4 Days in Rome (Part 2)

Sistine Chapel – the most famous attraction of the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel was created by Michelangelo Buonaroti. The great artist has devoted nearly 10 years of his life to paint frescoes that cover the walls, including the one above the altar.
Hot Tip: Shooting in this room is strictly forbidden, and there are security guards everywhere to see to it.

Do not miss the beautiful gardens inside the Vatican’s courtyard. Enjoy there the bronze work of Arnaldo Pomodoro – Sphere Within Sphere.

Going out of the museums, you will find yourself in front of the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. First, go to the dome of the Basilica. There you will enjoy one of the most impressive sights. The entrance is 5 euros, and you have to climb 550 stairs. There is an option of an elevator to take you to somewhere, for 7 euros, but you still have a little over 300 stairs to climb. The view is worthwhile – the Vatican and Rome from an eagle gaze. Be sure to explore the Basilica itself, which is really impressive.

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Castel Sant’Angelo

After touring the Vatican, we found that we had time to look at another landmark we had listed – Castel Sant’Angelo. It used to be the popes’ residence and repository for their values, but it was also a prison where they found their deaths. The story of the archangel, which gave the name of the fortress, is also curious.

According to the legend, in 590, a plague epidemic struck the population and it ended only when Archangel Michael appeared over the castle. This happened after the newly-elected Pope Gregory the Great urged the population to beg for mercy. When the crowd approached the castle, the Pope received a vision, and Archangel Michael, who was taking his sword, appeared to him. This heavenly gesture was interpreted as the end of the plague – something that really happened. Enjoy a walk through a real castle. Do not miss to get to the top where the statue of Archangel Michael is, there is another incredible view of Rome.