Have you already scheduled a visit to Rome in March, perhaps in the Easter weekend? It is a great idea, especially since – if it interests you-you could also attend the inauguration of the new Pope after the announcement of the resignation of Pope Ratzinger  it seems very realistic announcement election of a new Pope by the end of March, maybe just in time for Easter (which falls this year on March the 31st ).
Preparing physically and psychologically to deal with a certain crowd, keep in mind that there is plenty to see in the Vatican, as well as the proclamation of the successor of Benedict XVI. Remember to check if you can pay by cash. Find some time to visit the Sistine Chapel (which, however, during the ceremony might be busy ..) which is celebrating its 500 years. There is a tour on the tourist bus to discover the Vatican Gardens and St. Peter’s Basilica, which until March 31 will be open from 7 am to 18.30.
If you wish to take a trip out of town, you can stay on the subject by focusing on Castel Gandolfo: on the afternoon of the 5th of May, 2005, just days after his election, Pope Benedict XVI arrived by helicopter for his first visit to the Apostolic Palace and the Pontifical Villas. And there he was waiting to retire to the monastery Mater Ecclesiae on the Vatican hill, where will move Joseph Ratzinger. Tourists always talk about the place, a noble villa built on Roman ruins, still worth a visit.
If you have decided to go to Rome have a read here: The smallest country in the world
By Alba V
Photo 1: Getty Images  Photo 2: Mike Fairbanks, Photo 3: MarcelGermain
