2023 Saturday Nov. 4

Rome

No Relive video.

No rain, and we were off to Vatican City to collect the Testimonium for our walk. The line to enter the Basilica was long, but Pilgrims are allowed in a special line where there was no wait. We were directed to the coat check area where a man who assured us he was a volunteer had us fill out the information under his watchful eye.

Afterwards, we were able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica.

First view
Michelangelo’s Pieta is near the front, protected by glass.
Bernini’s canopy in gilded bronze was completed in 1666.
The Cathedra Sancti Petri Apostoli is the wooden throne of St. Peter. On the back of the throne, Christ is depicted entrusting Peter with the leadership of the Church. Above the throne, the Holy Spirit is depicted in a glory of angels.
The statue of St. Peter is well worn as visitors used to be able to touch his feet. Now we are not allowed to get close.
Richard chose to climb to the dome. After one hour in line to buy a ticket, he was allowed to go up.
He was surprised to discover that there is a piazza just behind the statues before reaching the dome. It allows access to view the inner dome, and has services like a cafe and bathrooms.
Inside the dome, mosaics cannot be fully appreciated, as they are on the dome climb.
From the upper dome balcony, the glorious piazza.
The colorful Swiss Guards stand watch outside the Basilica.
Heading out from the Vatican, we cross the Tiber River with the Castel San’Angelo behind Richard.
We had dinner near Piazza Navona, shown here with one of its iconic fountains.
Our last stop of the evening was at the Spanish Steps. Who would have thought there would be so many people on a November evening?

Comments:

Julia Holman: I love Michelangelo’s Pieta. Sad that it has to be behond glass. I am glad that they are protecting priceless works of art. 2023/11/13 at 3:32 pm

Reply: It is a beautiful piece and surprisingly small. Sadly, it seems even smaller since we have to be kept at a distance. 2023/11/18 at 4:37 pm