Location: Vatican City
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6 Monuments & Statues in Vatican City That You Shouldn't Miss
Sure, Vatican City is tiny—110 acres—but it houses the world's largest Catholic church (St. Peter's Basilica) and has perhaps the best collection of artistic masterpieces in the world (the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Pieta, the Laocoon Group, etc.). And maybe only 800 people live here, but one of them's the Pope. It's a pretty good argument for quality over quantity.
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1. La Pieta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,551 reviews
The most beautiful work inside St. Peter's Cathedral is Michelangelo's famous La Pietà, considered by many to be the most moving piece of sculpture ever created.
Reviewed By ChiefGuru - Decatur, United States
Michelangelo Buonarroti was only twenty four years old when he created this magnificent Renaissance sculpture: “the pity”. The Pietà is considered by many to be his greatest work, besting even David and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He carved this from one piece of white Carrara marble over the course of two years (1498-1499). This is the only signed work of Michelangelo. La Pieta is housed with St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Upon entering St. Peter's Basilica, La Pieta can be found on the right hand side in the first chapel. La Pieta is Michelangelo's unprecedented interpretation of he body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after his Crucifixion. He decided to give Mary a youthful appearance to demonstrate her closeness to God as well as a reflection of her internal beauty. Both Mary and Jesus have a look of peace and acceptance on their faces. The sculpture is five feet nine inches by six feet five inches. French Cardinal Jean de Billheres, who served the church in Rome, wanted to be remembered after he died. He hired Michelangelo to achieve his goal by making a memorial for his tomb that would capture a popular Northern European art scene: the tragic moment of the Virgin Mary taking Jesus down from the cross. La Pieta is indeed a stupendous work of sculpture and should definitely be seen when visiting Rome.
2. St. Peter Enthroned
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
This masterpiece shows St. Peter sitting bearded and dressed as a philosopher, with his left hand carrying keys, the right hand being raised in blessing.
Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania
The bronze statue of St Peter sitting on a throne, with the keys of heaven in hand is situated in St Peter's Basilica. Other times it was possible to touch the foot of the statue, but with the new security regulations, you can't reach near the statue.
3. Monument to Alexander VII
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
In St. Peter's Chapel of the Sacrament is where Bernini's monument to Alexander VII is located.
Reviewed By AMohsen - Port Said, Egypt
This wonderful piece of art is found inside St. Peter basilica hall. It is vibrant by its fine details.
4. Tomb of Urban VIII
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By 577SusanH - Tacoma, United States
This sculpture, like so many in Vatican City and throughout Rome, is amazing. The attention to detail is unbelievable when you think about it being carved from marble. Definitely another priceless work of art and an amazing representation of Christianity. So much symbolism . . . .
5. Cortile della Pigna
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States
Located between the Vatican Museums, the Courtyard is a welcome respite where you can get away from the crowds, if you're lucky find a place to sit, and enjoy a meal at the cafe there, which is covered.
