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Vatican Rules & Regulations | Know What You Can & Cannot Do

The landlocked city-state of the Vatican came into existence with the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929. It is a land of great religious and cultural significance, drawing millions of visitors each year. By virtue of being the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, they have some strict rules and regulations in place. If you are planning a trip to the Vatican make sure that you familiarise yourself with these guidelines so that you can enjoy a hassle-free trip

Vatican Rules & Regulations

• You have to be dressed appropriately to gain entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens.
• Visitors are not permitted to wear sleeveless, low-cut garments, shorts that end above the knee, miniskirts, and hats.
• Those with any visible personal objects or personal signs, such as jewelry or tattoos that may offend Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, and common decency will also be denied entry.

Personal Belongings

• Visitors will have to leave luggage, suitcases, bags, packages, and containers bigger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm in the cloakroom.
• Rucksacks that can be carried on the shoulders and don't exceed the widest part of the body by more than 15 cm can be carried inside.
• Jewelry, valuable objects, wallets, phones, video cameras, etc cannot be stowed in the cloakroom.
• However, visitors should not leave their baggage in the Vatican Museums if they are headed to St Peter's Basilica.

Forbidden Items

• Medium and large umbrellas, as well as full-length non-folding umbrellas, sticks (walking sticks not included), video cameras, banners, and signs of any type must be left in the cloakroom. You can avail yourself of cloakroom services for free.
• Knives, scissors, and/or metal tools of various types to be stored in the cloakroom.
• Firearms or other dangerous materials cannot be brought into the Museums.
• The use of any type of laser pointer and amplified microphones are not permitted in the Vatican Museums.

Food & Drink

• Alcoholic beverages will not be allowed inside the Vatican Museums and must be left in the cloakroom.
• You cannot eat or drink when inside the exhibition halls.

• The use of mobile phones is strongly discouraged inside the exhibition spaces.
• Phones must be kept on silent mode.

• The Vatican Museums are a "no smoking area".
• Electronic cigarettes and similar instruments are also not allowed inside.

Visiting Sistine Chapel

• While visiting the Sistine Chapel visitors are requested to observe absolute silence.
• Photography is prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
• Using mobile phones is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.

Pets and Guide Dogs

• Animals are not allowed access to the Vatican Museums, as well as to the museum of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo.
• Guide dogs for the blind or partially-sighted are allowed. However, they must be equipped with a muzzle and lead. Inform the concerned persons by sending an email to [email protected] at least one day in advance.

Photography

• Visitors are allowed to take photographs for personal and domestic use only.
• Flash photography is forbidden.
• The use of tripods, stands, drones, selfie sticks, and/or professional equipment is not allowed.
• Flash photography is strictly forbidden.

• Paper, tins, bottles, and other refuse must not be discarded in the Vatican Museums.
• They must be placed in the appropriate containers placed outside the itinerary.

Lost & Found

• If you have lost a personal belonging, report at the nearest security point.
• If you have already left the Museums, email [email protected] .
• All items stored in the cloakroom should be collected on the same day, before the closing of the Museums. If not, the item will be considered a lost property and destroyed within 48 hours.

Safeguarding Works of Art

• Visitors, apart from blind and partially sighted visitors participating in tactile and multisensory visits, are prohibited from touching the works of art throughout the museums.
• Remember that all the works conserved within the Museums are equipped with an advanced alarm and video surveillance system.

Visiting Vatican Museums

Skip-the-line at Vatican

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Visit of PM to the Vatican City

His Holiness Pope Francis received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Saturday, 30 October 2021.

This was the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in more than two decades. In June 2000, Late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope, His Holiness John Paul II. India and The Holy See have friendly relations dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. India is home to the second largest Catholic population in Asia.

During today’s meeting, the two leaders discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. They also discussed the challenge posed by climate change. Prime Minister briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India’s success in administering one billion Covid-19 vaccination doses. His Holiness appreciated India’s assistance to countries in need during the pandemic.

Prime Minster extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Francis to visit India at an early date, which was accepted with pleasure.

Prime Minister also met Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

At the Vatican City, PM @narendramodi had a meeting with Pope Francis. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/o9OobfIBkL — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 30, 2021

Had a very warm meeting with Pope Francis. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with him and also invited him to visit India. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/QP0If1uJAC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2021

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!

Planning a trip to Vatican City and not quite sure where to start? Home to several incredible sights, a strict dress code, some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and enormous crowds, visiting the Vatican for the first time can be a bit overwhelming.

In other words, visiting the Vatican packs quite the punch considering that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Vatican, from the best way to enjoy the museums to when to go to exactly what to wear.

Table of Contents

What to See When Visiting the Vatican

Important tips for visiting the vatican museums, should you take a vatican museums tour, all about visiting st. peter’s basilica, how to get to vatican city, faq about visiting vatican city.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

When visitors talk about visiting the Vatican, they’re most commonly referring to visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, but visiting Vatican City can easily extend beyond those popular sights.

Here are the parts of Vatican City to consider when planning your visit, from the incredibly popular to the fairly niche.

St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is the easiest part of the Vatican to visit–you can simply walk in and admire the beautiful oval square and exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica without any advance planning.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most incredible works of art in the entire world, including Raphael’s most famous frescoes and the Sistine Chapel.

You will need a ticket or tour to visit, and when people talk about how long the lines are to get into the Vatican, they’re most commonly referring to the lines for the museums–we’ll cover more on that in the next section of this Vatican City blog post.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo, is one of the most well-known houses of worship on the planet.

It is accessed through the Vatican Museums and cannot be visited separately.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church on the planet, and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture (Michelangelo and Bernini both contributed to its design).

It is free to visit, but you will need to pass through a security checkpoint to enter, and the lines for that can get very long.

You can also visit the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica (unlike visiting the basilica itself, climbing the dome does require a ticket–more on that below), and from there you can admire incredible views of St. Peter’s Square.

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis (or “scavi”) lies below St. Peter’s Basilica–and even below the “grotto” area that is also under St. Peter’s Basilica.

This area was a cemetery dating back to the first century, and, most importantly to Christian history, it is the presumed resting place of St. Peter himself.

Tours are required and absolutely must be booked in advance. If you’d like to tour directly with the Vatican, there are directions for how to email them (yep, it’s done by email!) here . 

Alternatively, this well-reviewed tour will allow you to visit the Vatican Necropolis and is much more straightforward to arrange.

Check availability and book your Vatican Necropolis tour today!

The Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are beautiful and exclusive–only a handful of reservations are accepted per day (so like the Necropolis, you absolutely must plan ahead), and therefore they are never crowded.

Like the Vatican Necropolis, the Vatican Gardens must be visited as part of a tour like this .

Book your Vatican Gardens tour today!

Papal Audience

When the Pope is at home in Vatican City, he gives an audience each Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square that is open to anyone who would like to join.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance .

The Vatican Museums house the largest private art collection in the world–and despite the enormous amount of art and historical artifacts displayed, only the tiniest sliver of the complete collection is on display to the public!

Beautiful, overwhelming, and one of the most highly sought-after art museums in the world, visiting the Vatican Museums can be a bit of an intense experience.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Don’t rush to the Sistine Chapel.

I know on our first visit to the Vatican Museums, we were highly anticipating the Sistine Chapel and always hoping it was coming up soon… but it’s one of the last things you see, so be sure to appreciate everything along the way!

Plan to spend at least two hours in the museums.

Three is even better, but it is hard to visit the Vatican Museums in less than two hours without simply making a beeline for the Sistine Chapel and not paying attention to much else.

Once you add in time to get there, security checks, potentially waiting in line, and maybe visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, it’s best to consider visiting the Vatican at least a half-day commitment if you’re going to be touring the museums.

Strongly consider booking a guided tour.

Guided tours add so much context to a Vatican Museums visit, and offer the opportunity to learn so much about the history of the art in the museums. They also make visiting the Vatican far less stressful from start to finish.

We’ve visited the Vatican Museums both independently and with a guided tour, and after experiencing both, strongly recommend a tour.

This is the tour we took and loved, and this is another great option .

Book your Vatican Museums tour today!

… and at the very least, absolutely book skip-the-line tickets.

Absolutely don’t want to take a Vatican Museums tour, or just don’t have the budget for it?

That’s completely understandable. In that case, we recommend booking skip-the-line tickets (ideally these early-access ones , but skip-the-line tickets for the normal operating hours are very helpful as well).

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the lines to access the Vatican Museums are the worst we have ever seen at any museum in the world. 

During one of our longer trips to Rome, we stayed just beyond the Vatican Museums for a solid month and walked past the line for the museums almost every day–and as mid-October turned into mid-November, the lines remained incredibly overwhelming.

Grab your first-access skip-the-line tickets or general admission skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums now!

Keep in mind alternative hours.

The typical opening hours for the Vatican Museums are Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with the last entry at 4:00 PM).

However, there are a few ways to access the Vatican Museums outside these hours if you’d like to mix up your visit!

Early Morning VIP Entry

With early-morning entry, either via pre-booked tickets for an independent visit or via a tour, you can enter the Vatican Museums as early as 7:30 AM, therefore avoiding the worst of the crowds (and during warm weather, the worst of the heat).

This incredibly popular tour a tried-and-true early morning option for touring the Vatican Museums!

Book your first-access Vatican Museums tour or skip-the-line tickets today!

Friday Nights Between April and October

For seven months out of the year, the Vatican Museums are open on Friday nights until 11:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM), and we can personally attest that visiting the Vatican Museums at night is an incredible experience (and far less crowded than general entry hours).

We took this amazing tour on a Friday night and loved it!

Book the Friday night Vatican Museums tour we loved today!

Last Sunday of the Month

The Vatican Museums are typically (and unsurprisingly) closed on Sundays, but on the last Sunday of the month, the museums are open until 2:00 PM (last entry at 12:30 PM).

Like many free museum days around the world, the general rule of thumb with visiting the Vatican Museums on a free Sunday is that it’s a great option for those on a strict budget, and a terrible one for those who want to avoid extremely heavy crowds.

Make sure to follow the dress code!

There is a dress code for visiting the Vatican Museums. Essentially, no shorts, no bare shoulders, no cleavage, and no hats. 

In our experience, this is most strongly enforced in the Sistine Chapel, but as a gesture of respect and to avoid the risk of being denied entry, you should absolutely follow the Vatican Museums’ dress code.

We recommend light, loose clothing that will allow you to stay both covered and   cool, because the museums can get very warm.

With limited exceptions, there is no air-conditioning in the museums.

Only a few rooms are air-conditioned, so as you can imagine, during Rome’s hot summer months it can be a bit blistering inside the Vatican Museums.

Avoiding the heat (which is, of course, made even worse due to the heavy crowds that are normally visiting the Vatican) is another good reason to book an early morning or Friday night Vatican tour–not only will there be fewer crowds, the museums will be much cooler!

Don’t take photos in the Sistine Chapel.

Despite this being obviously and clearly banned, complete with repeated announcements every few minutes from the security officers and strict enforcement, you’ll still see people trying to snap photos of the Sistine Chapel. Don’t be one of them!

The photos of the Sistine Chapel I’ve used in this Vatican blog post are stock photos for that reason.

Don’t plan to eat at the Vatican Museums if possible.

There is a cafeteria inside the museums selling basic meals and snacks if you get hungry, but with so much incredible food to eat in Rome, it’s best to plan your meals for before or after your Vatican Museums visit if at all possible.

You won’t see the famous spiral staircase isn’t until the very end of your visit.

It’s one of the absolute last things you’ll see in the Vatican Museums–even after the Sistine Chapel–so don’t expect to see it early on!

Yes, absolutely!

We think the Vatican Museums are one of the best places to splurge on a tour in Rome–even more than at the Colosseum.

The context gained is incredible, and having a tour guide also makes visiting the enormous museums much less stressful and overwhelming.

We’ve visited the Vatican both independently and with a tour, and absolutely preferred our visit with a tour.

We took this Friday evening tour and loved it, but this tour is another phenomenal option.

Shop excellent, well-reviewed Vatican Museums tours today!

Sprawling and stunning, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and an absolute must-see sight when visiting the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter.

You do not need a ticket to enter St. Peter’s Basilica–it is completely free to visit!

… but you do have to go through a security line first.

