As Anthony Bourdain once said ” If I’m in Rome for only 48 hours, I would consider it a sin against God to not eat cacio e pepe, the most uniquely Roman of pastas, in some crummy little joint where Romans eat. I’d much rather do that than go to the Vatican. That’s Rome to me. He’s not wrong, but the Holy See is much more than we might suspect. Sure, there are all sorts of stories / rumours / conjectures floating above, below and beyond this obscure place, but that should make the avid traveler even more compelled to see it, soak it in and walk away with – hopefully – a more concise opinion.
If you aren’t able to make it there, or want another view point, the always excellent DW.com has recently published the video below, where they dig deeper into what most people see or perceive of this complex and fascinating organization.
The Vatican’s complexity is rooted in its long and layered history. Over the centuries, the Vatican has evolved from a simple area of Christian pilgrimage to the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Its historical development, spanning over two millennia, has resulted in a complex set of traditions, structures, and roles.
Despite its small size, the Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries and international organizations. Its unique status as both a religious and sovereign entity necessitates a diplomatic apparatus capable of navigating complex international relations, often balancing spiritual and political considerations.
In summary, the Vatican’s complexity stems from its multifaceted roles as a religious center, sovereign state, cultural treasure trove, and international actor. Its long and layered history, combined with contemporary challenges, requires a sophisticated and adaptive approach to governance, diplomacy, and stewardship.
Talk the train to the Vatican. The Trainline makes it easy and smart to do so. Click here to look and book.
Viator has dozens of activities in The Vatican. Click here to explore your adventure.