Rome, Italy
Me in front of St. Peter's Cathedral
I managed to find my breakfast spot again (really it is not hard so that should not be a surprise). I consulted my map and planned a nice quick and direct route to the Vatican….I however crossed the road one block too soon and had a few issues working my way back….but no worries because I got there and I never actually got hit by a car or a scooter, but almost by this guy on a bike but I think he would have also been hurt so whatever.
One of the statues around the top of Piazza di San Pietro (St. Peter's Square).
I was told there would be a queue to get in but had no idea it would be over a kilometre long. I really wanted to see St. Peter’s Basilica though so I stood in line for close to an hour to get through security. It is always faster if you are with a group but I wanted to move at my own pace so decided against joining a tour of any kind.
From the "it could be worse" file. These guys have to wear this all day long. They are the Pope's guards. For some reason I don't find them that intimidating.
To say that St. Peter’s is breathtaking is an understatement. Now you know me. I am not catholic (I could be considered the anti-catholic) I am not religious (spiritual yes, but not certainly not religious) but this place is truly amazing. I actually stood for a little while at the place where the Basilica of Immaculate Conception (in DC) ends and looked around and saw just how much more there is at St. Peter’s. Just awesome....really really awesome.
Me inside St. Peter's.
The first thing I had to do though was head up to the cupola or the dome. We are talking 551 steps up. I thought the steps at St. Paul’s (in London) were bad but they were nothing compared to this. At one point I had to walk sideways because that is the way the wall was leaning. But it was worth it…the view of Rome from the top can’t be compared to anywhere else. Going down for the most part was much easier but old stone steps are not always the easiest to navigate.
A few of those stairs. They were fun. I enjoyed it....and so did my ass.
From the top of St. Peter's.
Looking down at St. Peter's Square.
I then took a trip through the Tombs of the Popes, mainly because I was there and figured I should. Really nothing too special, a bunch of people praying, some old tombs…certainly not a highlight (for me anyways). I am sure if I was catholic it would mean more but alas I am not so I did not linger for long.
I then left the Basilica and headed to the place I really wanted to be. That place is of course the Vatican Museums. They are a whole collection of museums that are all connected. I grabbed myself an audio tour as I thought that would help with the orientation of the place….it did not at first but made a lot of sense later. I am pretty use to audio tours in other cities that literally take you step by step where you should be and where to turn…not here though. It will tell you a lot about what you are looking at….but you have to find it first. There is so much stuff in this place….you could spend a day or two just here. I think I skipped entire museums (because I couldn’t find them) and the crowds really annoyed me (it has been reconfirmed that I have a general dislike for people, which is odd considering my chosen profession) but I saw everything I needed to.
One of those ceilings.
The Vatican Museums are former palaces for Popes of the past. Most rooms have some connection to one pope or another and rooms changed as the tastes of the popes changed. Some times the rooms, the walls and/or ceilings are the only things on display but each gives you a feeling of great times of the past.
The purpose and style of this room has changed several times over the years. Now it is home to a whole lot of statues.
Highlights for me included the rooms by Raphael and/or his students. Many of the rooms were commissioned for him to complete but he died before he could do it. Many were finished by his students, off sketches that he drew.
Of course the biggest highlight is the Sistine Chapel and the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. I had no idea what it would really be and look like, standing in a room looking up at what I have only known from books or movies or TV. I stood breathless for what seemed like a long time. I listened to every word the audio tour told me about that ceiling…..and heard none of it. And there is nothing more I can say.
Once I left the Vatican things got a little dicey for me. We have already discussed my complete inability to navigate and it gets even worse when the sun goes down. I spent at least 30 minutes walking in the wrong direction….. before I realized I was walking in the wrong direction. My 30 minute walk home took…..well lets just say a lot longer. Eventually I did get back and had a great dinner just down the street. I can honestly say there is nothing half a litre of wine can’t solve.
One of the random things I walked by when I was lost. I think it is a church but I am not sure.
Julie
No comments:
Post a Comment