You Won't Believe What Everyday Liquid Is Used To Paint The Holiest Building In The World

When this holy building gets a paint job, it’s something you probably have in your own refrigerator that comes to the rescue.

That’s right, when the Vatican is in need of a bit of a facelift, it gets painted in…(wait for it)…milk!

The dairy-based solution is a formula that has been in use at the Pope’s residence since the 1500s, and no one is planning on changing it anytime soon. The colour has remained unaltered since the 16th century as well, being re-matched every single time the walls are repainted to achieve the closest consistency possible.

Due to Pope Francis’s passion for the environment, the milk used in the paint actually comes from the his own cows, who are raised at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome. To achieve the formula, the milk is combined with slaked lime and natural pigments.

It is then hand-patted onto the walls in yet another centuries-old technique.

When asked the why of this non-traditional choice of paint however, the Vatican’s chief architect Vitale Zanchettin insists that nostalgia is not to blame. ‘We’re not nostalgic for the past,’ he explains. ‘The point is that we think these solutions age better. They are tried and tested.’

Well, next time you have some home improvements to do, it might be time for a trip to the grocery store instead of Home Depot!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.