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In 1508 Pope Julius II summoned to Rome a prodigious, but untested young artist from the town of Urbino to fresco the inside of what was intended to be his library. His name was Raffaelo Santi or Raffaelo Sanzio, but we know him as Raphael. Over the better part of the next ten years he (and his workshop) dedicated himself to a series of frescoes in...

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Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the most impressive basilicas in the world and stands at the heart of the micro country of Vatican City. The papal enclave is an independent country that is inside Rome (it is also the world's only theocracy). St. Peter's Basilica is a stunning work of art and one of the largest churches in the world (in fact it is...

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John Paul I, the shortest-serving pope in living memory, is to be beatified, one step short of sainthood, Pope Francis said Wednesday. Francis authorized the Congregation for the causes of Saints to promulgate a decree regarding a miracle attributed to late pope, who served for 33 days from August to September 1978. John Paul I, whose birth name wa...

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St Peter’s Basilica is one of the many symbols of Rome. Majestic, elegant and towering, overlooks the near square and is admired even year by millions of visitors. Let us find out the history and some interesting trivia about this artistic and architectonic masterpiece. August is about to end which, strange but true, this is also one of the best ti...

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Want to live la dolce vita on your honeymoon? Head to one of the most romantic destinations in the world: Italy. From relaxing seaside resorts to glamorous metropolitan cities, the European country that gave us pizza, pasta and so much more offers something for every kind of traveler.  “In Italy, you can have a really varied itinerary, and travelin...

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Among the most famous rooms in the world, the Sistine Chapel stands alone. Neither one of the largest nor grandest properties in the Vatican, its fame is mostly based on its immense ceiling frescoes created by none other than the great Michelangelo Buonarroti. This series of scenes from the New Testament of the Bible form a staggering tableau that...

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The Vatican Museums serve two purposes: As the Papal Palaces they have been home to centuries of popes, who built and decorated apartments to suit their sensibilities. Just as importantly though, they house some of the world’s most beautiful and important art. Covering a staggering 9 miles, the Vatican Museums’ art collection includes Greek and Rom...

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Gianluigi Colalucci was 91 years old when he died in Rome on March, 28. The former chief restorer of the Vatican Museums spent 14 years of his life brining Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel back to life. Colalucci made his mark in history by erasing the dulling marks of history from masterpieces. Centuries of dust, soot from candles, an...

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Are you tired of quarantine and would rather see one of the greatest art collections? Join an awesome Vatican guide for a virtual tour About this Event All of the proceeds from the virtual tour experiences will go towards keeping our guides employed and paying the wages of our dedicated staff, while on lockdown. We greatly appreciate your support i...

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After 88 days of closure due to Covid restrictions, the Vatican Museums in Rome reopened on February 1.  While travel restrictions are still in place, it is not too soon to start planning and getting ready for your next Italian trip. If that includes the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, keep in mind these dress code recommen...

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