HOLY SEE. 1/2. Vatican City

An awesome postcard thanks to my friend Matteo from Italy who always thinks of me and my collection when visiting places like this one.

I've been thinking about the splendour of churches - it is a fact that the Orthodox and Catholic faiths have a very rich decoration and one who is from another faith might ask - why do you have to spend so much money on that instead of, e.g. - feeding the poor or something else? Well.. It's a tough question and I've already answered to people asking about that - I think it's all about the traditions. Long history and suitable conditions made it possible marvellous pieces of art  to be created by people of both religions - and each better than the previous. People would compete to create something beautiful because it's been part of their understanding and love of God to create splendid temples. History has always known twisted stories about greed, but hey - it's everywhere. Average people - at least in my country Bulgaria - would love to spend their money or labour to built a new chapel, or when in a church, to donate something, even if they don't have much money to spend.
So we should understand the beauty of such places and know their value in time. Like this one on the picture? Isn't it beautiful? :)

 

Vatican City

The Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its centre is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. The basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world, the fruit of the combined genius of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderno.