Tips & Articles

Known as the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, but commonly known as the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II. Created by Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and stopped on 8 December 1965 by Pope Paul VI. Still, to this day, it is the most significant event in the modern age of the Catholic Church. What is it? It was an ecumenical council of the Catholic church, which entailed a meeting of the bishops to settle matters of the Church’s policies and practices. After reviewing them, the council decided on many dramatic changes to the church’s traditions. Including […]

Short on time? Only have one day to see some of the greatest works of art Italy has to offer? Perhaps only a morning to see some of the iconic buildings known worldwide? Have no fear because we are here to tell you it is possible! With our careful planning, you can see the Vatican’s best attractions in just one jam-packed day! Here are our tips to optimise your time in exploring the city’s vast treasure troves. Work out What you want to see Although this may sound like very obvious advice, it is crucial when squeezing everything in at […]

While travelling through Europe, you will see a jigsaw of countries all bursting with their own unique culture and history. This is one of the best bonus’ in Europe, where a simple hour’s drive can take you to a completely different world. However, one of the downsides to this is with different countries, comes different currency. Although a number of places use the widespread euro (around 23 countries all together) some remain stubborn in their own unique dollar. Working out when you’ll need to head to the exchange shop before heading to the country is always safer, to avoid any […]

The Vatican city’s museums and galleries are bursting with astonishing marble sculptures. It has been one of the most popular material in sculpture, starting since the invention of metal tools in the Bronze Age. Many great artists throughout history have used marble to deliver us some of the most famous and beautiful sculptures in the entire world. But why has it been used so much? What makes this material better and more significant in history? Characteristics of Marble Marble is a metamorphic rock with many unique properties that make it the perfect material. Not just for sculpture, but for architecture, […]

St Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest and most famous Catholic church in existence. A basilica is a very significant type of church, seen as the oldest and most significant architecture styles in ancient Rome. The Original Basilica The church we know today was not actually the original St. Peter’s Basilica. The original was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, who was the first Christian emperor in Rome. However, the building slowly deteriorated and by the Renaissance period was a crumbling landmark. The New Basilica In the mid-15th century, due to decaying demeanour, the Pope commissioned a replacement […]

Renowned for its incredible art, iconic structures, and rich culture, some may forget this spectacular city is also known as home to some locals. It is the smallest country in the entire world, with one of the largest numbers of visitors each day. So how many people actually remain in the city overnight? The Size of Vatican City The entire city covers just over 100 acres, equalling to about 0.44 square kilometres. With the entire country nestled inside the large city of Rome, located to the east of the River Tiber. It’s Population Vatican City has a population of 799 […]

There are only two remaining arches left from the ancient world of the Roman Empire. The Arch of Titus is one of them, located on the main street of the Roman Forum. The History of the Arch It was commissioned by Domitian in 81 A.D. in tribute to his brother and the late Emperor Titus and his role in the victory in the Jewish War. Located on the highest point of the Via Sacra, Domintian created the Arch along the busiest street of ancient Rome to depict how important this past emperor and victory was. Throughout time the arch has […]

Italy’s most treasured landmark lies in the heart of Vatican City; The Sistine Chapel. It brings millions of travellers to its doors every year, being one of the most visited landmarks in all of Europe. But what makes this old chapel so important to both locals and the rest of the world?   The History of the Sistine Chapel The Sistine we know today was actually built on the basic foundation of a much older chapel, the Capella Magna. It was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the 1470s, which is how the Sistine Chapel got its name, for in […]

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited locations in all of Europe. Home to the famous fresco ceiling done by the renowned Michelangelo. The History of the Ceiling The Sistine Chapel was built on an ancient foundation of Capella Magna. Pope Sixtus IV commissioned to build this chapel in the 1470s, which is where the name ‘Sistine’ comes from. Numerous painters were a part of the initial decoration, including Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio, and Cosimo Roselli. However, the ceiling was only painted a simple blue to match the sky, with stars scattered within. It was […]

There have been an endless number of Popes through Rome’s history, 266 to be exact. Some reigned for long, some only a short time, with more famous than others, or wiser than most, but how were these Popes chosen? What lead them to this iconic role? What is the Pope in charge of? The Papacy refers to the organisation of both the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope is known as the Bishop of Rome, who is the official leader of the entire Catholic Church. They are the head of the Vatican city, which is a separate state […]