In a tiny enclave in the heart of Rome lies the administrative and spiritual capital of Roman Catholicism, and the world's smallest independent state. Within its walls, during the course of the past fifteen hundred years, successive popes have commissioned and assembled an extraordinary collection of artistic works.Now Professor Enrico Bruschini, the eminent Vatican City expert and former fine art curator of the American embassy, takes readers inside the magnificent galleries and museums of the Vatican with a personal tour through its sacred halls. Drawing on his vast knowledge, Bruschini vividly brings to life works by Raphael, da Vinci, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and many other artisans while sharing interesting curiosities about the artists, their art, and the historical context in which they worked. These intimate descriptions allow Bruschini to illuminate both the artistic importance of the featured works and their cultural significance as he explains the profound impact they have made on Western civilization for nearly two millennia. In addition, Bruschini's unprecedented access to areas rarely open to the public allows him to offer a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of the Vatican revealing its most intimate secrets and treasures.With rare photographs from the Vatican archives and helpfuI maps to aid future pilgrims in planning the perfect itinerary, In the Footsteps of Popes is an enticing book for Italian enthusiasts as well as armchair travelers to savor -- Bruschini offers an absolutely extraordinary Vatican tour that is not to be missed! Read Less