This line follows the curve of St. Peter’s Square and tends to grow throughout the day, and is in place for security. You’ll pass through a metal detector and have your bags checked when you reach the front.

The line can get excruciatingly long–if you’re not visiting St. Peter’s Basilica as part of a longer tour, we recommend arriving either very early in the morning (it opens at 7:00 AM every day except Wednesday) or in the early evening–the crowds often start to die off a couple hours before closing (6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the time of year).

You should absolutely visit the dome.

The view overlooking St. Peter’s Square from the cupola is one of our favorite views in all of Rome–and the views of the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica from above are pretty phenomenal, too.

We absolutely recommend climbing the dome when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica unless 1) you have difficulty climbing large amounts of stairs (you must climb a minimum of 320 steps to access the dome), or 2) you’re uncomfortable in tight spaces–there are some very closed-in areas on the way up.

You can buy tickets inside St. Peter’s Basilica, and they’re currently 10 Euro for a ticket that involves a partial elevator ride, or 8 Euro if you’re willing to climb all 551 steps (the elevator ticket lets you bypass 200 or so steps).

The biggest benefit to the cheaper ticket, though, is not the lower price but the fact that it normally has a much shorter line than the elevator option!

Vatican City is located in the heart of Rome and is easily accessed by either foot, metro, or bus.

Keep in mind that unless you’re on a special tour that gives you a workaround (more on that in the FAQ section), it’s a 15-minute walk around the edge of the Vatican from St. Peter’s Square to the entrance to the Vatican Museums.

St. Peter’s Square is closer to Centro Storico, so if you’re approaching by foot, you’ll likely come across it first.

We absolutely love walking through Rome, and one of our favorite walks winds from Centro Storico all the way to St. Peter’s Square–in other words, the Vatican is absolutely accessible by foot!

For example, St. Peter’s Square is a 35-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and a 25-minute walk from the Pantheon.

Those times might sound long, but in addition to all the general beauty of Centro Storico, you’ll find some interesting highlights along the way such as Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo.

From St. Peter’s Square, it’s another 15 minutes by foot to the entrance to the Vatican Museums. 

There are two metro stops close-ish to the Vatican: Ottaviano and Cipro, which are each a short walk from the Vatican Museums entrance.

There are several bus lines that stop near Vatican City, with the most frequent being 40 and 64.

Have more questions about visiting the Vatican?

Here are the answers to some of the most common Vatican City FAQs!

Can you reach St. Peter’s Basilica from inside the Vatican Museums?

Yes… but only on a tour.

There is a semi-infamous door between the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica links the two together and makes it possible to go right from the museums into the basilica without taking a (long) walk and waiting in line again, but independent visitors cannot use it.

Some guided tours, though, like this one , do give you the opportunity to use this door.

Otherwise, you’ll need to wait in line to enter St. Peter’s .

What is the Vatican City dress code?

When in the Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, or Sistine Chapel, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything sleeveless, any shorts, or showing cleavage.

Hats are also not allowed.

If you’re just visiting St. Peter’s Square, you don’t need to subscribe to the dress code.

You can see the official language of the dress code here .

Is Vatican City a country?

Yes, it is–it’s the smallest country in the world, covering only 0.2 miles of land area.

It’s also one of the only absolute monarchies in the world, with the Pope ruling it both as the Pope (overseeing The Holy See, aka the Catholic Church), and the King (overseeing the country of Vatican City).

Vatican City is not part of the UN, but The Holy See (aka the Catholic Church) is a permanent observer of the UN.

Do you need your passport to enter the Vatican?

Even though it is a country, there’s no need to bring your passport when visiting the Vatican.

Can you visit Vatican City for free?

If your goal is only to step inside the country of Vatican City, you can enter St. Peter’s Square (for free, and without waiting in line) and St. Peter’s Basilica (for free, but after waiting in line) to pay a quick visit to the country.

Can you get a Vatican City passport stamp?

No, Vatican City doesn’t offer passport stamps.

However, you can buy a postcard in the gift shop and mail it home from Vatican City! 

It will be processed through the Vatican’s mail system, and many people use it as a unique souvenir from their visit to the Vatican in lieu of a stamp.

Can you see the Pope when visiting the Vatican?

We covered this a bit above, but essentially, every Wednesday morning that the Pope is in Vatican City, he’ll give an audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City?

No, you can’t.

The Sistine Chapel is one of the final stops when touring the Vatican Museums and can’t be seen without visiting the museums.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica part of the Vatican Museums?

No, it’s not.

You can visit St. Peter’s Basilica separately from the museums.

Should you visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day?

You can, but be prepared for a long day, as you’ll have to enter both areas separately… unless you book a tour that includes both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, that is.

In that case, you’ll be able to seamlessly visit both without exiting the Vatican Museums and waiting in an additional line to access St. Peter’s Basilica.

This tour is a popular option that includes both!

Book your Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s Basilica tour today!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!”

I am SOOO happy I followed your link for a tour to Vatican City and everything in it! We’re going there 1st week of April and all of the tours through their website were booked or super $$$! I went to your link for TakeWalks Tours and got a great price for the Chapel, Musuems and Basilica! I’m going to keep scouring your site for our perfect Italian vacation!

That is so wonderful to hear, thanks for sharing, Julie! I hope you guys have an incredible trip to Italy! 🙂

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Top 13 Things To See in Vatican City

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 11, 2024

There’s so much to see in Vatican City in such a short time that it can be overwhelming and confusing . Don’t worry, we’re here to help you plan your Vatican adventure! Here’s our list of the top things you have to see in Vatican City.

Pro Tip: Planning can be tough, but it’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to planning your visit to the Vatican , where you’ll find everything you need. Also, check out our article on the  best Vatican tours .

What To See In Vatican City

Vatican City is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the smallest independent country in the world. It is home to some of the greatest works of art in the world and an unforgettable experience not only for lovers of art but also of history, culture, and architecture.

Welcoming around 19,000 visitors per day, it can be an overwhelming place to visit. To guide you through it, we’ve created this list of the top things to see in Vatican City. To be fair, there are far more things to see here at the Vatican, so you can also read our ultra-comprehensive list of what to see at the Vatican here (written by a licensed Vatican guide!).

Not ready to book a tour? See if a Vatican tour is worth it .

13. Discover an Ancient World in the Egyptian Gallery

This collection showcases the relationship between the Roman Empire and Egypt. As you might know, Mark Antony and Julius Caesar both had relations with Cleopatra. This gallery features sculptures and other artworks from ancient Egypt.

Among other pieces acquired by former popes, find impressive Egyptian sculptures and prized sarcophagi from the third century B.C. The collection occupies five rooms, so plan to spend about 25 minutes in each.

12. Stroll Through the Manicured Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowded Vatican Museums by strolling through the charming Vatican Gardens. Did you know these gardens are home to 100 different fountains?

Access the Vatican Gardens by booking a full day tour of the Vatican Museums, gardens, and Castle Gandolfo with us. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy this oasis of peace and tranquility in the busy city of Rome. Soak up the beauty of the innumerable grottoes, antiquities, and world-class landscaping. Plus, prepare yourself for some incredible views of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Popular Rome Tours

Best-Selling Tour

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our “in a day” tour is best way to get your bearings all in one day. Visit the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and more with a licensed, fun English-speaking tour guide. They’ll add tons of insights and make the entire experience so much more memorable. Also, you’ll get a feel for the city, so it’s a great option on one of your first days in Rome. Bring your walking shoes and water bottle!

Best Price!

Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

One of our most popular Vatican tours since it is such an amazing value. Skip the line to get inside with a super-knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who will bring the museum to life with stories of the artists, popes, conspiracy, love, and even tragedy! This tour has start times throughout the day so you can choose when to visit based on your schedule!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Vatican tours to take and why.

11. Feast your Eyes on Masterworks in the Pinacoteca

Though many visitors overlook the beautiful Pinacoteca, this picture gallery is a great pit stop on your Vatican City adventure. This semi-modern section of the Vatican gives visitors the opportunity to study 460 works of art painted by the likes of Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Leonardo, Guido Reni, and Giotto.

Art lovers and historians can spend hours in the Pinacoteca studying the iconic works, but even as a casual Vatican visitor, the incredible collection is worth seeing.

10. Explore the Beautiful Pinecone Courtyard

Who would have thought that a giant pinecone would adorn one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Vatican Museums? Named after the colossal bronze pinecone that once stood near the Pantheon next to the Temple of Isis, the Pinecone Courtyard was designed by Donato Bramante.

From here, catch an amazing view of St. Peter’s Dome. If you’re lucky, the guards let you spin the giant fractured sphere sculpture in the center of the spacious courtyard.

9. Hear the Scandalous Stories of the Borgia Apartments

Now part of the Vatican Museums, the Borgia Apartments were the scene of murder and scandal—but you wouldn’t know it just by looking at them. This is why you should definitely take a Vatican tour ! Your guide will share the stories of the Borgia as you walk through these beautiful rooms.

Alexander VI Borgia was arguably the most scandalous pope the papacy ever had. These rooms were the private living quarters of the pope and his immediate family. Due to their reputation and the harm they did to others, future popes refused to live in these apartments.

As you enter the Room of the Sibyls, take a look at the impressive frescoes on the ceiling painted mainly by Antonio da Viterbo. Then, look around—legend has it that this is the room where Cesare Borgia killed his sister Lucrezia’s husband in 1500.

8. Admire Laocoön and His Sons at the Pio-Clementino Museum

The Vatican’s Pio-Clementino Museum is one of Rome’s best collections of ancient Greek and Roman statues. In the octagonal Belvedere Courtyard, check out the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso.

Then, visit the biggest and oldest bathtubs you’ll ever see. Nero’s Bathtub measures an incredible 25 feet in diameter. Take a close look at the red marble, it is so rare the tub can’t be recreated.

Read more in our Pio-Clementino Museum guide !

7. Walk Through the Gallery of the Candelabra

Here come the headliners of the Vatican Museums: The Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps. You’ll walk through them on your way to the Sistine Chapel, but we hope you’ll take a moment in each to appreciate these impressive spaces.

Originally an open-air loggia built in 1761, the long hallway of the Gallery of the Candelabra was walled at the end of the 18th century. Now, it’s divided into six sections full of notable statues, relics, and works of art. Keep an eye out for one of the more unique statues, the Artemis of Ephesus. It depicts the fertility goddess with a number of bull’s testicles, which are often misidentified.

6. See the Renaissance Eye Trick in the Gallery of Tapestries

The Gallery of the Tapestries is 245 feet long and features large tapestries on both walls down the entire hallway. On the left wall, you’ll see impressive tapestries designed by the master Raphael. These designs, called cartoons, were then sent to master tapestry makers in Belgium.

A particularly interesting tapestry is the Resurrection of Christ . It shows a triumphant Christ exiting from the cave where he was buried. A little secret, if you are in this room, is to stare at Jesus’ eyes from one side of the painting to the other—his eyes will follow you! A little Renaissance eye trick.

5. Discover the World Anew in the Gallery of Maps

Our personal favorite of these three Vatican galleries is the Gallery of the Maps . Prior to the era of Google Maps, the map frescoes provided insight into how Renaissance Italians viewed themselves and their surroundings.

Pre-dating a unified Italy by nearly 300 years, the Gallery of Maps shows the length and breadth of the peninsula circa 1580. These highlights of the Vatican Museums are all covered in our Vatican tours . If you want to see these galleries and the Sistine Chapel with an art historian by your side, this is your best bet.

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This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. It enters the Vatican Museums an hour before the general public and visits the Sistine Chapel before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica. Our English-speaking guides will amaze you with how they bring the museums to life!

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You’ve heard about the crowds at the Vatican, but did you know that the museums are almost empty in the evening? This night tour of the Vatican is perfect for those who prefer to explore Rome later at night. You’ll have 2 hours of a guided tour to key areas in the Vatican, plus the Sistine Chapel. And you’re welcome to stay on your own until the museums close at 10 pm!

4. Visit St. Peter’s Square

Even if you don’t make it to the Vatican Museums, visiting St. Peter’s Square is a must on your trip to Rome. Located in Vatican City, at the feet of St. Peter’s Basilica, the massive piazza is enclosed by two massive arms of four rows of colonnades. As you walk up to the square, notice how the square looks like it has two massive arms welcoming you. 

The construction of the square was carried out between 1656 and 1667 by artist Bernini, with the support of Pope Alexander XII. Although St. Peter’s Square is in the heart of the Vatican, many tourists consider it an important part of the Eternal City as well. In fact, St. Peter’s is the largest open space in Rome.

3. See the School of Athens in the Raphael Rooms

Raphael was one of Rome’s most famous Renaissance artists who encompassed all the ideals of a Renaissance man. In constant competition with Michelangelo, the artist designed and frescoed multiple rooms connected to the Vatican Museums, which you can read more about here .

Among other masterpieces, visit one of Raphael’s most famous works of art: The School of Athens. A depiction of philosophy, the painting represents all the greatest mathematicians, philosophers, and scientists sharing ideas and learning from each other. In an early version of a selfie, Raphael painted himself into the painting! Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, engaged in dialogue, take center stage in the masterpiece.

2. Take in the Opulence of St. Peter’s Basilica

Don’t miss this! St. Peter’s Basilica is a massive church filled with artwork from some of the most celebrated artists in history. On a Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica tour , enter through a special door and skip the lines to get straight inside the most opulent church in the world.

Once inside, admire masterpieces that include the Il Baldacchino, La Pieta , the statue of St. Peter, and many more. Not an art fanatic? That’s ok, just the size of this place will impress you. With awe-inspiring architecture and elaborate wall designs, St. Peter’s has the potential to leave any traveler speechless.

1. Be Awed by the Sistine Chapel

Since the Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums, entrance is included in your ticket. Now restored, every detail and color is visible. Only when you’re inside, is it clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in Western civilization. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, we offer a skip-the-line Vatican Tour that goes straight to the Sistine Chapel when it’s almost empty. When you enter the Sistine Chapel, you’ll get a sense of just how high the ceiling is and how many paintings are up there. Since the chapel is a place of worship, speaking is forbidden inside.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it .

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Ayodhya To Surpass Mecca, Vatican As Global Spiritual Tourism Hotspot: Analysts

Since PM Modi inaugurated the Hindu pilgrimage site of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor on the banks of the Ganges in 2021 in his constituency of Varanasi, more than 130 million tourists have visited the area, according to government data.

"With today's event, definitely the momentum is with the BJP", said Sandeep Shastri.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated one of the holiest Hindu temples and his government has been spending millions of dollars to develop many others, boosting tourism and his appeal among the majority community ahead of elections.

Apart from a $6 billion makeover of the northern city of Ayodhya, where PM Modi opened the first phase of a Ram Temple, the government has spent nearly $120 million to develop dozens of Hindu pilgrimage sites in the past decade, according to government data, and more funding is planned.

The Ram Temple, built on the site of a Mughal-era mosque that was razed by a Hindu mob in 1992 and where Hindus believe Lord Ram was born, is estimated to draw up to 100 million tourists a year, according to Jefferies analysts. In comparison, about 9 million people visit Vatican City in a year and about 20 million Mecca.

"The creation of a new religious tourist centre (Ayodhya) with improved connectivity and infrastructure can create a meaningfully large economic impact," the analysts wrote in a note.

The yearly footfall in Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, was barely 7 million before that.

Analysts say tourism income for locals and hotels in Varanasi - by dying where Hindus believe to attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth - have surged by up to 65%.

With nearly $200 billion in revenue, tourism contributes about 7% of India's economy, which is below most large emerging and developed economies by up to 5 percentage points.

The new temple and renovations of many others are likely to greatly boost the electoral prospects of PM Modi. Monday's inauguration fulfilled a decades-old election pledge of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"With today's event, definitely the momentum is with the BJP," said political commentator Sandeep Shastri. "It may be fair to say that any political party would like to make the best of a situation they find themselves in, and the BJP seems to have mastered the art of managing the message."

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Out of the 46 projects funded under the Ministry of Tourism's "Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive" since PM Modi came to power in 2014, only about half a dozen are Muslim or Sikh sites. Muslims account for about 14% of India's population of 1.42 billion, most of them Hindus.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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• 10 Majestic Places To Visit In Vatican City, The Holiest Destination In The World

23 Mar 2023

Spread over only 0.44 square kilometers, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world famous all over the world for its beauty. It shares its borders with Rome and is known to be the holiest place in all of Europe. It has many religious and cultural sites, especially pertaining to the Catholic Community and is the home of the Pope, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. Exploring the many architectural wonders and catholic centers in the Vatican City shall instill a sense of calm and peace in your soul. Which is why we have listed some of the best places to visit in Vatican City here so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

10 Places To Visit In Vatican City

Here are the 10 most popular tourist sites in the Vatican City that you must not miss out on during your trip to Europe. All these places in Vatican City are located at a walking distance from each other.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica

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In Italian, the place is known as ‘Basilica di San Pietro in the Vatican’. According to the Catholic tradition, this large church is believed to be the place where Saint Peter was buried. He was among one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. St. Peter’s Basilica has about 100 tombs within its campus. This place is especially famous as a pilgrimage place. The design of the church is worth a visit along with its history. And that is the reason why it tops the list of famous places to visit in Vatican City.

Best time to visit: April to September Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM

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2. Sistine Chapel

Second on the list of best places to visit in Vatican city, Sistine Chapel was constructed between 1473 to 1481. It is a rectangular shaped brick building which is famous for the paintings on its ceiling. This place is the official residence of the Pope. And, is also used for the election of a new Pope by the Sacred College of Cardinals. The place is worth a visit for those who are fond of art and travelling. This place is favourite among the list of famous places to visit in Vatican City.

Best time to visit: May to October Entry fee: 16€ (adults) | 8€ (children and students)

Suggested Read: 35 Best Places To Spend Christmas In Europe

3. Vatican Garden

Vatican Gardens are considered as one of the most beautiful gardens in Rome. Here is an amalgamation of bushes, flowers and trees which makes this place worth a visit. Due to acceptance of a few reservations a day, the garden is not that crowded. One can explore the place for 1-2 hour. This place lies between Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, so, it is just a walking distance away.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM Entry fee: 30€

Suggested Read: 17 Spots For Snorkeling In Europe Every Underwater Enthusiast

4. Vatican Necropolis

The place is one of the best tourist places to visit in Vatican City. This place is situated under the Vatican City. It is located on a depth of 5-12 metres below the St. Peter’s Basilica. It was found in an archaeological excavation in the year 1940-1949. Necropolis does not allow more than 250 people to visit the place so the history lovers are advised to go at prime time to get the maximum out of it. It is located adjacent to Vatican Museum so a walk of a few minutes is required to reach.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Guess Which European City Gets The Title Of World’s Most Liveable City This Year!

5. Museo Chiaramonti

Museo Chiaramonti was inaugurated in 1807 by a sculptor named Canova. The museum is given this name after pope Pius VII Chiaramonti. It joins the Palace of Belvedere to the Vatican Palaces. It has about 1000 antique sculptures of the Roman portrait. Art lovers often visit this place as they find it full of art and ancient culture. And thus, it joins the list of top places to visit in Vatican City. You simply have to walk by the streets of Vatican Museum to reach Museo Chiaramonti.

Open till: 4 PM

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6. Vatican Library

It is one of the oldest libraries in the whole world and it contains a collection of historical texts. About 1.1 million printed books along with 75,000 codices are present in the library. It is a type of research library for history, philosophy, law and science. So, the place is especially for readers and researchers. This place can be visited to boost up the knowledge.

Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM

Suggested Read: 10 Wedding Destinations In Europe For Your Big Day

7. Pinacoteca

This place is a construction of architect Luca Beltrami for Pius XI. This place was inaugurated on 27 October 1932. It is famous for the sculptures it has on its walls. It contains the painting which is said to be the central area of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. The beautiful paintings here attract tourists to visit it at least once. The place is inside the Vatican Museum so it is just a walking distance from St. Peter’s Basilica.

Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

Suggested Read: 10 Best Destinations For Rock Climbing In Europe

8. Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum was founded by Pope Gregory XI in 1839, and that is the reason why it is also known as the Gregorian Egyptian Museum. The museum has nine different rooms having different sculptures which are dedicated to various personalities or events. It has sculptures showing reliefs of ancient Assyria. The place is worth a visit for those who love to see art and culture. It is located at a walking distance from St. Peter’s Square.

Timings: 9 AM – 11 PM

Suggested Read: Europe In March: An Ultimate Guide For An Ultimate Destination

9. Saint Peter’s Square

This is one of the top rated destinations from the table of places to visit in Vatican City. This place is said to be the heart of the Vatican City. Saint Peter’s Square was designed by Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This place can hold about 4,00,000 people at a time. And that is the reason why the Pope artanes his Papal audience at this place. It is the most visited place in Vatican City as everyone goes to visit this place and to capture its beauty in their memories.

Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM

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10. The Colosseum

The colosseum or the ‘Flavian Amphitheatre’ is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world and only this is enough for the place to attract tourists. The Colosseum is the beauty of ancient Roman architecture and masonry. It is perhaps the largest amphitheatre ever constructed. It has seen both the rise and destruction of the Roman Empire. It is just a 15 minutes taxi ride from Vatican City.

Best time to visit: After 3 PM Entry fee: 12€

Further Read: 31 Traditional Festivals In Europe That Will Up The Fun Factor Of Your Euro-Tour

What are you still waiting for? Pack your bags and fly away to Europe to witness all these fascinating places to visit in Vatican City. Dive into the ocean of knowledge and history at this holy center of Catholicism in the world and tell us all about your holiday experience once you’re back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Vatican City

How to reach Vatican City?

The metro and buses in Rome are the best ways to reach Vatican City.

Is one allowed to click photos in Sistine Chapel?

No, tourists are not allowed to click pictures inside the Sistine Chapel.

What is the climate of Vatican City?

The average temperature in Vatican City varies from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. It mostly has a pleasant weather that will allow you to step out and see all these charming places with ease.

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Was the Christian Vatican Originally a Temple to Lord Shiva?

Posted by ShankhNaad | Jun 14, 2014 | Articles on Hinduism  | 500,258 views

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All religions are one and are derived from Vedic Sanatana Dharma. Famous historian P.N. Oak claimed that the word Vatican originally came from the sanskrit word “Vatika”, that “Christianity” came from the sanskrit words “Krishna-neeti”, (“ethics of Krishna” or “the way of Krishna”), and that “Abraham” came from the sanskrit word “Brahma”. He further claims that both Christianity and Islam originated as distortions of Vedic beliefs.

Vatican Church Compound Shaped as a Shiva Linga

Compare the two pictures below and you can see a striking similarity between the shapes of a shiva linga and the vatican church compound. Further if we look closer, we even see a perfect tripundra and bindu incorporated into their design.

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In the following pictures let us compare the tripundra (three lines worn by Lord Shiva as tilak).

The word ‘Vatican’ itself is derived from the sanskrit word Vatika or Vatica, which means vedic cultural or religious centers. In sanskrit the word Vatika is used to describe a place, such as Ananda-Vatika, Ashrama-Vatika, Yagna-Vatika, etc. Such words and discoveries prove that the Vatican was a Hindu (Vedic) religious center before its incumbent was forced to accept Christianity from 1st century AD. Also, according to some reports, a Shiva linga was found during the excavation and is kept for display at Gregorian Etruscan Museum in Rome (details below). Hindustan indeed was Virat.

Siva Linga at Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican City (Vatika)

This Siva Lingam is exhibited in Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican City. This has the most important Etruscan collection in Rome, starting with early Iron Age objects from the 9th century BC. Encyclopedia Britannica mentions under the headings “Etruria” and “Etruscan” that between the 2nd and 7th centuries BC, northern Italy was known as Etruria. During archaeological excavations many such “meteoric stones mounted on carved pedestals (Siva Lingas on bases)” have been discovered in Italy. This Siva Lingam was dug-up from Vatican City itself. Many more must be lying buried under the Vatican’s massive walls and numerous cellars.

P.N. Oak’s Theories on Vedic Roots of World Religions

P.N. Oak claims that Christianity and Islam are both derivatives of Hinduism, and that the Catholic Vatican, Kaaba and the Taj Mahal were once Hindu temples to Shiva. In his book, “Some Missing Chapters of World History”, Oak claimed that the first civilisation was developed in India from which all world civilisations grew. He wrote books on this subject in three languages.

