July 9, 2007
I am not religious in any sense of the word but I have always wanted to Visit the spectacular Vatican City.
St Peters Square
We first saw it on the Angels and Demons tour and stayed a very short time. We then came at night to watch the sun set over the city from St Peters square. The buildings and fountains look fantastic at night lit up and there are no huge crowds. I would recommend you come at night for a look.
St Peters Basillica
We later came to explore the inside of the city. We lined up for St Peters and the Dome for about 1/2 an hour. An elevator (thank god) and 300+ steps later we were at the top of St Peters dome. This has to be the BEST 360 degree view of Rome you can get. There is also a souvineer shop on the roof! There is also a lookout on the inside of the dome where you get a great view of the church below.
The Basillica is huge and there are a number of things to see in there including a piece of the actual cross (or so they say!) The paintings, sculptures and decorations are absolutely amasing!
The Vatican Museams
We lined up for about 1.5 hours (and 3 blocks) to go into the Vatican Museams which open really early so we had no chance of being able to get up early enough to avoid the queues! But we met some nice Canadian girls in the queue who we chatted away to. Inside the museams spread around a large square, we really only wanted to see the Sistine Chapel. We followed the signs (and people) through intricately painted rooms with sculptures, paintings and tapestries lining the walls and ceilings. About 20 rooms later we FIANALLY arrived at the Chapel which was full of tourists milling about. I sneakily took a photo of the ceiling! I suppose it was worth the wait - I can say I have seen it now!
St Peters Square
We first saw it on the Angels and Demons tour and stayed a very short time. We then came at night to watch the sun set over the city from St Peters square. The buildings and fountains look fantastic at night lit up and there are no huge crowds. I would recommend you come at night for a look.
St Peters Basillica
We later came to explore the inside of the city. We lined up for St Peters and the Dome for about 1/2 an hour. An elevator (thank god) and 300+ steps later we were at the top of St Peters dome. This has to be the BEST 360 degree view of Rome you can get. There is also a souvineer shop on the roof! There is also a lookout on the inside of the dome where you get a great view of the church below.
The Basillica is huge and there are a number of things to see in there including a piece of the actual cross (or so they say!) The paintings, sculptures and decorations are absolutely amasing!
The Vatican Museams
We lined up for about 1.5 hours (and 3 blocks) to go into the Vatican Museams which open really early so we had no chance of being able to get up early enough to avoid the queues! But we met some nice Canadian girls in the queue who we chatted away to. Inside the museams spread around a large square, we really only wanted to see the Sistine Chapel. We followed the signs (and people) through intricately painted rooms with sculptures, paintings and tapestries lining the walls and ceilings. About 20 rooms later we FIANALLY arrived at the Chapel which was full of tourists milling about. I sneakily took a photo of the ceiling! I suppose it was worth the wait - I can say I have seen it now!
The Vatican at night
The Vatican at night
St Peters Basillica
Stairs in Vatican Museam
Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
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