This week I took a 2-hour walking tour of the Vatican Gardens. It was interesting to go behind St. Peter's Basilica, climb the Vatican Hill, and enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens of Vatican City.
This is the crest of the Pope
in front of the Vatican administration building.
The garden outside the Vatican Pinacoteca.
One section of the garden, next to the Walls of Leo IV, has a full-size reproduction of the Lourdes Grotto in France. Near it are other statues of Mary.
Our Lady of Fatima
appearing to three children in Portugal.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
as seen on the tilma of Juan Diego.
St. John's Tower in the Vatican Wall was built as a "get away lodge" by Pope John XXIII. This was where Pope Benedict XVI entertained US President George Bush and Mr. Bush was heard commenting about the gardens to the Pope: "This is a mighty nice place that you have here."
What a great opportunity Larry, to see some of the beautiful gardens of the Vatican! Thanks for sharing ~
ReplyDelete