Intent on rectifying what he believed to be “biased and distorted versions of India’s history produced by the invaders and colonizers”, Oak has written several books and articles on Indian history and founded the “Institute for Rewriting Indian History” in 1964. According to Oak, modern secular and Marxist historians have fabricated “idealized versions” of India’s past and drained it of its “Vedic context and content”.

Oak claims that Christianity was originally a Vedic religion following Krishna and claims that Christianity was originally known by either the names Chrisna-nity or Krishna-neeti (with Oak stating these meant “The way of Krishna” or “The ethics of Lord Krishna”). These generally follow in line with Oak’s other theories and claims that the Vatican was originally called Vatika and that the Papacy was originally a “Vedic Priesthood” until Constantine the Great around 312 A.D killed the “Vedic pointiff” and installed in his place a representative of the tiny Christian sect. Oak also makes the claim that “Jesus went to India between ages 13 and 30 to learn Krishna-neeti (Christianity) from sages.”

Amen comes from Aum

When the Christians say “Amen” at the end of their hymns or to emphasize something, what they are saying is a corrupted form of “Aum” or “Om,” which is the standard Vedic form of addressing the Supreme Being through sound.

In the bible it is said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” That primordial divine word, which is one with God, is the Vedic syllable “Aum”. God manifests in creation as the Cosmic Vibration, which expresses itself as Cosmic Sound and Cosmic Light. The Cosmic Sound or Aum is the synthesis of all the sounds of the universe.

102 Comments

These are unnecessary things. Our motto is to save Dharma. It is none of our business to poke into christianity. If other religions have negative traits, God will certainly correct them. Our life is short and we have to correct ourself.

Namaskar OH BOY IS THIS A LOADED subject. While many of The learned P.M. Oak has some truths and interesting theories. Im afraid overall his claim of Christianity an dIslam coming from S.D. is incorrect. It would dyak evolves of an extensive historical dissertation to refute, .What an extraordinary mission to undertake in three languages no less. I’m sure it is worth reading kindly thankyou

Dear Sophia, When SD is claimed to have eternal way of life, any other religion is just a sub set of the universal set of SD. Thence logically we can prove SD is the Ananya.

I was born Christian, & believe there is much merit in at least considering these issues. The Bhavishya Purana’s account of Isha Masiha (Ieshua Messiah) in Kashmir at the same time that Yeshua (Jesus) is missing from the New testament scriptures is at least in my view compelling. Any one who wishes to look dispassionately can see that the Christian Faith was distorted & corrupted, when the Emperor took it over in ~300AD, & it became a political instrument. The so-called “Church” itself murdered many more Christians than the Romans ever did.The apostle; John named it in advance “the Great Harlot” & predicted its eventual destruction. This Purana, is not very complimentary of the origins of the other faith mentioned. The less said the better.

All this is a piece of imagination on the part of learned Mr.P N Oak. He desire es to get the Best Story writers prize for this. Let us not take our great religion- Hinduism to such levels as this is one of the most involved religions in the world and has come to stay as a ‘Way of Life’.

Rise above all such narrow theories and learn to appreciate what other Religions have to offer, as they all preach Peace n Love for All.

Kindly spread only one thing…Love – Love – Love

Religion is really a matter of faith. Faith makes the religion. Any scholar, if he pokes around in ancient archeology and languages can find similarities by the bucket full. That does not make fact. It makes theories. And theories are like elbows, most everyone has one. Was Jesus God? I don’t know. But anyone who can walk on water and raise the dead gets my vote.

In my childhood about 65 years back, I had heard my father’s friend telling me that “Christianity” comes from “Krishna Neeti” and “Jesus Christ” from “Yashoda Krishna”. After so many years, I am coming across the statements from Mr. Oak. G.Vaidyanathan

I thought this was very interesting article and there is no such thing as a coincidence! Hinduism has been around for thousands of years longer than Christianity, so this does make a lot of sense. Aum to Amen… Wow. Never thought of this, good article to discuss.

It is obvious that the philosophy of Christianity comes from the tradition of Bakti-Yoga. No one ever talked about “love each other” before in the Western Tradition. The confusion persists as the word “love” in the West is mostly related to “sex”. From this certainty everything else can be derived easily.

this is all so unnecessary

There should be a greater need to explain the ambiguity of our religion and not try to try and compare it with other religions.

“Amen” to that, Dr. Swamy.

Ultimately every religion teaches humanity to lead a moral life. There are different version to follow. Let us not analise the origen but follow the principles, and avoid unnecessary fights on religion.

Even Muslims / islamic scholars came to India to study, that is why chennai / kanchipuram was called Madarsa patnam meaning university town on banks of sea.

Does it really matter? If you really practice Vedic teachings, there is only one religion – the practice of TRUTH, Dharma, Divine Love, Non-Violance (in thoughts, Speech and Actions) resulting in to Caring, Kindness, Compassion, etc. as stated in the famous Vedic “Sandhya Vandana” prayers to the Supreme below. This prayer is the universal oneness of the Brahma through the many manifestations.

आकाशात् पतितं तोयं यथा गच्छति सागरम् सर्व देव नमस्कारः केशवं प्रतिगच्छति

(AkAshAt patitam tOyam yathA gacchati sAgaram sarva dEva namaskArah kEshavam pratigacchati)

Translated from Sanskrit – “As all raindrops falling from the sky ultimately meet their end in the ocean, prayers offered to all (forms of) gods ultimately reach the one Lord”

Jyotindra Jhala Vancouver, Canada

I don’t know the claims are correct or not. If as claimed, Hinduism is absolutely right, why Hindus are going back at every step.Tolerance has to be practiced. The real setback for Hinduism is practice of Chathurvarnya in modern times. If we accept others as human beings and co operate with them, we will grow, or else perish as it is now. Respecting others faith and beliefs are equally important, because they have followed centuries long faith experimented by their forefathers. Making claims on others is just blabbering….try to rejuvenate our self and live peacefully.

I would appear that Christianity and Islam have in the last two millennia took the place of all religions/cults/beliefs (and made all else extinct) in the whole of populated world, barring the East (Buddhism) and South East (Hinduism). The history of the pre-Christian world is not well documented; the local theories/fables/beliefs in the various civilizations/areas/regions have not reached the rest of the world; they are dying in those very areas; the growth of Christianity is not understood even to the extent of Islamic conquest of West Asia and Europe. With the Western domination over the rest of world being what it is, with English becoming the prime language of international communication, any attempt to reopen the by-and-large “accepted” history, would be very difficult, well neigh impossible. All the same, we appreciate scholars such as P.M.Oak taking up cudgels. We wish them all the best.

Thanks a lot great article.

whatever the intellects can say by study or research shows something extraordinary to the world that generally can’t accepted by one and all. through research in all systems of human life is very hard aspect . we can enlighten the history undiscovered early a.d. by persons like p.n. oak. let research can go far behind. .and we all human beings and must obay and know new things and researchs.

valuable research.

Dr. Subramanian swamy,

What if all this are true? This is not complete spiritual knowledge. Everybody know that ”God is one” but nobody know who is that God. some people think Shiv is God, Some think vishnu some brahma ji some think Allah Khuda and some think Jeasus.

In fact we all are living in 21 universe of ”brahm God”. above mention God are his son. but supreme God live out of these 21 universe.

I know mr swamy will not publish my comment.

Brilliant work by P.N. Oak! Constantine candidly wrote about needing a religion that would unite the many local cults acquired with conquest as the empire grew. He finally accepted Christianity in gratitude after winning the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. If Constantine had not won the battle and owed a debt to the Christian god, the Christian religion might not have gotten off the ground. Rome and Israel were expansionists, and focused on winning wars. These were practical matters and had little to do with religion as Rome defines itself today.

Also, by the way, Oak is correct about the Etruscans, who taught engineering to Rome. I’ve been following threads on the Etruscans for a long time.

I find that the earliest symbols of Hinduism and Buddhism originated BEFORE India came together as a political entity. Gobekli Tepe in Turkey is the earliest source of many of the earliest symbols later incorporated into primary religious practices.

There’s a huge difference between God and the political structures that use the name to further their own objectives, like winning battles, etc.

Suresh – stop it

You should be proud that our Hinduism was the link to genesis of other religions. Nobody wants to take a poke at any religion here. It is just another view of some one else….so learn to respect it. I must say that people like you are the actual troublemakers!

This bit of information is only for our understanding that Hindu or Vedic dharma is a way of universal life rather than practice of some “ism”. Shiva or Bhrahma or Vishnu are just the Vedic names in Sanskrit language of the Universal Soul and does not have anything to do with any ism. One can practice any ism and at the same time be a Hindu in his outlook – every life as Vasudaiva Kutumbaam or his prayer – Sarve Bhavanthu Sukhinava. By hypothesizing the theory that the Christianity or the Islam may have roots in Vedic culture, we need not feel guilty that we are trying to usurp the greatness of the cultures of others.

I respectfully disagree with Suresh S. it is “history’s business” to convey the truth, however “inconvenient.”

I respectfully disagree with SOPHIA daile: If you have evidence to the contrary about Islam and Christianity (left out Judaims for some odd reason), that they are NOT derived from Hindu myth, provide evidence, please.

I can provide page after page that they indeed are blatant ripoffs of the Mahabarata. EASILY PROVEN to reasonable people with open minds and minimum Comparitive Myth background.

It is indeed Shiva’s lingum. It is indeed Shiva’s lingum that is the 5th Dynasty of Egypt’s “Delight of Ra” shrine at the Abydos’ Temple of the Sun. The 5th dynasty cartouche they claim says “SaRa” (son of Ra) they are reading left to right! If read correctly, right to left? RaS(h)a…RaCha….RaJa. These “Egyptians” came from Rajastan.

YHWH was a Hindu king.

SOPHIA daile:

We readers have plenty time to read any “extensive historical refutation” you have to offer. Just “one” piece of evidence would have been greatly appreciated, but you seem quite certain this author and all his evidence is “incorrect.”

So, where is your evidence? We will patiently await it, thank you.

Meanwhile: The Tribe of Yadu is the Yudisthira-Tribe. In Urusalim (“Jerusalem” is found only “one temple”: To Asherah, Queen of Heaven. Pottery found in Canaan from 8th century BC shows YHWH, Asherah Ba’al and a golden calf. Some other regions of Palestine show temples to YHWH/Asherah. Duality.

Yud Ishthira is YHWH Asherah worship, “Yadu” is Juda(h).

And that is just a scant morsel of all the evidence I have complied. You have my email address I am on mailing list.

Just ask farang to demonstrate how HINDU INDIA RULED THE WORLD. Easy as P.I.E.: ” proto-Indo-Aryan” migration out of India.

Listen: DNA now proves “migration out of the M.E. to Europe” circa 9000 BC by “agricultural migrants bringing new technologies.”

That isn’t “Manu” (Menes/Narmer, the narmer pallette with SHIVA’S BULLS on it) drawn carrying a PLOUGH?

I read “Aryan” originally meant “to plow/plough”…in other words “Aerate.” “Ptah” the creator/Potter” is depicted carrying a tool for opening irrigation sluice gates.

I say Ptah is Buddha. And there is image of him at “Saqqara” (Sagara, Hindu king) seated, with Sokar(pronounced “Choiek”) and Amen standing behind him. ChoiekAmun Ptah…. I ask you: is that not ShakAmuni Buddha? A Trimurda?

And that is a mere morsel of what I know to be accurate and true. “Mleecha:…Lukka. “Luwian” speakers that Hittite king Arnuwanda I warned about their “crude speech and behavior”, that they were not “civilized”….they spoke “Luwian.” Arnuwanda I spoke sanskrit and worshiped Arjuna and Varuna.

“Luwian” is Levite. And the Hittite’s mortal enemies were the Mittani, Luwian speaking people with a capital at Washukanni” at the mouth of the KHabur (silent K) river. The Habur. People from there were labeled Haberu/Apiru (coast dwellers)… Levites are Hebrew.

Mittani sent princesses to marry into 18th dynasty Egypt: Amenhotep III’s mother was one, his wife another…and their “Golden Horus” name is Kheperu. Silent K. They are the “Henrew” patriarhcs of the Torah/O.T.

