Southern Europe
Discover Casina Pio IV, Galera Fountain, St Peter’s Basilica and more.
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architecture
Completed in 1561 as a summer residence for Pope Pius IV, the Casina stands among the Vatican gardens. Its decorated buildings and oval courtyard now form the setting for the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Source: www.pas.va
art
The Galera Fountain turns an elaborate model ship into a water feature. Its masts, rigging and decorated hull make it one of the Vatican’s most unusual fountains.
Source: www.museivaticani.va
architecture
St Peter’s Basilica stands in Vatican City. Its great dome was conceived by Michelangelo and completed by Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana.
art
The ancient Roman bronze Pinecone gives the Cortile della Pigna its name. Once part of a fountain, it was moved to this Vatican courtyard in 1608.
Source: www.museivaticani.va
art
The present Vatican Pinacoteca opened in 1932 in a building designed by Luca Beltrami. Its position in the Square Garden was chosen with the display and preservation of paintings in mind.
Source: www.museivaticani.va
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