This awe-inspiring monument to Pope Alexander VII, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is one of the most striking examples of Baroque artistry in the Vatican. What truly caught my attention was the gilded skeleton beneath the statue, holding an hourglass aloft. Draped in luxurious red marble, its wings spread wide as if representing the Angel of Death—a powerful reminder of time and mortality. The figure of Pope Alexander VII kneels above in prayer, his papal tiara placed to the side, symbolizing his humble submission to the divine. The combination of rich materials, intricate details, and dramatic themes made this monument one of the most memorable pieces I encountered during my trip to the Vatican.