EASILY PROVEN. How? They stole all the myths and “Torah’ed” them: Torah means “to twist.”

farang has unraveled them all, one by one. Obviously Oak has too.

Arnuwanda I wrote a decree about a Great King of Cowards”…..and it fits the “King David” myth to a TEE. Right down to conspiring to kill a Hittite to steal his wife/daughter.

Open eyes, it is okay. Consider us the opening salvo that reclaims the world-wide Hindu kingdom of Yayati.

I know who he really is.

The Vatican was built on the Tiber River across from Rome proper, where St. Peter was supposed to have been buried. Older temples already existed in the area that was selected so the Vatican could be built atop St. Peter’s grave. Temples were built in Rome to the Mother Goddess Cybele, who originated in the Anatolia area of Turkey, which traces her back to the very ancient area of Gobekli Tepe. The Etruscans, who did construction for the early church, honored gods from this area. An Etruscan pyramid near the Vatican was discovered in the last decade. Etruscan construction of the Vatican could explain why the architectural style that incorporated symbols from Anatolia, where key Hindu symbols have been found, was built with the Lingam design.

A Vatican Museum has a room that includes an altar to Cybele: http://mv.vatican.va …MGE_Sala16.html Rome’s priests were not celibate until the 10th century, and Tantric symbols were classic imagery of the ancient world.

The moral of this story is that it pays to know the history of one’s religion and how it emerged from a more ancient tree that was revered worldwide. Open your mind to what religion and spirituality really are, and how they grew on the vine of human culture.

The above facts are true as per the learned persons kineup.but dont we thiks it may provoke some sort of hate feelings on the otherside.People shold be educated on these and then only others can accept what we say.Any way Thanhs for the great article.

sir just the pronunciations are resembling with each other. I do not think there must be HINDUISM in CHRISTIANITY.

merely saying KRISHNA is CHRIST or VATIKA is VATIKAN is not proper. there are thousands of word which resembles in pronunciation.

wow!!!! amazing. could be true. yes at the beginning there was only one land, one god, & one religion-way of living. so….. it could be true!!!! i’m so thrilled:))))

There is only ine Sudhsha chaitanyam. Every thing else reflection / derivative / part. Twam bhAthi, sarvam anubhAthi (YOU that sudhdha chaitanyam are the real visible, rest are all reflection). VyakthOvyaktha (vyaktham, avyaktham- objectified and objectified) charaaAcharam (Charam, acharm – moving, non-moving), stoothala sookshmam (manifested and unmanifested) are all millions of parts (bAgham) of that bhAthi- bgAghathE bhAthihi edhi – bagavannu. That is why samabhAbAvam and sthitha pragnyam makes real HINDU. When more people gain more knowledge and wisdom, they have to get to this root of all thought processes.

this is total crap. i’m an italian national of hindu faith and none of the statements in the article are based on history, linguistics, art, etc. anybody can make statements to further their agenda, whatever that may be, but just writing words on paper or on a pc does not make them true. being proud of one’s heritage is good but distorting things is not only disrespectful to readers but profoundly dishonest and manipulative. how does that tally with the principles on sanatan dharma?

Wow this is by far one of the most ridiculous theorys I have ever read there is absolutly no evidence to support any of the above claims India and Hinduism is a great religon but it seems that in the authors love for his country/religon he has formed his opion without any facts to help represent. Christians definetly where not followers of Krishna as he lived many years before and even non-religious sources have proved that jesus was a man that walked the earth. the author really has not done any research on why it is called the Vatican it is because The name “Vatican” predates Christianity and comes from the Latin Mons Vaticanus, meaning Vatican Mount. The territory of Vatican City is part of the Mons Vaticanus, and of the adjacent former Vatican Fields on which St. Peter’s Bascillica was built.

discovering and telling the truth is dharma so this is an important information.

First and foremost, Purushottam Nagesh Oak commonly referred to as P. N. Oak, was not a historian he was a Hindu-centric writer who went around patenting anything and everything as Vedic because he believed Hinduism is the only source of all great things in the world. that Christianity and Islam are both derivatives of Hinduism, or that the Catholic Vatican, Kaaba and the Taj Mahal were once Hindu temples to Shiva, He is characterised by serious Historians as a “mythistorian” or more directly as a “Crank”. In his book, Some Missing Chapters of World History, Oak claimed that the first civilisation was developed in India from which all world civilisations grew.

According to his own account, he completed an M.A. (Agra) and a law degree (LL.B. Mumbai), and was an official in the Ministry for Information, and wrote various journalistic pieces. How can he be called an Historian when he has no qualifications in the field?

And to top all, religions were created at the tribal stage of human social evolution to help create group behaviors which enhanced the survival potential of the in-group at the expense of out-groups. Truly “old time religions” developed at the end of the last Ice Age, when the tribe was the largest human grouping maintaining any degree of coherence. There were hundreds of Tribes with different beliefs… how can anyone in their right mind claim they were the first and rest came from them?

For that matter, I’ve seen many Christian sites planting misinformation too in grab of history claiming truth is only with them…Its equally pathetic …

Sub: VATIKA- Links Sree Rama Temples Sree Raghunayaka Temple at Chadalavada,prakasam Dt, Andhrapradesh clearly states that- VATIKA is the abode of Lord Sree Rama where he has sent VANARA Sainya to four corners in search of Sree Seetha. The Idols came to Gollapalli -Formerly Known as Yadupuri] near Nuzvid, krishna Dt, AP around 300 years or less. mention is also made in their record to links to Sree Bhadradri Sree Rama Temple. Any one can visit all Temples today. Further Research through space-cosmology Vedas interlinks is in progress-OM should help Unity of Consciousness in Science,Religion and Philosophy

We know that Mr Subramanya swamy can be very compelling in his arguments depending on whom he is arguing for. But to take Mr Oak’s statement may be a mite over reaching. That we follow a religion thats got a history far surpassing any other is in itself sufficient. It does not matter what it has similarities with with Christianity and Islam. It’s compelling to believe that “the missing years of Jesus of Nazereth ” were spent in our country in puri, Benares, and Leh and even Lhasa!

We have failed miserably to bring together the people of Hinduism together as one as is evidenced from the rape, pillage, murder and ostracism that happens in our own “hindu” rashtra, India. We do not need a treatise howsoever learned about the origins of christianity and other religions. we are so intolerant of minor religions in our own country! what right do we have to arrogate that power to ourselves?

we have created a divide between the oppressed and the neo oppressed and the haves and the have nots. Time now to have a dispassionate look at our own caste system. Delink reservation from caste and make it economic related. lets clean our house first before we delve into the discussion about where who or what came from. It’s no more than a pointless & useless discussion with no value to us as a nation.

The Author is a famous person. and provides always authoritative information. He has provided excellent information.

Woow this is really something, out of expectation, recent article on hindunism in Afghanistan and now vatican, so much hindunism got wiped away, so sad. As mentioned in Shivpuran that whole earth is surrounded with shivlingum.

A good study. There is no demeaning of any spiritual paths taken by different humans living in all over the world. It is only how SD over a period of time from LordKrsna’s days. As quoted by some body earlier . Read about ‘Bhakti Yoga’ in Bhagavat gita , It is available in most of worlds language some clue you may get !!!!!!!!!!

I heard personally Mr P N Oak in Hyderabad more than about 40 years ago when he visited to give a lecture on his theories through Institute for Rewrtiting Indian History. I do not know what happened to that Institute now.

I fondly recollect the historical truths now again. People may say what is the use in all this. Well, it brings the feeling that all on this earth were originally from same area and universal brotherhood is not impossible. Vasudhaika kutumbakam can be achieved by bringing all religions together and making feel that all the religions have same one origin. God bless us all.

Well-documented discoveries at Gobekli Tepe in Turkey since 1995 have changed the textbooks about ancient history of the world. A Hindu priest’s pigtail on a sculpture was found in a settlement 10,000 to 9,000 years old near Gobekli Tepe is amazing.

http://www.smithsoni …3613665/?no-ist

Common threads run through the oldest religions of the world that reflect a worldwide unity in ancient culture, which includes Hindus, Native Americans and the Mediterranean with the Great Pyramid. In our roots, we share common origins that are surfacing with technological advances. DNA is one of the tools that shows the closely knit bonds that humans share.

Judaism and Christianity are relatively new religions when compared with worldwide cultural roots, which we now proven far older than previously believed. In my book, I compare imagery for Kali with figures at Gobekli Tepe and Mexico’s oldest pyramid complex.

The common roots of the world’s most ancient cultures expressed in a variety of venues deserve more attention.

St. Peter’s Square as pictured above was designed and built between 1656 and 1657 CE–a mere 350 years ago. The design was by the great baroque architect and sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini working for Pope Alexander VII. It is most unlikely and highly improbable that Saivism had anything to do with it. The original St. Peter’s was a traditional Roman basilica–a huge rectangular building with colonnades within. It had a large cloistered garden in front. It was demolished in 1505 CE to make way for a more modern church that took 120 years to complete.

The Vatican Hill and the Vatican Field derive their name from the Latin word vates which means prophet or prophetess. It is related to modern English word “fate.” Vaticanus meant a place where prophecy was done. Romans looked to nature for signs from the Gods.

Despite the ravages of invasions and the burning of the library of Alexandria, Greco-Roman civilization is very well documented. What remains of the literature, history, science, and philosophy of that civilization is readily available through the 520 volumes of the Loeb Classical Library. Later this year a digital version of the whole library will be available. Each volume has the original ancient language with an English translation on the facing pages. Vast numbers of ancient documents are preserved in the libraries of Europe and the Americas. Most are discoverable through published catalogs. So, if you want to try to find Hinduisim in Greco-Roman civilization the research tools are readily available.

Bharatiya history, like the article above, is poorly documented. It is curiously lacking in dates. Dates and events are the language of history. Oak’s theories are based on some likeness of sound between words in different languages and some wishful thinking. He treads into civilizations he does not understand and claims them for Hinduism–sort of like the British in India with the same ignorance and arrogance.

Our history during Chanakya and Alexander tells that ” He came to India and saw people from his land Greece and Athens were already staying in India to study and did research along with the Indian Yogis” This was in 350BC. Also the philosophy in Bible and Quran are similar to Indian philosophy. Also the description of Heaven, hell and GOD is similar in Bible, Quran and Srimad Bhagvat. So we can very easily conclude that knowledge was carried to the West and East from India.

The point is, if we can make our country the strongest in the line then everything will be “Krishna Neeti” otherwise “Christianity”..as simple as that..

Now, Hinduism has taken the avatar of a needy, petty and pedantic incarnation, ever watchful of slight resemblances or concidences to prove to “others’ that we are worthy of their respect. This is a perfect manifestation of an unconfident civilisation, ever leeching to latch on to more “successful” ones. A hindu benefits from the sweet fruits of hinduism and a non-hindu has to be contented with the dry twigs and withered leaves… I say, “leave them alone and don’t meddle into their business like a gossiping housewife” and educate our own people for “Christ” sake… or Krishna-neeti’s sake.. God!

Hi Everbody. I am a PROUD South Afican Hindu from South Africa. This is an extremely controversial topic but also very important and interesting at the same time for us to understand the truth”.All of you are making very valid comments and it is obvious many of you have taken the time to do research. I am eager to continue reading all your inputs(because this is one of the ways to learn everday)

What I would like to know is “Why has god made us in so many different races and placed us in different parts of the earth(I am sure there is avey valid reason”.

Thanks, Iven Govender

We know the oldest religion on the earth is Vedic aryan sanskriti and all other faiths, religions and civilizations followed suite. So, I agree with Mr. Oak, his research work might sound well to establish the possibilities of his claim. Yes, it may be point to feel proud of being Hindu, but the others if got confused or separated and followed other faiths, they are indeed our own people. Being from other beliefs does not make them a subject of hatred. Still they are lovable. But the fact remains a fact.

Suresh is wrong to say this is unnecessary.

Christians always take chance to insult our faith and create negative impression by telling half truth and lies. Anyone who reads Dan Brown’s books could figure they hijacked many things from our religion. Indeed , reincarnation was spoken in the New Testament but removed in AD 359 by Roman Emperor Constantin to make it ” easy ” for people to seek reform in one life. Truth is always painful , the reality is Christianity was a creation of White men. it is far from the original as promoted by Jesus.

