are so numerous in Rome are ancient works of art that more than likely were commissioned by the Pope in some past yesteryear. In order to enjoy one of these marble wonders, a person only has to take a Rome City tour where they will hear the water whirl as it has done for centuries.

By Travel Editor

When standing in the Rome city center a person can feel as if they are a member of the toga wearing population that once roamed these streets. Because Rome was built on seven hills, a person can still catch a glimpse of these hills when they are in the center of the city. Another thing that a person can see that is related to the ancient people is one of the walls that once surrounded the city. Remains still exist that can help one feel as if they are an ancient Roman in the largest empire of the world.

The city center of Rome is not only filled with history but also modern places. Over three hundred hotels, two hundred palaces, nine hundred churches, and almost all of the governmental offices are located in this city center. A Rome city tour is based on all that is offered for the tourist in this center. The heart of Rome is located on the old city center where, at one time, people used to come to market in their long togas to purchase items for their everyday lives. Rome day tours can lead one right through this metro area that is filled with something all the time.

Since this is one of the most visited cities in the world, the Rome city center is at the heart of tourism and life of this world. No matter if one is looking for a guided Rome city tour or a good Roman hotel to stay in, they can find it here in the center of this eternal city. Life has changed in Rome since the time of the emperors, but the heart of the city still rests in the center of this great world known as Rome.

By Travel Editor

One of the most important things for which the Roman Catholic Church has been known for centuries is the patronage of the Popes to the art world. Thanks to the Popes of the past, common people were given the chance to view works from the masters that they might otherwise have never seen. Today, those works of art can be seen in the museums in Vatican City. Art in the smallest city state in the world is amazing and can be viewed if one takes the time when they are on their Vatican City visit. The museums have art from all parts of the world, and to miss them would be a serious shame.

When one is visiting the Vatican museums, a trip to the Sistine Chapel should not be missed. Works by Michelangelo and Boticelli can be found decorating this unique chapel. The chapel is used when new Popes are elected. The Sistine Chapel is also used for important yearly masses, such as at Christmas and Easter.

The Roman Catholic Church has art that is enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. Thanks to the art patronage of Popes from yesteryear, the world now has access to works that otherwise might have been lost. Seeing the museums provides more than just a good art visit, it is a chance to enjoy the world of the past. By seeing works by Michelangelo and Raphael a person can actually see the history that for years they have only read and dreamed about.

By Travel Editor

The Holy See is the actual governing body of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and can actually trace its beginnings to the time of St. Peter. The See refers to the diocese of Rome. It is led by the Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope. When the Pope sends out holy emissaries he sends them from the See and not from the Vatican City state. One interesting thing about the See is that it has been an official observer of the United Nations since 1964 but chooses not to vote in matters.

Vatican City on the other hand is the actual place where the See is located. This is where the tomb of St. Peter is located and where millions flock everyday to catch a glimpse of heaven’s messenger on earth, also known as the Pope. The current Vatican City state did not come into existence until 1929, when the Lateran Treaty was put into effect. With a population of only around eight hundred, this walled city-state is the smallest independent state in the world today.

Differentiating between the Holy See and Vatican City can be difficult. Often, people do not understand that these are two separate entities that have completely different meanings. Yes, one relies on the other, but they both are still separate of each other. In order for one not to confuse these great institutions one should know what they are talking about before discussing the See in concurrence with the city-state of Vatican City.

By Travel Editor

When one enters St. Peter’s Basilica they might not notice that it is in the shape of a Latin cross, with the dome being in the center of the crossing. The alter, which is in the middle of this Catholic city church, is built directly above the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, of whom the Bible states that Christ built his church upon. One unique feature of the dome of the Basilica is that Michelangelo nearly finished the drum before his death.

Many things exist for one to see in Vatican City at St. Peter’s Basilica. However, if one wants to go inside the Basilica to view anything, then they must be prepared to cover up. No matter if one is male or female; they cannot wear shorts nor have bare shoulders. If a person does, then they will be turned away and will not be allowed into the Basilica. Many people who are not Roman Catholic may not be expecting this, so one should be prepared when going to visit this holy shrine.

One of the many things that Vatican City offers tourists to see is St. Peter’s Basilica. This is one place that has many rules that the public has to adhere to, but the rules are nothing in comparison to what can be seen inside this great building. A good thing to remember is to allow enough time and buy tickets in advance. This can help one keep from standing in long lines at the ticket office. However, no matter how long the line is, one must not miss seeing pieces of art and history from the beginning of Christianity.

By Travel Editor

One of the absolute best sites, with regard to finding a Rome city guide, is enjoyrome.com. It has it all. One can learn about where to find Italian men if they are a foreign woman, the Spanish Steps, or the best in local cuisine. They have all of the major hot spots listed and how much it costs to get into them. The site also has what is known as a free Rome listing that shows what an individual can do and see for free in this unique city.

Another website that is a great place to find help with one’s Rome city tour is romefile.com. One thing that it offers is a huge list of guide books that are related to one’s visit of Rome and Vatican City. They also have Rome city maps included that can help one find their way around this complicated city. Use this site when planning for one’s tour of Rome. No matter what one is looking to view while in Rome, they can get help in locating it and how to see it by using this great website.

A good Rome city guide can be a hard thing to locate if one is not in Rome. However, the information on the web can help a person plan the trip of a lifetime to the eternal city that is filled with art and the influence of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. No matter if one is looking to locate good food or good company, they can find it by visiting a few good websites.

By Travel Editor