Rome was not Biked in a Day

The world’s oldest standing army protects a city state of about 110 acres with a populace of around 800 inhabitants.  That army is the Swiss Guards, the personal body guard of all popes.  Founded by Pope Julius II way back in 1506 the Swiss Guards really are Swiss.  The first requirement is that the men come from Switzerland. They must also be single and Catholic.  The alpine country has provided palace guards and protection soldiers to European courts for centuries.  The Papal Swiss Guard is the last unit in existence.   In 2006 the army celebrated 500 years of service.  

The Sticky Bottle Team brings to our dear readers a bike ride of Vatican City.  Next month the eyes of the world will focus on the world’s smallest country as a new Pope is named.  Vatican City is a walled state, it has its own unique currency (but use your Euros) and although it has no official language the most common is not Italian, but Latin.  Vatican City also has, without saying, the largest cathedral in the world--St. Peter’s Basilica.  

A bike ride of Rome is a monumental (literally) undertaking with scores of architectural highlights, museums and much more.  The Seven Hills of Rome present a unique challenge each on their own or collectively.  It is best to break Rome up into pieces--we are starting with Vatican City.  The country is ruled over by the Pope who serves as the legislature, the executive branch and the court system.  The Corpo della Gendarmeria is the police force.     

Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is the only such site that is an entire state.  A ride of Vatican City will put riders face to face with the works of Botticelli, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo. The Basilica and the Sistine Chapel and the vast and sprawling Vatican Gardens will amaze.

At roughly 55 acres the Vatican Gardens covers just about half of the city.  The gardens were created by Pope Nicholas III as a place for quiet solitude and prayer.  Orchards, lawns and formal plantings dominate the Gardens.  Before you plan on a ride through Vatican Gardens, stop.  Of the many places to see and visit in Vatican City, the Gardens is the only place that requires a guided tour.    

For those riders who want to stretch their legs and get moving then the Tiber River provides an escape.  The Tiber, the lifeblood of Rome, flows through the heart of the city and offers a good ride out of the metropolis.  Travel sites recommend that bike riders be assertive when riding in Roman traffic, there is an understanding between drivers and riders.  So, if you can make it a couple of blocks from St. Peter’s Basilica you will find a paved bike path running on the west bank of the Tiber.  The trek north will pass boats and several floating homes. At some point riders may choose to jump up the bank a bit to the Via Capoprati (“along the bike path”) to continue to enjoy the ride and scenery. 

We have a video of the Vatican Gardens on our website at www.stickybottleteam.net.  Ciao!