These are NOT unnecessary things. These are history. Remaining as you quoted are true, BUT IT IS ALSO REQUIRED TO KNOW THE FACTS.

Sorry to say, this is not unnecessary

I can’t believe some one came up with such nonsense.

Mr. Oak and the likes think they are helping Hindus, but they are simply spoiling their reputation. If you want to be taken seriously, back your claims with proper science and sources. I might as well say that ‘Satan’ comes from ‘Sanatan-dharma’ 🙂 You see, it’s just speculation, that’s all.

Oh, and by the way, the science of the origin of words is called etymology my friend. And this science says: Vatican dictionary.gif 1550s, from Latin mons Vaticanus, Roman hill on which Papal palace stands. Said to be an Etruscan loan-word, not related to vates “sooth-sayer.”

Asato ma sat gamah!

I feel more systematic research and/or study needs to be made which will satisfy the questioning minds of today. There seems to be a great amount of truth in the opinion that almost all “big” religions have one common origin and the vedic texts reflect the most ancient version of this primordial religion — whatever it was.

GOD as envisaged by Yogis, is in the Nature. Naturally it is in Variety. So also the beliefs. The Bible and GITA say that GOD is in us. We are also in Diversity and each one is Unique. Still GOD’s creation is a Family “Vasudevam Kutumbam”. Only we should not impose our belief on others or else we will find this creation in Museums and History texts.

I know about the Hindu roots of Vatican since last 23 years, ever since I bought P.N. Oak’s book – World Vedic Heritage and many other books thereafter. P.N. Oak served with Netaji S.C. Bose in the Azad Hind Fauj. He was much maligned by Indira Gandhi and her pro-islam, pro-xtian factions particularly after he wrote – Taj Mahal – A temple palace. The most important work he did was in the field of etymology, semantics and word roots to demonstrate that all civilizations are linked and cannot grow in isolation and independently of each other, which is a fallacy followed by the white man. Human Civilization is not a 45 degree ascendent graph line which the white man has led everyone to believe, but one with many crests and troughs, sudden peaks and valleys, sheer drops and periods of absolute inactivity!!! Going back to etymology and word roots anyone with common sense and little education will see that fundamental religion specific words in Christianity have Hindu roots. Case in point are ‘genesis’ and Janashish and janani which are Sanskrit as well as later Arabic or ‘baptism’ to Sanskrit ‘bashpitam’. Similarly in Islam, ‘Ansari’ to Sanskrit ‘anusari’ or follower or ‘Sheikh’ to Sanskrit ‘sikhya, shikshya or shishya’ and latter day ‘Sikh’. I mean there are literally thousands of examples of foundation or building block words which have been borrowed from ancient India. The white monkeys and the sand monkeys can deny it to their own peril that their history and civizational roots are not borrowed but part and parcel of the brown monkeys’, as are the black, red and yellow monkeys’ history!!!!!!!

Well the subject is a very very absorbing, and makes Hindus proud, as the oldest religion on earth, as many have written it may be too late to even start a discussion on the similarities, of a by gone era, and history, which we proudly last,350 BC is a lot of time back wards, there are are enough of hindu pride, around the world, Like Bodhi Dharman the Hindu prince ( Damo) who created the shoalin temple in china, and Kung Fu , the Massive hindu temples of Angkorwat in Vietnam,Cambodia,

the maritime exploits of Hindu settlements by King Raja Raja Cholan, ruling, todays, malaysia, thailand and parts of Indonesia, and the whole of the east asia,

In Thailand, most of the words are of sanskrit or Tamil origin, their recitals in temples or sanskrit or chaste Tamil,

have we maintained a relationship to nurture and trace back our roots, not really,

we forget our own next street temple, do we go to a temple regularly to pray, no, Hinduism has been tolerant, very tolerant and lenient , no wonder Hinduism is losing its greatness in the modern world,

the christians go to a church every Sunday, the Muslims Pray 5 times a day, visit a mosque daily, reminding them of their roots,

where is a rule in Hinduism, or strict adherence ???

our Hindu priests are busy fighting amongst themselves, well nature takes its own course, who are we to fight, for a 350 BC Lineage even if it is true,

lets start concentrating on today, so we don’t lose our total identity and history, and 10000 years of greatness, due to indiscipline amongst ourselves,

will the great saints and modern-day sadhus make some rule for the Hindus to follow, rather strictly ,lest we forget our greatness !!!!!!

This finding has much truth. The two religion and many more are distorted copies off Hinduism… well it has been lingering in my head for years and used to spk off it to close frenz who accept my definations. This article now supports my head linger.

Its juz that ppl off other religions juz wont accept the fact off it for reasons only known to them. Well I’d like to say this :HINDUISM IS THE OCEAN WHILE ALL OTHERS ARE RIVERS. You cam take as much as you want from an ocean, but rivers have limitations in all aspects…including closure.

Xtians are now installing brass made “Dwija Sthamba” in front of their churches in India. This is just to lure the remaining Hindu followers towards Christianity. Have you ever seen the flag hoisting ceremony done by Xtians during their festivals ?

This great article brings to light so many things even to those of us who have chosen to stay in darkness about the truth and, of course, to those who are in constant denial of the truth as well. I particularly liked the comments of Farang, Krsanna, Dr. Sundar and Rahul Banerjee. They offer valuable bits and pieces of the truth. Here’s what I have to add…

Clearly its not just the words or sounds or names (including Abraham & Sara which could very well have originated from Brahma & Saraswati or ‘Chris’t itself which is similar sounding to ‘Krish’na or Amen vs. Aum), its far greater than all this. Do we want to believe that some Hindus went to Vatican or Mecca to plant Shiva Lingas there and bias the actual truth about origin of religions? (History is replete with undeniable evidence to the contrary about who the aggressors or mischief-makers are.)

The actual truth is emerging slowly but surely…which is that using “might is right” the real truth about Sanatana Dharma & Hinduism – the mother of all worldly & religious orders – has been being systematically wiped out by the West and its allies. Which religions believe in acting by their swords or guns in the name of “might is right” or play the numbers game of superiority or invade / amass to distort and destroy – surely, not Hinduism.

Until recently, the West didn’t even recognize Hinduism as a major world religion – is this humility or arrogance? There has always been a concerted effort to marginalize our dharma in spite of so much that it has meant to the world – whether it be the original giver of knowledge (Vedas) or religion (Hinduism) or language (Sanskrit & Tamil too).

Those who are harsh on P.N. Oak or other truth-seekers are the ones who can’t face the truth. Until the whole truth emerges, there will be people who out of their habitually wrong ways or money or might who continue to pervert & forcibly dissuade even good stewards of our dharma.

But the truth will be out no matter what – Satyameva Jayathe! Meanwhile, lets work on our weaknesses & faults and try to be better stewards of the eternal Sanatana Dharma.

I have never read anything more ridiculous than this. There is no logic in his claims

The sanscrit language has defenitely flown into Latin, Greek and all other Indo German languages. Atma for example might be the root of german “atmen” (breathing) and it could well be that Vatican has a similar origin from Sanskrit, vat-is-is (seer or prophet). Assuming having had a Hindu Temple located there is a possibility (as the Romans were liberal to many Cults and Religions) and an Indian community could also have lived there (traders), but should not be stressed by similarities and derivations of the evolution of languages.

True, just writing words on aperdoes notmake them TRUE. well, you can help me by telling that Why there is a picture similar to indian Lord Krshna @ St. Paull’s cathedral, London, you may visit this place being settlesd in Italy and enlighten me per return. Incidently I’ve already read PNOAK who was banned in this Great country””India” by late Indiara Gandhi

P N Oak deserves a Bharat Ratna for his scholarship. He did so much original research without any formal training. What is the use of formal education, it only provides degrees, no understanding or acceptance of our heritage.

Its time the government realises this injustice.

Did you know there were many other Gods before Jesus who could walk on water and who also raised from the dead ! whoa right !? If you can’t find the correlation here, you probably wont find the correlation with this theory either.

Yes, you are right.

What an absolute waste of time!! Let’s just say everything stated in the article was true, so what?? Anyways, from the comments above it’s very clear that most of us have missed the point that our religions try to make to us. And then we blame religion. 🙁

Yes! There are plenty of such plagirarizations…Stephen Knapp in his book ‘Vedic Influence on world religions’ has mentioned most of those….We should simply focus on serving our Dharma…. Hare Krishna

I’m an American Gnostic who grew up in a Christian family and I hope that you won’t consider it an intrusion for me to post to this thread. I’ve long thought that Gnosticism has its roots in Hinduism and numerous religious scholars think that Christianity and Gnostic Judaism grew out of Gnosticism. I’ve been looking for possible evidence to link Judaism to Hinduism and P. N. Oak has provided a number of thoughts on that subject. In my religious quest I researched religions going back in ancient history as far as I could to find religious philosophies compatible with what I considered the intuition that directed me. This intuition is what I think that C G Jung refers to as the Collective Unconscious. Of course I found the mystical shamanistic religions from hundreds of thousands of years ago, but of the still practiced religions I found meaningful philosophies in Hinduism and the Dreamtime of the Australian Aborigines. Hinduism; which some authors say is 25,000 to 30,000 years old is the oldest true monotheism that I’m aware of with the 300 million plus gods of that religion emanating as manifestations of the one Anima mundi [world soul]. The Anima mundi has its roots in the undifferenced Self of the Dreamtime of the Australian Aborigines which some authors date as being 50,000 years old. Per A. E. Gough’s translation of some of the Upanishads in his book; The Philosophy of the Upanishads and Ancient Indian Metaphysics, the concept of the Maya also has its roots in the Dreamtime. I see the Anima mundi as maintaining its monotheistic integrity by the Atman [individual soul-inner self] of individual beings existing in a state that is indistinguishable from the Anima mundi. P N Oak in his discussion of the Star of David; on page 495 of his book World Vedic Heritage A History of Histories volume I, presents some compelling evidence of a connection between Hinduism and Judaism. This together with his etymological and other evidence I find convincing, if not contradicted. This unique Star of David symbol with similar names appearing in these two religions and being used by the other Abrahamic religions is evidence that is hard to ignore.

Creation is a work in progress

Please someone show me where in any purana, upanishad etc is the word `Hinduism` mentioned what is an Hindu as every `Hindu` i meet has a different God and philosophy, to me it sounds hodge bodge and bhogus, Please read Bhagavad Gita as it is by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and stop making assumptions that `Hinduism` is a religion, Is Krishna (GOD) an Hindu?

For me it is important not to question about Lord Shiva. Other wishes may come and go. Faith is important.

I believe religion is nothing but a mythological phylosophy tought by ELDERS ….Instead of burrowing into the facts of religious origion , spread the religion of humanity and love …GOD IS ONE…the same GOD appears as Jesus for Christians , Allah for Muslims & Krishna for Hindus…..

Ha ha off course not. Vatican based on Roman Pagan God and Sun Worshipper (Constantine the Great) None of them Knew Shiva the Stupid Cow God lol

Not as simple as plagiarism but it is the real of Shopia Perennialism and Traditional Sacred Sciences or Sanatha Dharma, in arabic/Islamic term: al-Hikmah al-Kholidah and Transcendental Wisdom, that continuing from early ancient religions in Nusantara an the sperad to India, Persia, Egypt, Middle & South America and over all the World.

obviously all are true what u said in these story…. but some of the persons wont belive this kind of things without proper evidence… even the tamil people. but the thing is truth never fails whether the humans belive or not….

The past is gone, there is only present. The present is in our heart. Paramatma resides inside all of us. Separation between peoples and religions is maya. Digging into all this, regardless whether they are true or not, is in fact futile. Sanatana-dharma will always find a way. It can not be destroyed simply because it is eternal. God reveals himself according to time, space and circumstances, but one can only understand God by looking inside. We are being instructed from within our hearts. Following the instructions through leads to sac-cid-ananda – the eternal abode of wisdom and bliss, our original consciousness. This is the ultimate goal of all temples, religions, lingams, churches, mosques, chants, hymns, prayers, …

AT THE BEGINING OF SRUSHTI! THE ENTIRE WORLD USED TO BE CALLED AS BHARATHAVANI….WAS THE SAYING…….SLOWLY SO MANY HAVE SHOOTED UP….OUR LIFE IS VERY SHORT…AS SUCH LET US FOLLOW WHAT DHARM INSTRUCTS ……

I somehow trough some chance happened across this article, so I’m going to give my few cents on this.

