For almost a year, veteran National Geographic photographer Jim Stanfield captured nearly every corner of the Vatican, both the world’s smallest country and the center of the Roman Catholic Church. Along with author Bart McDowell, he provides an insider’s view into the history of this 108.7-acre enclave, from the first St. Peter’s, built in the fourth century, through the amazing reign of Pope John Paul II, and beyond. Rarely seen areas of the complex, such as the Pope’s personal quarters and the world-renowned libraries, and up-close views of the stunning and priceless art and architecture provide an unrivaled insider’s look into this amazing nation.In this revised trade paperback edition, Washington Post writer Howard Schneider brings the story of the Vatican up-to-date, including the death and funeral of Pope John Paul II and the selection and ordination of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict XVI’s recent trip to the United States is also documented in poignant words and images.

This volume escorts the armchair visitor around the monuments of ancient Rome, bringing history and its protagonists to life. The text, illustrations and photographs, including several aerial views, allow the reader a visual comprehension of the various archaeological areas while maps and graphic reconstructions help to complete a complex picture of the ctiy that was once the capital of the world.

Absolutely NO publisher overstock or black remainder mark on page edges!! BRAND NEW, NEVER READ -- NO blemishes -- A+ MINT!!From a dry/smoke free environment --Tight, crisp, and clean - you'll hear the book CRACK when opened! Published by Lozzi Roma. Book has NO names, highlights, underlines, dog ears, loose pages, or wrinkles. Soft cover is in excellent condition!! An exceptional copy! GIFT QUALITY!! NO remainder mark. NOT ex-library book with markings. I ship daily. Carefully packaged with bubble wrap for the journey and I provide email verification at time of shipment. Delivered in 3-6 days (Expedited) or 6 -14 days (Standard) -- additional delivery time required for AK, HI and APO. Expedited shipping recommended for speedy delivery. Book will ship same or next day! Customer service and satisfaction is a priority. Know EXACTLY what you are buying with my detailed description -- Full disclosure on all books all the time! Read the feedback - then buy with confidence from a 5+ year Amazon Pro-Merchant.

Guide book to the Vatican.

Lets you discover the rich history and culture of some of the world's most influential historical places.

This is one of seven indispensable touring guides to the spectacular heritage, magnificent countryside, superb food and wonderful shops of Italy, designed for the serious traveller.

Holy RomeA Millennium Guide to the Christian SightsYears of massive renovations have prepared Rome for the 26th Jubilee and the start of the third millenium.  Today the city  gleams more brilliantly than ever, displaying a fresh, bright face that conjures up the city of centuries gone by, when popes, cardinals, and powerful families were adding magnificent new works of art and architecture to the city's treasure of antiquity and its early Christian relics.  Like no other guidebook before, FODOR'S HOLY ROME explores every aspect of the stunning legacy of Christendom -- and brings you close to the powerful soul of the city that hasdrawn travelers and pilgrims since the dawn of the first millennium.No other guidebook highlights so many sights important to Christianity. Nearly 500 are covered in all, from the Vatican museums to the many churches, cloisters, shrines, and relics of saints.  Covering them all, district by district, this one-of-a-kind guidebook gives you all the tools to explore.Clear overviews and complete descriptions help you understand what you see. You'll find moving anecdotes from the lives of the saints, tales of Jubilees through the centuries, biographical sketches of key artists working in Rome, inside stories about recent renovations, and thorough background information on every sight.An exceptional city atlas from Italy's premier cartographers keep you on track. It's more up-to-date and more detailed than in any other guide, and all the churches and holy sights described in the texts are keyed to the maps.Exclusive themed itineraries highlight key facets of the city. You'll walk in the footsteps of Peter and Paul, take in Christmas in Rome, and see subterranean Rome, angels and altars, relics and reliquaries, and outdoor shrines and pilgrimage routes.Calenders from the Vatican and the Rome Agency for Jubilee Preparations give you dates and key information on masses, celebrations, exhibitions, concerts and other Jubilee events.A wonderful souvenir as well as an essential companion. More than 230 gorgeous photographs depict Rome's landmarks fresh from their face-lift -- and document Rome as it looks today.