| The Apostolic Palaces erection began in 1447 when Nicolo'V
was Pope.He wished to build a majestic and well protected papal residence because the holy
father was both the vicar of Jesus Christ and a Temporal King. |
| From the pontificate of Nicolo'V onward,every pope did his
best to extend and to embellish the Vatican City.When Pio XII was a Pope ,the
Borgia'Tower was rebuilt and the office of the secretary of State was enlarged.Also,the
upper floors,Pope Sisto V Palace and the little palace of Pope Innocenzio VIII.The court
yard of St.Damaso was connected to the Belvedere court yard by elevators;the west side of
the mintage court yard was rebult and St.peter's grave came to light. |
| When Giovanni XXIII was Pope ,the repairs of the Vatican
buildings went one.Pope paul VI commisioned the restoration of the noble apartment
decorations,the roofing rebuilding of Palazzo Apostolico,the restoration of Nicolo V and
Sisto IV rooms where now is located the Vatican Library. |
| Also the Vatican gardens have a new , large museum which
exhibits,as well as the Vatican Museum , some archeological finding from Palazzo
Lateranense.Nearby the St.Marta is poorhouse.There is the Nervi Room designed by the
arcitect Pierluigi Nervi for the Papal Audiences,which can receive more than 10.000
people.The Vatican is mtq.440.00 large and has three entrances : the Bell's Arc,St.Anna
and The Bronze Door.They are garrisioned by the Swiss Guards who also watch over
the Vatican City and The Holy Father.The Vatican has a private police controlled by the
Superintendence Bureau. |