-Vatican Church Compound Shaped as a Shiva Linga The shapes are have only vaguely similar features. (Except the lass one, that one dosent look alike at all.) But that whole argument assumes intent when there is no reason to assume so. There are some building blocks that make out a swastika, and that dosent mean theres a nazi who designed it.

Also the name vatikan most likely comes from the region it was built on,Mons Vaticanus. Vaticanus itself was an Etruscan settlement that lived 800BC.

-P.N. Oak’s Theories on Vedic Roots of World Religions Well this is quite a queer thing to state. Christianity and Islam without a doubt come from the first abrahamic religion, Judeism. How do we know this? The old testament, IS the Judeic holy book. Muslims did the same thing, it is just a continuation of christianity.

-Amen comes from Aum Amen does not have the same meaning as Om, it is not even close. Amen is said as a conformation for what was said before. “And so it is.” I have to say that language is a very fluid thing, and that it could have changed meaning and tone. But you cannot claim to know the answer when you really dont. Even if it came from the word Aum, that would not have any meaning, because if people adopted the word, they had changed it and made it something of their own, completely destroying ties to the original word.

For my final word, I’ll just tell you this. If you’re still reading good on you, I hope you have a great day. I would urge you to think for yourself and seek proof for the things you believe in. Most of these things I either knew from before or from a google search. And the difference between believing in what the wiki says and what this says, is that the wiki has actual citations, with links. You can check the original work yourself, and see if its credible. And don’t do it for me, do it for yourself, because do you really want to live with a lie?

This is from a former christian from the balkans.

Why PN Oak can be called Historian But Why NOT? Gelelio / opernicus/Newton.Thomas Edition (and many more) did not learn science ! But they are called great scientists! Jesus and Buddha – did not learn philosophy (whether they went to school either? i not known and definitely Philosophy as a subject was not in the syllabus!

Dear Dr PK I would like to refute here on the word Amen. In your research you just ignored the Egyptian God of Air Amon, which is also known by name Amun and Amen. And that was millennialis before Christianity. Christians and Muslims have taken this name from Pagans who were worshipping Him. So take note and would like to hear from you on this perspective.

Any Hindu writer or Hindu followers can challenge zakir Naik he says Islam is the first and the only true religion

Translated from Sanskrit – “As all raindrops falling from the sky ultimately meet their end in the ocean, prayers offered to all (forms of) gods ultimately reach the one Lord”

Is interesting that is not mentioned here the origin of the word Hindu and Hinduism, that comes from the name of the Sind river. A more proper name could be Bharathism. Is compelling to see the similarities between words. Like Abraham with Brahma. But in the case od Christ and Krishna the fall apart very much in their meaning. Christ means the annointed savior. His doctrine means to have a personal relationship with Himand follow His commandments of Love and to remember Him and celebrate theceternal life He gift us in gratitude, and eat His flesh and drink His blood as true medice and food to divinize our human fallen nature. The main teaching is mercy not sacrifice. That is very different from Vedic teachings. Is not a phylosofical movement nor a moral and cultural code. No technics but true fellowship: love one onother.

I hope one day the whole world will rise over petty vote bank politics and admit to the findings of Shri PN Oak that Taj Mahal Kabba and Vatican were all Shiva temples.Why would otherwise the Saudi Goverment ban hindus for even visiting Kabba?Why has the Indian goverment locked the lower chambers of Taj Mahal?

If taking in mind that Hindyism or Vedas is the oldest existing reliegion at the moment, this maybe true. In his article lacks to mention of the two oldest reliegions that existed before, egyptian and the Olympians. Both of the religions have been destroyed by Roman Empire and / or Christyanity or Islam.

Actualy both of them coexited in peace, in regret of Christianity and Islam… why? probably because they did not care whos is the origin of the belief!

Yes I also support Mr. Oak”s claim. Even Atma is referred as Adam, jeeva is referred as eve pippala tree mentioned in Upanishads referred as apple tree, isha is referred as yedhu even muchmore

Very interesting. I’m surprised that I haven’t been exposed to this particular facet of the human gem before. My first real questioning of western religious indoctrination and educational brain washing was reading Vine Deloria Jr’s works and moving on to Emanual Velikosky. I have learned, over time, that our time (mankind’s) here on earth is extremely dynamic. There will always be more questions than answers. We can not expect to know everything. That would be, to be God. The idea is beyond our comprehension and for us mere humans should be horrifying. It’s like the question – Are we the only life in the universe? either answer yes or no – both are incredible. Is there a God? Again, either answer is followed by great personal responsibility for ourselves, each other and this place we call home.

All christians are not same. Catholic christians are not real christians. Bible always against the idols, catholic people are worshiping idols.So it is against bible.Moses First command is “you should not worship any idols (ten commands Exodus 20:3-5) So Sivalinka is not for christians. The word christian is from “christ” means saviour. This word not came from krishna.

Each and Everything derived from JEWS.

Zionism is the mother of all religion.

It is indeed a shiva temple, so was qaba in mecca. Islam is basically advaita, all religion stems form hinduism. All greek philosophers studied in Kerala, jesus studied with apollonius of thyne, but apollonius fame was credited to jesus by the church. Rothschild and his cronies fucked up india and injected poison into hinduism to subvert and split the indian people. Time for indians to stand up again and be proud of their heritage. All culture stems from india, from there they spread and GAVE knowledge to the lesser developed peoples across the globe. which is why we find their traces in all great civilisations. Architects from india built the pyramids, see their footprints of the golden ratio and more. I can go on and on.

What comes to mind is that in my house I have several souvenirs from trips to India, including a Shiva LInga (very small ) it does not mean I have a Hindu temple on the premises. I would suppose there was definitely communication between India and the west during the period, how direct or indirect I can only guess? This desire to connect the ‘branches’ of faith is interesting but what is needed is to seek the ‘Trunk’ of faith from where it all springs!

May b the west’s inherent desire for conquest and feeling of superiority was behind the chasm between oriental cultures and semitic religions. Reluctance to accept the superiority of hindu philosophy might have contributed to the formation of something different – in dress, customs,rituals,beliefs and approach. No holds bar propagation war, use of money,power and violence to propagate a different belief system by the semitic cults might b a work of the west’s superiority complex. The crusades,atrocities against the ethnic cultures in Africa,Asia,Americas,Australia and other parts of the world have no other rational explanation.

Barriers made by between races after 10th century AD.Prior to that, people were honest and were exchanging their ideas without any hesitation.They were travelling all over world and and laying their faith where they landed and local inhabitants were accepted.It is to mention again that second visit to a place was rare due to transit on road or sea or any other means.Therefore many similar monuments used to be present without any thread. That time people were not bound by any religion or cult.Even politically also regions were not restricted.individual mind was not rusted like ours,specially who have participated this chat.There is no beginning and no end.

Actually it’s correct..if you believe that Jesus is a only God..Then who was the God before christ…I strongly agree with OAKS ..God is one …only humans changed everything..if u disrespect the religion then ur disrespectful to ur God..Christian only copied hindu mythology n now they criticize our hindus.. I believe in one N only God..Lord shiva..N he is a real God…

I feel the entire world used to follow one religion at one point of time.

Hinduism may as well be derived from some other ancient religion which in turn gave birth to other religions. We are definitely missing a large chunk of our history which unfortunately looks lost in time.

Pyramids, ancient submerged cities, excavations reveling history much older than accepted and conventional evolution will make us think about our origins but ultimately will never get accepted in this society.

I have gone through Prof. Oaks other researches and while some of the writings seem to be not completely justified, there are others which need second read and an open mind.

Also worth noting are other conventional theories of our gods being other world visitors or just an ancient world leaders which got wiped out. What is ridiculed by many does hold some valid points and must be heard….

History is always written by winners !!!

In his book “Christianity is Chrisn-Nity” Oak actually denies the historicity of J.C., so how could he have supported the debunked myth that “Jesus went to India between ages 13 and 30 to learn Krishna-neeti (Christianity) from sages.” as the article’s author states?

Listen people, We do not even know if any god from any religion exists. We do not know if Hindu and Egyptians gods exist. We do not know if Jesus or Allah exists. People believe in them because it gives them hope that there is someone they can truly trust in times of trouble and tell him things problems, and wishes with hopes that someone will hear them and solve or grant them. We should respect everyone point of view.

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Temple Tourism Set to Soar Under India's Modi

Temple Tourism Set to Soar Under India's Modi

Hindu devotees dance on a street during the inauguration of the Hindu Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, India, January 22, 2024. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

By Krishna N. Das

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated one of the holiest Hindu temples and his government has been spending millions of dollars to develop many others, boosting tourism and his appeal among the majority community ahead of elections.

Apart from a $6 billion makeover of the northern city of Ayodhya, where Modi opened the first phase of a Ram Temple, the federal government has spent nearly $120 million to develop dozens of Hindu pilgrimage sites in the past decade, according to government data, and more funding is planned.

The Ram Temple, built on the site of a Mughal-era mosque that was razed by a Hindu mob in 1992 and where Hindus believe Lord Ram was born, is estimated to draw up to 100 million tourists a year, according to Jefferies analysts. In comparison, about 9 million people visit Vatican City in a year and about 20 million Mecca.

"The creation of a new religious tourist centre (Ayodhya) with improved connectivity and infrastructure can create a meaningfully large economic impact," the analysts wrote in a note.

Since Modi inaugurated the Hindu pilgrimage site of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor on the banks of the Ganges in 2021 in his constituency of Varanasi, more than 130 million tourists have visited the area, according to government data.

The yearly footfall in Varanasi, which like Ayodhya is in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh and is one of the oldest living cities in the world, was barely 7 million before that.

Analysts say tourism income for locals and hotels in Varanasi - by dying where Hindus believe to attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth - have surged by up to 65%.

With nearly $200 billion in revenue, tourism contributes about 7% of India's economy, which is below most large emerging and developed economies by up to 5 percentage points.

The new temple and renovations of many others are likely to greatly boost the electoral prospects of the Hindu nationalist party of Modi, who is widely expected to win a rare third straight term in general elections due by May. Monday's inauguration fulfilled a decades-old election pledge of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"With today's event, definitely the momentum is with the BJP," political commentator Sandeep Shastri. "It may be fair to say that any political party would like to make the best of a situation they find themselves in, and the BJP seems to have mastered the art of managing the message."

Out of the 46 projects funded under the Ministry of Tourism's "Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive" since Modi came to power in 2014, only about half a dozen are Muslim or Sikh sites. Muslims account for about 14% of India's population of 1.42 billion, most of them Hindus.

(Additional reporting by Krishn Kaushik in New Delhi, editing by Ed Osmond)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Why You Should Visit the Vatican

For those who aren’t religious, you may wonder why you should visit the Vatican when on a city break in Rome, Italy. However, there are so many reasons to visit! It is no surprise that Vatican tours are on a lot of people’s bucket lists - and here are some of the best reasons why…

1. Religion

Papal Audience

Of course, religion is a huge part of it. The Vatican is the heart of the Catholic Church and serves as a pilgrimage spot for many Catholics and Christians; visit on a Wednesday and you can see the Pope’s general audience to the masses or catch his weekly Sunday blessing. St Peter’s Square, containing 284 columns and 88 pillars, symbolizes the gathering of Christianity, which makes it a really important part of religious history.

If you really want to cement or celebrate your faith, a Vatican tour is a great way to do just that! It is also a great way to learn about Catholicism, even if it’s not a huge part of your own life.

2. Art and Architecture

St. Peter's Dome

The Vatican isn’t just for those looking to honor their religious beliefs. It is also somewhat of a pilgrimage, in a sense, for art lovers and architecture fanatics alike. There is so much art to be seen throughout the Vatican City; tours will show you the best of the best including The Sistine Chapel (the frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo is probably one of the most famous artworks in the world), Caravaggio’s ‘The Entombment of Christ’, and Leonardo’s ‘St Jerome in the Wilderness’, which is unfinished. Of course, those are big names in the art world - so having the chance to see so many of them in the same place is a big reason to visit the Vatican.

