The Timeless Vatican Obelisk: Echoes of Ancient Rome in Vatican City

• HelloCiao
  [chah-oh]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un dottore!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)E mezza (10)
  [eh meh-tsah (dee-chee)]
• MorningMattina
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• AfternoonPomeriggio
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• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
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• TodayOggi
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• TomorrowDomani
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• 1Uno
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• 2Due
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• 3Tre
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• 4Quattro
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• 5Cinque
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• 6Sei
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• 7Sette
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• 8Otto
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• 9Nove
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• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Può mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoh mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyeh-toh (pehr)]

The Vatican Obelisk, originally from Heliopolis, Egypt, was erected by an unknown pharaoh around 2500 BC. It was later transported to Alexandria by order of Emperor Augustus in 30 BC.

The obelisk was moved to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. It was placed at the center of the Circus of Nero, a chariot racing stadium, symbolizing Rome's power and connection to ancient civilizations.

The Vatican Obelisk witnessed the martyrdom of St. Peter, who was crucified in the Circus of Nero. This event marked the beginning of the obelisk's association with Christianity.

In 1586, Pope Sixtus V ordered the relocation of the obelisk to its current position in St. Peter's Square. The move was a monumental engineering feat, involving 900 men, 140 horses, and a network of ropes and pulleys.

Upon its relocation, the obelisk was adorned with inscriptions by Pope Sixtus V. A bronze cross containing a relic of the True Cross was placed at the top, symbolizing the triumph of Christianity.

The obelisk's placement in St. Peter's Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, enhances the square's grandeur and serves as a focal point for the basilica, embodying the fusion of ancient and Christian art and architecture.

Today, the Vatican Obelisk stands as a testament to Rome's imperial past and its enduring significance in the Christian world. It attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists, symbolizing the continuity of history and faith.

Vatican City is nestled within the city of Rome, Italy. The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino), situated approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a train to Roma Termini station and then use the metro (Line A) to reach Ottaviano-San Pietro station. Alternatively, taxis and direct shuttle buses are available from the airport to central Rome.

Once in Rome, Vatican City is easily accessible by public transport. The metro's Line A (orange) stops at Ottaviano-San Pietro station, just a short walk from the Vatican. Several bus lines, including routes 40 and 64, also serve the area. For a more scenic route, consider walking or biking from central Rome. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but can be more expensive due to high tourist demand.

The official currency in Vatican City is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are available near the Vatican, and currency exchange services can be found in nearby Rome.

Vatican City is generally a safe destination with a strong security presence. However, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep personal belongings secure. Rome's Termini station and the surrounding area can be hotspots for petty crime, so exercise extra vigilance there.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are medical facilities and pharmacies in the vicinity of Vatican City. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacies in Rome can provide over-the-counter medications. The Vatican Gendarmerie (police) are also on hand to assist with security concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when entering St. Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Religion: Do show respect by maintaining silence in places of worship and refraining from disruptive behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses or trains to avoid fines. Don’t eat, drink, or speak loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'Buongiorno' (good morning) or 'Buonasera' (good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local Italian cuisine, but don’t rush meals; savor the experience and the flavors.

To experience the Vatican like a local, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak tourist rush. Attend a Papal Audience on Wednesdays if you want to see the Pope; tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. For a quieter experience, explore the Vatican Gardens, which require a guided tour reservation. Additionally, take a stroll through the nearby Borgo Pio neighborhood for charming cafes and local shops.