Published on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Twenty years ago, the frescoes of the Vatican’s renowned Sistine Chapel received a major 16-year restoration, making Michelangelo’s masterful paintings vivid once more. After all, the Sistine Chapel is visited by 20,000 people each and every day; some wear and tear is to be expected. Both visitors and artwork will benefit from the latest upgrades installed by t...

Published on Monday, March 17, 2014 by Kathy McCabe All eyes have been on the Vatican for a year now, with the election of Pope Francis and his incredible popularity resulting in "the Pope Francis Effect." The fervor only seems to be on the increase with the upcoming canonization of two former popes on April 27 at the Vatican.  In September 2013, Pope Francis announced that two of his predecessors - Pope John Paul ...

Published on Monday, February 3, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Today the Vatican opened the Roman Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis to the public for the first time. The ancient burial ground dates back to the first century B.C. when it was the place of final rest for local Romans. The 10,000-square-foot site was originally uncovered during the 1950s during construction of a new parking garage underneath the Vatican. ...

Published on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web each week. Here are our top picks for this week: John Paul II Set For Sainthood: A second miracle by the late Pope has confirmed and has the beloved John Paul cleared to become a saint.  (BBC News) Italy's Undiscovered Alpine Retreat: Rick St...

Published on Friday, March 15, 2013 by Steve All eyes were on Rome and Vatican City this week as Pope Francis became the 266th pope in the history of the Catholic Church. There has never been a better time to visit the Eternal City and Italy and  ItalyVacations.com has put together  an amazing package for you to meet the new pope! Meet Pope Francis at a Papal Audience at the Vatican - a once-in-a-lifetim...

Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 by Kathy McCabe All eyes are on Vatican City in Rome -- and specifically the chimney leading from the Sistine Chapel -- to see if a new Pope has been elected. 115 cardinals are locked away in the chapel, voting on the leader of over a billion Catholics. Here are some fun facts about the Conclave: In the 13th century, Pope Gregory put the rule into effect that cardinals must be s...

Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 by Kathy McCabe On Friday, the Vatican post office released stamps for the Sede Vacante or Vacant See period - the time when there is no Pope. Pope Benedict XVI stepped down on February 28th.  Because this period is so short, these stamps are quite the collectors item. Perillo Tours President Steve Perillo has his own collection of Sede Vacante commemorative stamps. The Vatican star...

Published on Monday, February 11, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world today with the announcement that he will resign the Papacy effective February 28th. If you have a trip to Rome planned for March or Easter (which is March 31 this year) or you are thinking about visiting Rome in the next two months, there are a few things to know now that all eyes will be at the Vatican during that time: Technic...

Published on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 by Kathy McCabe There are few experiences that can match seeing the Sistine Chapel in person. But no matter how much time you spending touring the Sistine Chapel, there are details you will surely miss. That's why this virtual display of the chapel is a must-see. You can look at the ceiling for as long as you want without straining your neck! Plus you don't have to share the view w...

Published on Monday, October 29, 2012 by Steve If you're planning to visit Rome and Vatican City, you might just wonder what the Pope is up to and if there might be a chance for you to see him...Wonder no more! Here's a link to the Pope's schedule for the next four months.  Check it when you are a few months out from your visit to the Vatican. Note that the  ‘Angelus’ is a special prayer the Pope recites ...