After being in the audience at the Pope’s weekly address, and getting settled into our Roman apartment, we were ready to explore the Vatican City. Luckily, we were only a stone’s throw away on the other side of the Tiber River.
The amazing view looking out on St. Peter’s Square from the basilica’s front steps.
My boss at the time hooked us up with two young men in the seminary. They were kind enough to give us a personalized (free) tour of the basilica. We were so grateful that we took them to our favorite restaurant from our second day of our honeymoon. (Really, we just wanted some more!)
We were told that outer ring of Latin in the duomo is six feet tall. And the tiny inner circle? Ten feet tall. TEN FEET! Just to compensate for how high it all really is. Also, if the Statue of Liberty had a twin, she could stand on her sister’s shoulders and fit under this duomo. I don’t think the other tourists got that little nugget of info!
Another trivia fact–the statues on the top row are 1.5 times the size as those on the bottom row so they can look the same size. These sculptors thought of everything.
Looking down into the catacombs.
The closest I got to the tomb of St. Peter. The mosaic covering his tomb can be seen at bottom right.
The Swiss Guards were none too pleased when I asked them if I could take a picture with them. You’d think they saw a million tourists a week or something. How can you be a prude with an outfit like that? They haven’t changed in thousands of years, apparently. Makes sense.
On our way out of the basilica and onto a hearty dinner. We came back to the basilica and its museum the next day. Stay tuned!
Kelly says
I loved the Basilica, it was beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pictures. Do they still enforce a dress code? When I went (over 10 years ago) it was over 80 and I had to be in pants I was about to die it was so hot that day. It looks like you had a great time!
Gwen says
One of my regrets with Rome is that we didn’t get to do Vatican City or really anything “churchy” other than St. Peter’s Square. We’re not Catholic but when I go back there someday I’ll make sure we can see all that. Gorgeous!
Rachel says
We climbed to the top of the dome and it was so, so, so hot (we were both sweating buckets) but the view was gorgeous! And every restaurant we tried in Rome was yummy!
Rachel @ Well Worn Soles says
I love Vatican City! There is something so cool about mystic and history of it that I find fascinating. Looks like a great trip!
Jordan Shaner says
Incredible post and great pictures! I’m so jealous you were able to go to the Vatican City! That is definitely one of my bucket list destinations!
xoxo
http://thattallgirlinheels.com
Laura @ The Everyday Joys says
Wow, talk about some sights to see!
Beth K. says
So amazing that there is such a size difference at the top of the dome! That’s just mind boggling.
Sarah Beth says
Lovely pictures! I’m going to Italy on Saturday to study there for 3 weeks!! Can’t wait to see the Vatican in person :)
mysmallrayofsunshine.blogspot.com
Christine Rosko says
I love these posts! I can’t wait until I get to go to Italy one day. It’s just a dream of mine.