ROMA

 

St. Peters Basilica

Rome -an iconic city of contrasts.  Home to both the largest church in the entire world and the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built - known for violence and death for spectator entertainment.  History abounds around every corner in this magnificent city. Since our flight back to the US was out of Rome  we decided to fly to Rome early and spend a few days visiting the city.  Covid still controls the world so international travel is both more complicated and more expensive.  Despite the Covid burden we were determined to see as much of Rome as possible in three days.

St. Peters Basilica

 What we discovered is that three days is not nearly enough time for a visit to Rome.  As a matter of fact as soon as we left we started planning our return visit!  We did try to see the iconic sites: the Vatican, St. Peters Basilica, the Coliseum, the Pantheon and as many of the Piazzas as we could find.  We had booked guided tours of the Vatican and the Coliseum which we highly recommend.  It just adds so much to hear the history behind what you are seeing.  But then you need to go back a second time for photos as it is difficult to attend to both at the same time.  And again - you really want to be tuned into the guide.  They are walking, talking history books.

St. Peters Square

Due to the pandemic there are not the crowds that are usually seen in Rome so we were able to see far more than we would have in normal times.  We were very grateful that we spent no time standing in lines.  Along with the rest of the world we have seen photos and TV footage of St. Peters Basilica yet still we were  blown away by the sheer immensity and stunning beauty of the church.  The church is the burial place of St. Peter and also holds the tombs of several other popes.  The entire interior is filled with marble sculptures, gilding, paintings and reliefs by Bernini, Michelangelo and others - making it appear more art museum than church. 

 Oculus in St. Peters

 To see one beautiful sculpture is a gift - to see an entire cathedral full of the most beautiful architecture and sculptures imaginable is almost more than you can take in.  For us it was like seeing the Sistine Chapel - you are just so overwhelmed that it leaves you speechless.  Of course, St. Peters Basilica is a UNESCO world heritage site as is pretty much all of Rome.

Inside St. Peters Basilica

We were visiting St. Peters in the evening after a tour of the Vatican.  As such, there were only a few people inside allowing us more time to contemplate.  Yet, still not enough time to take it all in.  That would take many, many more days, if not years.

Inside St. Peters Basilica

Sadly, due to the lighting photos were not great.  Especially of Michelangelos  - "The Pieta".  The Pieta is the only work that Michelangelo ever signed.  It is a heavenly gift to us all that we are privileged to behold.  Sadly, the Pieta had to be put behind bulletproof glass as someone attacked the sculpture with a hammer.  It has been restored and protected.  Unfortunately, the protective glass box makes it more difficult to view the piece.

 

The Throne of St. Peter - Bernini

 

 

 

 

A visit to St. Peters Basilica alone is a perfect reason to visit Rome.  Photos just do not do it justice.  You have to see it in its entirety - not just a small snapshot. However the entire city is a stroll through the renaissance that is unforgettable.  There are many, many reasons to visit Rome but a visit would be incomplete without a walk through St. Peters Basilica.