Today I visited the last "must-see" from my list of Rome. I have been told that seeing the Vatican before noon is not a good idea (too many tour groups). So I waited until around 1pm then headed off for my last stop of the trip: Vatican City.
The first stop was Piazza San Pietro. In this Piazza there is an obelisk that marks where, in 64 AD, St. Peter was martyred. This Piazza also contains St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world.
After walking around St. Peter's and also walking through the tomb's of the former Pope's, I walked nest to the Vatican Museum.
I wish I had waited a little longer to go here only because there were still a lot of tour groups walking through here and it made it difficult to navigate at times. I was still able to see a lot, including the Gallery of the Maps and the Rooms of Raphael. Both were amazing collections of artistry that were impressive to look at. One of the last stops on this tour through the museum is the world famous Sistine Chapel. It is impressive to see in person and they had guards there to closely monitor anyone trying to take pictures, so this is the best picture I could get without incurring their wrath. Upper left hand corner is the fresco that is known all around the world.
I imagined the Sistine Chapel and the Michelangelo fresco's to be a little larger, but it was still pretty amazing to be standing there, seeing such amazing history right there all around me. That is certainly one thing I have taken away from this trip - all this cultural history has been such a pleasure to actually finally see in person. I have been waiting years to make it to Rome, and Rome has certainly lived up to expectations.
After leaving the Vatican Museum, it was time to get a bite to eat then return to the hotel and get some rest. I have to get up around 4:30am so I can get ready for my car to pick me up at 5:30am. My plane leaves around 9:30am and gets back into LA around 1:30pm on Saturday. I am sure I will crash as soon as I get home, unless jet-lag rears it's ugly head again. If I think of anything else to post, I will do so. Ciao.
3 comments:
This is the only way we'll get to see Rome, and we loved seeing it through your eyes. Love you, Mom and Dad
Sounds like it's been a fun trip. So glad you finally got to go!!
Everything was fascinating. Such a wonderful trip - educational and so cool to see all those special places in person. Good for you!!
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