And for those who love architecture, tours of the Vatican will leave you awe-inspired. The Vatican City is striking, and it was mostly built in Renaissance style - but there are also examples Baroque and Late Renaissance architecture to be seen within this walled enclave.

St Peter’s Basilica alone took over 120 years to build and is one of the largest churches in the world; the square, with its columns and pillars and ancient Egyptian obelisk, is a wonder to behold. The whole of the Vatican is an incredible feat of human achievement!

Entrance to the Vatican Museums

History lovers will delight in the Vatican, too. These unique museums hold so much history that goes way beyond what is on display there today. The name ‘Vatican’ was being used as early as the time of the Roman Republic, and the area was apparently considered sacred long before the arrival of Christianity.

There is plenty of ancient history to think about and appreciate when visiting the Vatican, as well as more modern history such as Rome being annexed, and church property being confiscated in the 1800s. This was followed by the Lateran treaties in 1929, and then the Vatican’s involvement in World War II.

4. Learning

The Gallery of Maps

If you love to learn and soak up information, then a Vatican museum tour is for you. The Vatican museums are spread across 1400 rooms and contain artifacts and artwork from over 3000 years. Must-see parts of the Vatican museums include the Gallery of the Maps (the ceiling is heavily decorated, and there are 40 stunning maps lining the walls), all of the art from artists such as Giotto, Raphael and more, and the Gregorian Egyptian Museum which houses an incredible amount of antiquities.

The Vatican City is also a fantastic learning opportunity for children both young and older. It is a great way to expose them to art, architecture, history and religion all in one place. This means you can nurture their interests and help them understand how much there is to appreciate about the world we live in.

5. Peace and Quiet

The Vatican Gardens

It may come as a surprise, given that the Vatican sees millions of tourists pass through its doors every year, but it is a part of Rome where you can find some peace and quiet if need be. If you have spent your time in the city surrounded by crowds, or spending time in busy bars, then you might be happy to know that the Vatican gardens are usually fairly calm.

At 23 hectares, the gardens cover half of the entire Vatican City; they are home to fountains, a cactus garden, incredible views of St Peter’s Dome and also some important holy sites that you might not see otherwise - such as a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France.

6. Another Country

Swiss Guards of Vatican State

Visiting the Vatican City allows you to tick another country off your list. For keen travelers, entering the Vatican while on a trip to Rome gives you the chance to add another country to your ‘been there’ list without having to spend too much money or travel even further! It is the smallest country in the world at just 44 hectares and was established in 1929. The Vatican has a population of around 1,000 as well as its own army, known as the Swiss Guard. Nobody has ever been born in the Vatican City, and the country’s economy is supported by the sale of souvenirs, stamps, publications and admission fees.

So, as you can see, there are so many reasons to visit the Vatican City. If you’re in Rome, it really is one of the most interesting and exciting things you can do. Join us on one of our  best Vatican tours , with skip the line entry, so you can spend less time waiting and more time exploring!

It is a truly unique part of the world, with so much historic, artistic and religious significance that really cannot be missed. Whether you want to wander through the peaceful Vatican gardens or embark on a Sistine Chapel tour, you certainly won’t be disappointed by your trip to the world’s smallest country.

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Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has resigned, the government said on Sunday, after being removed from the post of deputy prime minister in a cabinet reshuffle, at a time when the Southeast Asian country seeks to help resolve a conflict in Myanmar.

8 Best Free Things To Do in Vatican City

Are you looking for the best free things to do in Vatican City? Read on to find out what this micronation has to offer – for free!

Yes, Vatican City can be enjoyed without hurting your wallet. With many iconic sights to see, we’ve tried looking only for those best things to enjoy for free.

As a city-state in Rome , the Vatican is in a perfect location. It is not only the heart of the Roman Catholic religion but also a place visited by many tourists – believers and non-believers – in general. It’s a place you would not want to miss exploring when in Italy .

However, like any tourist magnet in the world, this tiny nation can be quite expensive. Fret not, though, because there are free activities in Vatican City that you can enjoy, too. All you have to do is plan your visit very well to take advantage of these free stuff.

Table of Contents

Nothing is more enjoyable than the best things for free! So, without further ado, here are the best free things to do in Vatican City.  

1. Wander around St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is one of the must-see places in Vatican City for free. To wander around it without spending a penny is definitely the best thing you can do when in the Vatican.

The large plaza was built right in front of the St. Peter’s Basilica. Right at the center of St. Peter’s Square, you can take unlimited shots of Vatican City. The 25-meter tall ancient red granite-made Egyptian obelisk built in 1586 is one of the best backdrops. This is all thanks to the magical hands of Gian Lorenzo Bernini who designed the obelisk.

With the 284 columns and 88 pilasters, together with the 140 statues of saints, every corner of St. Peter’s Square can be the best angle.  

2. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is not only for devout Roman Catholics but also for art enthusiasts or any visitors who appreciate landmarks, soul searchers, and all wanderers. This church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of the Vatican, is a certified travelers’ favorite.

Visitors can enter the basilica for free provided you wear the appropriate attire. St. Peter’s Basilica and the museums require certain dress code when entering. Also, expect long lines before you can actually get inside.

So, what to expect from the free-entry church?

The interior of the church being the largest in the whole world is one of its main attractions. You might get a stiff neck looking up its captivating ceilings and sore eyes from staring at the basilica’s overall interior that consists of marbles, gildings, and sculptures.

An exquisite example of the superb Renaissance architectural designs, St. Peter’s Basilica is shaped like a cross and surrounded with different chapels and monuments of notable people.

Inside you can also find tombs of various popes and other remarkable personalities. Practically everything you can find in the basilica is worth checking out!

3. Locate the Porta Santa

You should not forget to locate the Porta Santa or the Holy Door which can be found in the St. Peter’s Basilica as it is free to see.

This door only opens during Jubilee Years or every 25 years, so the last time it opened was in the year 2000. The next year it will be opened is in 2025, so when you visit Vatican before this year, come and check it out.

The Porta Santa serves as the northernmost entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. Though cemented and remains closed, it is designed with interesting drawings which make it fun to see without costing one a dime.

4. Check out the Pietà by Michelangelo

Right after entering St. Peter’s Basilica, you can see the Pietà on your left. The Pietà is the only work of Michelangelo Bounarroti with signature.

One of if the most iconic religious statue ever, seeing the Pietà is one of the best things to do in Vatican City for free. The Pietà features Mary carrying Jesus on her lap after he was crucified in this marble-made 1499 Michelangelo sculpture.

“ Pietà ” means pity or compassion. This famous statue has become a popular subject for many artists. 

The  Pietà measures around 5.70 feet in height and 6.40 feet in width. When in Vatican City, don’t ever miss checking out this masterpiece of the Renaissance.

5. Explore the Vatican Grottoes

St. Peter’s Basilica is so huge that it the free things to enjoy here when you visit Vatican City need to be enumerated.

Done with the superb ceiling designs? Let’s go down below the basilica then. There lie numerous tombs of former popes with other notable personalities, even royalties and other famous people. You can also find numerous statues and sculptures underneath. Even an empty tomb for Benedict XVI is waiting down there. St. Peter’s tomb can be found right below the altar of the Clementine Chapel underneath.

Take note to remain silent when inside the grottoes and that picture-taking is not allowed inside as well. Don’t miss this mind-blowing free visit when in Vatican City.

6. Spend your Last Sunday of the month visiting the Vatican Museums

If you are looking for things to do in Vatican City on a budget, this is definitely the best!

Yes. Every last Sunday of the month, admission to the Vatican Museums is free. Just get your patience ready for the long lines before you can actually get inside. Come in early so you can get a good spot in the queues.

Also take note of the holidays when the museums are inaccessible, too. But once inside, all the things that you endured out will be paid off.

Massive Catholic church-related collections – especially of the papacy – can be seen inside including some notable Roman sculptures and well-known Renaissance creations. There are also the exhibits related to modern religious art. The sculpture museums and the historical museum of Vatican itself with more exhibits about the papacy can as well be enjoyed for free on the last Sundays of the month.

With the immense collection that the Vatican Museums showcase, your free visit will surely be worthwhile.

7. Attend a mass and see the Pope

Every Wednesday and Sunday of the week, you’ll get a chance to see the pope personally in Vatican City.

If you are in the Vatican on the last Sunday of the month to take advantage of the free admissions at the Vatican Museums, you can then consider Wednesday to be your day to see the pope.

For practicing Catholics, attending a mass by the pope in person is a must and one the best free things to do in Vatican City. Here the Pope gives the Gospel at the St. Peter’s Square every Wednesday, which is the Papal Audience day.

Between 9 AM to 11:30 AM is the Papal Audience time. Just secure your ticket to the accommodation no matter how intimidating the Swiss Guards can be at times. Then, you can be one of the thousands to be seated at the plaza.

For groups, you can request online in advance to avoid the long lines. Seeing the Pope is free, but you need to exert some extra effort to secure your place, so come at the earliest time possible.

Check out this guide to the papal audience.

8. Experience Vatican City at night

Seeing Vatican by day is definitely worthwhile, but experiencing the night in the city is something you should not miss – for free!

Witness how this small yet historical place full of wonderful work of arts lighten up in the night.

The St. Peter’s Square is accessible, so marvel at the lights of the iconic structures around such as the St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you come during the summer, there are free concerts at night for a more energetic vibe to the night ambiance of the place.

Pope to youth in Venice: Get off your phones and pay attention to others

By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis met on Sunday morning with young people in Venice in the square in front of the Basilica of St. Mary of Good Health.

The encounter marked the third event of his one-day pastoral visit to the northern Italian city for the Venice Art Biennale.

Speaking to young people, the Pope recalled that we have all received the great gift of being God’s beloved children and are therefore called to share His joy with others.

“We are here today,” he said, “to rediscover in the Lord the beauty that we are and to rejoice in the name of Jesus, a youthful God who loves young people and always surprises us.”

He reflected on two verbs that characterize the Blessed Virgin Mary’s action as soon as she heard she would become the Mother of God: “She arose and went.”

God sees us as children to lift up

“Arise,” said Pope Francis to young people in Venice. “Get up from the ground, because we are made for Heaven. Rise from sadness to lift your gaze upward. Rise to stand in front of life, not to sit on the couch.”

The first thing each of us should do when we wake up each morning, he added, is to thank God for the gift of our lives by saying a little prayer: “My God, thank you for life. My God, make me fall in love with my life. My God, You are my life.”

The Pope recognized that young people must fight an “oppressive inertia” that turns our world into shades of gray.

“May we allow the Lord to take us by the hand, since He never disappoints those who trust in Him, but always lifts up and forgives,” said Pope Francis.

Even when we fall or make mistakes, he added, God is there to pick us up as a Father, since He only sees us as “children to lift up, not as evildoers to punish.”

Look at others, not at your smartphone

After we have arisen from our slumber or sin, said the Pope, we must “remain” in Jesus through the virtue of perseverance.

Rather than living on quick emotions and momentary satisfaction, Christians are called to persevere together in faith and love by praying in community at Mass.

“You might say, ‘But all around me, everyone is on their own with their cell phone, glued to social media and video games,’” said Pope Francis. “Yet, you must fearlessly go against the current: take life into your hands, get involved; turn off the TV and open the Gospel; get off your cell phone and encounter people!”

Like the gondolas that ply the canals of Venice, young people should row against the current by letting God help them. “Rowing requires regularity,” said the Pope. “But perseverance brings rewards, even if the path is difficult.”

We are a gift for others

Pope Francis then turned to the second verb that describes Mary: “go.”

“If rising is welcoming oneself as a gift, going means making oneself a gift,” he said. “If life is a gift, I am called to live by giving myself for others.”

The Pope invited young people gathered in Venice to embrace God’s call to participate in His creation.

“Creation invites us to be creators of beauty ourselves, to create something that did not exist before,” he said. “Life asks to be given, not managed; we must break out of the hypnotic world of social media that numbs the soul.”

Paint the streets of life with the Gospel

In conclusion, Pope Francis urged young people to create a simple prayer from the heart and offer a “gesture of love to someone who cannot reciprocate.”

“Open your heart to God, thank Him, and embrace the beauty that you are; fall in love with your life,” he concluded. “Then go! Go out, and walk together with others; look for those who are alone, color the world with your creativity, and paint the streets of life with the Gospel. Arise and go.”

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