Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Vatican City is lit up at night and offers a spectacular view of some of the most outstanding architecture in the world. And it's all yours with little competition from the busy travelers and tourists you find during the day.
The Basilica of St. Peter is truly spectacular at night. The huge expanse of St. Peter's Square can be quite overwhelming during the day. Did you know that each of the statues along the promenade surrounding the square represents a different saint? Did you ever hear of St. Tecla? She's represented there. A good guidebook, with the time to enjoy the extraordinary scene, will bring you much of the culture and history of Christianity.
During the Middle Ages, when the Vatican was under attack by its enemies, the Pope and his supporters left the Vatican itself and took an underground passage to another of the impressive sights of the Vatican City, Castel Sant'Angelo. This fortress, now a museum, is as impressive lit up at night, as it was to the enemies of the Pope in earlier days. Castel Sant'Angelo lies along the Tiber River and provides a view enjoyed by visitors for centuries. If you're really observant you might make out the section on the Castle where Tosca jumped to her death in Puccini's opera of that name.
Depending on the time of year, you might be able to enjoy nightlife at the Vatican that's more familiar to world travelers - but still of the family variety. Easter celebrations at the Vatican on the Friday and Saturday before Easter start in the early evening and can be well worth the price of admission. A Christmas concert, "Natale in Vaticano", is another family event that starts around 8:00 PM and brings individuals and groups from around the world to serenade you.
The Vatican's official web site, or many of the tourist books and web sites, can give you the open and closing hours for the many attractions in Vatican City as well as their costs. Concerts, similar to those mentioned here, are regular attractions and, if you're looking for something to do at night in Vatican City, you shouldn't be disappointed.
From the Tiber to St. Peter's Square, Vatican City offers a place to stroll at night. Even in winter the not unpleasant weather shouldn't hinder you from enjoying spectacular architecture, a quiet observation of history and the knowledge that you, and that only other family in St. Peter's Square, can enjoy their evenings.
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