| Vatican – the city without a sin |
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| Written by jane69 | ||||||||||
| Friday, 25 November 2005 | ||||||||||
Page 2 of 2 ;) Only guided tours or bus tours can visit the Vatican Gardens (Giardini Vaticani). Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Office in St Peter’s Square. It is advisable to apply two days in advance.;) The Vatican Gardens separate the Vatican City from the secular world on the north and west. The lush gardens covers an area of 58 acres with winding paths, colorful flowers, groves of massive oaks, and ancient pools. Refrigerant water spouts profusely from a variety of fountains. In the middle of gardens is a small summerhouse, ;) Villa Pia, built for Pope Pius IV in 16th century by Pirro Ligorio. The gardens contain medieval fortifications from the 9th century.The history of the Vatican Gardens date back to medieval times when vineyards and orchards extended to the north of the Apostolic Palace. In the 1279 Pope Nicholas II enclosed this cultivated area with walls. Nicholas V in 15th century created a series of gardens, which could be used in ceremonies of the papal court as well as for the pope's personal enjoyment. ;) The late 16th century building from this era is presently the pope's private residence. In the area of greenery, which remained after the construction of the ;) Belvedere corridors (now the Apostolic Library and the Vatican Museums) was constructed the lovely Villa Pia or "Casina", now the seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Today the Vatican Gardens are divided into two areas by the remains of the medieval walls that encircled the Vatican City before the construction of the surviving 16th century ramparts. On northwest direction lies the park of the Villa Pia and the wood above it. On the other side, behind the apse of the Basilica, is the area that was set aside for agricultural cultivation until the foundation of the Vatican City State. Along the medieval walls, at the level of the circular tower, Pope Leo XIII had a new "retreat" constructed, the building now occupied by the administrative offices of the Vatican Radio. The St John’s Tower (Torre di San Giovanni), rebuilt by Giovanni XXIII, is reserved for prominent guest.;) In Rome remember that la Dolce Vita has never been sweeter.;) More information about Rome:Hotels in Rome: http://www.accutravel.net/rome/hotels Free web cams from Rome: http://www.accutravel.net/rome/webcams Weather forecast for 10 days for Rome: http://www.accutravel.net/rome/weather Rome maps and books from Amazon and Barnes & Noble: http://www.accutravel.net/rome/bookshop
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 27 November 2005 ) | ||||||||||
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