Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica

Vatican City is a 110 acre enclave in Rome that is actually the smallest sovereign state in the world. It is the center of the Catholic Church, where Pope Benedict XVI resides and the home of the massive St. Peter's Basilical.

Vatican City or The Holy See was created in 1929 and has about 800 residents, granting them passports and issuing postage stamps. The Vatican Museums hold an incredible art collection and the Sistine Chapel holds the amazing frescoes of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphel.

While my parents were in Rome I made another visit to The Vatican. It is overwhelming to attempt to take in all of the art, architecture and extreme wealth that a visit to The Vatican has to offer. Photographing all of St. Peter's Basilica could take weeks!

As a tourist visiting The Vatican, expect long lines always- but especially on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The best time to visit is early in the morning one weekdays. The Vatican museum can take the better part of an afternoon to visit. Allow a full day if you are interested in exploring St. Peter's the tombs and the Vatican Museum.

Munich Churches and Cathedrals

Munich is a city with a beautiful skyline and some great architecture, most of it rebuilt after World War II ended in 1945.

There are many beautiful churches to visit within the city center. Here are some photographs of my visit to a few of the many churches within Munich.

St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna

While in Vienna St. Stephens Cathedral is a must to visit.

My friends and I climbed to the top of the tower, which was quite a hike (445 ft hight to be exact)! The views from the top are spectacular. I recommend climbing to the top of the tower first, this way you are able to get a better idea of the layout of the city.

If you are claustrophobic this climb is not a good idea. The entire way up is a narrow windy staircase (there is an elevator available as well).

The Churches of Prague

Throughout Prague churches and cathedrals dominate the skyline. One of the most visible churches is St. Vitus Cathedral which is located in the Prague Castle complex.

I found visiting St. Vitus Cathedral to be overwhelming. After all, it took nearly six centuries to complete building the Gothic masterpiece.

St. Vitus is the largest temple in Prague and houses the royal tombs of Czech kings and queens as well as patron saints.

Also pictured in the last two photographs are St. George's Basilica and St. Nicholas Church at Malostranske Namesti, respectively.

The Duomo in Florence

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is known as the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

The basilica is noted for it's huge dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and its colorful marble exterior. Construction was started in 1296 by Cardinal Valeriana and would last last 170 years.

The Duomo has a great impact on the skyline of Florence. At times it lurks like a giant in the background. Some of the best views of the Duomo can be caught glancing down a side street.

While in Florence be sure to climb the Duomo- from the top you can take in some spectacular views of Florence!

Ciao for Now!