Vatican City

That's right. The Vatican actually is it's own city or nation. It has its own stamps, mail system and even money. It's made up of St. Peters Basilica, the Vatican Library and Museum and the Sistine Chapel.


This Nun must have taken a lesson or two from the Beth-lites.


Above is a picture of St. Peters Basilica....a church which was built in honor of the Apostle Peter. It is said that Peter was buried on this ground. Below is a statue of Peter and we were surprised to see a line of people waiting to kiss Peter's feet. In fact, the feet of the statue are partly worn away from all the kissing and rubbing over the decades.



A dove with an olive leaf in it's mouth, reminding us of what Noah saw after the flood, also a symbol of peace. On the walls of the Basilica.



The following are various pictures from the Vatican Library, which is actually not a library as we know it - with books. It's really a library of art over the centuries.







Jesus at his resurrection. You'll see holes in his hands and feet.




Michaelangelo's sculptures. You'll notice fig leaves sculpted over the private areas. This is because the Pope at the time - Pope Julius - was offended at the nudity of Michaelangelo's sculptures, so he hired an apprentice of the sculpture to form fig leaves over these areas. (I think he missed a few because well, nevermind.)