Jenara Regis Newman
THERE is an easy and cheap way to travel to the historic Vatican City, see its grandeur, learn about its history—and never leave home.
On exhibit at the Ayala Center Cebu until Sept. 14 are pictures of the Vatican from the Vatican Observatory Foundation.
The large pictures, 19 in all, give the viewer a good look at the must-see tourist and pilgrim sites within the Vatican, minus the hassle of switching planes and taking numerous taxi or train rides to get there.
Since this is an exhibit from the Vatican Observatory, naturally the first picture is that of the observatory, which is “an astronomical and educational institution established by the Holy See in 1582: Originally based in Rome, it now has its headquarters and laboratory at the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.”
The huge photo mural of St. Peter’s Basilica dominates the exhibit, followed by other Vatican scenes like St. Peter’s Square, from the dome of the Basilica; the elite Swiss Guards; an interior shot of the Basilica, under the altar of which St. Peter is traditionally believed to have been entombed; the great Bronze Bernini Baldochino; and the Cathedra, or the Throne of St. Peter (it literally means the established seat of the bishop, according to saintpetersbasilica.org).
Also on display are Michelangelo’s hauntingly beautiful Pieta and Moses; the interiors of the Basilica, with light shining through its windows; the Gallery of Maps; the Vatican Museum entrance; the Hall of Constantine by Rafael; and St. Peter’s Square.
The pictures truly give one a sense of having been to the Vatican. The exhibit is meant to be a “Vatican insider tour experience.”