Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
solini, however, spoiled the effect when he had much of the Borgo district razed to the
ground and the monumental Via della Conciliazione built.
The scale of the piazza is dazzling: at its largest it measures 340m by 240m; there are
284 columns and, on top of the colonnades, 140 saints. In the midst of all this the pope
seems very small as he delivers his weekly address at noon on Sunday.
The 25m obelisk in the centre was brought to Rome by Caligula from Heliopolis in
Egypt and later used by Nero as a turning post for the chariot races in his circus.
VATICAN MUSEUMS
See
Click here
.
MUSEUM
VATICAN GARDENS
GARDEN
(
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va
;
adult/reduced incl Vatican Museums €32/24; by reservation only; Ottavi-
ano-San Pietro)
Up to half of the Vatican is covered by the perfectly manicured Vatican Gar-
dens, which contain fortifications, grottoes, monuments and fountains dating from the 9th
century to the present day. Visits are by two-hour guided tour only, for which you'll need
to book at least a week in advance.
PAPAL AUDIENCES
At 11am on Wednesday, the pope addresses his flock at the Vatican (in July and August in Castel Gandolfo near
Rome). For details of how to apply for free tickets, see the Vatican website (
www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/
When he is in Rome, the pope blesses the crowd in St Peter's Square on Sunday at noon. No tickets are re-
quired.
Borgo
Overshadowed by Castel Sant'Angelo, this quarter retains a low-key medieval charm des-
pite the batteries of restaurants, hotels and pizzerias.
CASTEL SANT'ANGELO
MUSEUM
( 06 681 91 11; Lungotevere Castello 50; adult/reduced €8.50/6; 9am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, last admission 6.30pm;
Piazza Pia)
With its chunky round keep, this castle is an instantly recognisable landmark.
Built as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian, it was converted into a papal fortress in
