St Peter's Basilica, until recently it was the largest church ever built and is one of the holiest sites in Christendom. It sits on the site of St Peter's crucifixion and burial. St Peter's tomb sits under the main altar inside, and is the still the main attraction. It's free to go into the Basilica however you do have to go through security and a long line unless you go through a certain exit at the Sistine Chapel. I'm so glad that I found out which door to exit from,because we went right into the Basilica without having to walk all the way back around. You can get a pass to go down to the tomb of St Peter, but you have to look into that well before you arrive.
This is St Peter's square and we have seen it in several movies, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Here's a hint, the Pope appears to an audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesdays in the Spring. You have to arrive early and get a free ticket if you want to be up close.
The Pope's balcony
St Vincent De Paul
The painted ceiling dome.
My friend Carrie and her family just happen to be at the Vatican city that day. So we spent most of the afternoon with them.
Sorry this is so blurry, this is the altar of St. Joseph, Mary's husband.
This is Bernini's Baldacchino, the canopy that covers the shrine of St. Peter.
La Pieta' by Michael Angelo. This was my favorite statue and was the only one that I saw behind glass, it's beautiful the details made it life like.
This is a monument to Queen Christina of Sweden, who relinquished her throne to become a Catholic. She moved to Rome and lived out the rest of her life in poverty.
I love this photo of the Swiss guards behind us.
In Medieval times, the Swiss were known as fearless mercenaries, and were hired by the Pope as personal body guards. They have defended the Vatican since that time and is why there are Swiss guards, in the Vatican city. Their history is much longer than I care to put in this post.
This is the statue of St Peter holding the keys to the kingdom.
I can only tell you that Italy left a lasting impression on me. The food was delicious, the ingredients were so fresh, the people were so friendly. We were offered Limoncello in one place, not my favorite but sweet gesture, so we drank it. I think they gave it to us just to laugh at our expression. Micky and I went to bar, on our last night and the waitresses were singing and dancing. At the night the locals were out eating very late, talking very loud and fast. We saw young people just stopped in the middle of the alley kissing in their cars, without a care in the world. Thank you Italy! You were great!
