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“This is one of the ceilings on the way through the Vatican museum toward the Sistine Chapel. The building is a museum now in order to share the art collections of the papal palaces with the masses. (Well, "share" at a little over 15 bucks a person.)”

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“The View of St. Peter's Square from the Dome Taken from the cupola of St. Peter's Basilica... quite a stunning site and worth the hike up the stairs. 600 steps up, this is the view. A vast swathe of Rome is visible and even snow capped mountains in the distance. ”

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“January 22nd, 1506, is the official date of birth of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, because on that day, towards the evening, a group of one hundred and fifty Swiss soldiers commanded by Captain Kasparvon Silenen, of Canton Uri, passed through the Porta del Popolo and entered for the first time the Vatican, where they were blessed by Pope Julius II. The prelate Johann Burchard of Stras bourg, Master of Pontifical Ceremonies at that time, and author of a famous chronicle, noted the event in his diary. ”

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“The official dress uniform is a jumpsuit of blue, red, orange and yellow with a distinctly Renaissance appearance. A common misconception is that the dress uniform was designed by Michelangelo. In fact, guard commander Jules Repond created the uniforms in 1914, taking inspiration from the work of the painter Raphael."”

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