Atheists and The Vatican: Secular Tourist Hotspots
Although, Vatican City is the world headquarters for the Catholic Church and
everything focuses on religion, it not a place where only Catholics are welcome.
In fact, many of the tourists who visit each year may not even be of any
religious denomination. But the history and magnificence of the city attracts
all walks of people and thus, atheists are just as welcome.
One interesting point while speaking about the Vatican is the origin of the
name. Most people incorrectly assume the word has something to do with religion
but in fact the name is an ancient term referring to a marshy area on the Tiber
River. So, although we think of Catholicism when we hear Vatican, it actually
refers to a specific location.
For those interested in archaeological sites, the newest necropolis, uncovered in 2003 when excavation began for a parking structure, is a fabulous find. The graves date back over two thousand years and bodies from both rich and poor were found. Oddly enough, the find also included pagan themes alongside a praying woman. Religious members thought this significant as it showed that Christianity was finding its way into family life.
Everyone touring Vatican City will undoubtedly visit the Sistine Chapel. Made famous by the stupendous creations of Michelangelo, the ceiling was restored between 1980 and 1990. Another noteworthy area is Saint Peter's Square with its centerpiece "obelisk" that had been brought from ancient Egypt to Rome by the Roman Emperor Caligula in the First Century AD.
In order to see the magnificent views of Saint Peter's Square and all of Vatican City, tourists will climb the almost five hundred and forty stairs to the top of the dome of Saint Peters. The Vatican Observatory will also be an exciting place to visit. One of the oldest astronomical institutes in the world, it has a long history of achievements and works in collaboration with like institutes in other countries.
Recently the Vatican opened its Philatelic and Numismatic Museum that displays the Vatican's production of stamp and coin effects dating back to 1929. The pieces include postmarks, original sketches for stamps, bronze casts and typographic plates. Certainly any of the museums would be of great interest to atheists and theists alike. Some brief notes on the other museums:
- Pinacoteca is a grand display of paintings that range in origin from the Middle Ages to 1900. The paintings are presented in rooms in chronological order starting with the twelfth century and gradually advancing to the nineteenth century.
- Egyptian Museum includes sculptures, Greek original works and Roman copies. It also includes models of worship from all over the world that are not of the Catholic religion.
- Chariot Room holds a large marble Roman chariot from the First Century.
- Indeed, there are many more museums such as the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Carriage Pavilion that one would keep one busy for some time.
Views of The Vatican
