Our third day in Rome was such an amazingly perfect day, I will just say it. We went early to the Vatican to meet up again with Antonella for our tour of the Vantican Museum (once residency to the Popes of Rome) the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The museum had amazing sculptures, huge tapestries that were made with real gold and silver thread that occasionally get hung in the Sistine Chapel, and incredible frescos on the walls; all leading up to Michelangelo’s work on the Sistine Chapel. Antonella set the stage very well for us before going in, giving great background on Michelangelo’s summoning to Rome by the Pope to pain the ceiling and far wall of the Chapel. However, nothing I feel can prepare you for the emotions you get once you walk in. It’s breath taking-literally.
I know the meaning of that phrase now, seeing something so awe inspiring it takes your breath away. Tears came. Yeah, tears. I get emotional over the strangest things, like the 3rd Lord of The Rings ending and choir tours being over. But great appreciation was instilled for that incredible building and the genius behind it. It took him thirty years to finish, eventually ruining his eyesight from paint dripping in them, then finally took his life at 89; a remarkably old age for the time. He painted nearly around the clock every day, using nothing more then candle light at times for all thirty years. Considering that place in time, the quality of his resources and his age, it’s truly an amazing feat. I loved every second of being in that room! Moving on from there we headed to St. Peter’s basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world and second oldest, taking over 130 years to build.
Just me in a pillar of light in St. Peter's Featuring sculptures by Michelangelo and Bernini, incredible mosaic murals, 18 ft statues and a dome that towers over all of Rome, it was quite the church to be in.
The view from the top of St. Peter's dome.
For a few euros we got to ride an elevator half way up the tower, then climbed 300 and something steps to the top of the dome which gave the most amazing views of Rome. Afterwards we walked through St. Peter’s square,
...passed the last church that was in Angels and Demons and went to the Pantheon.
The all seeing eye. Nope, just the oculus.It’s the oldest Catholic church in the world, and also sports the largest unsupported ceiling/dome in the world, with an 18 foot oculus in the middle. Wandering back from the Pantheon, we happened to stroll by a little restaurant with a big USA flag and
"Happy Fourth of July" written on its sign outside. It was a nice breath of fresh air. Before we headed back to the hotel, we snagged some gelato due to the heat.
Gelato numero 2It was much needed. We then went back to our hotel to enjoy the pool and sun. The mandatory footbath before entering the pool and blue swim cap really was the cherry on top of the day for us. Followed by napping and sketching. Perfecto.
I know the meaning of that phrase now, seeing something so awe inspiring it takes your breath away. Tears came. Yeah, tears. I get emotional over the strangest things, like the 3rd Lord of The Rings ending and choir tours being over. But great appreciation was instilled for that incredible building and the genius behind it. It took him thirty years to finish, eventually ruining his eyesight from paint dripping in them, then finally took his life at 89; a remarkably old age for the time. He painted nearly around the clock every day, using nothing more then candle light at times for all thirty years. Considering that place in time, the quality of his resources and his age, it’s truly an amazing feat. I loved every second of being in that room! Moving on from there we headed to St. Peter’s basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world and second oldest, taking over 130 years to build.
Just me in a pillar of light in St. Peter's
The view from the top of St. Peter's dome.
The all seeing eye. Nope, just the oculus.
"Happy Fourth of July" written on its sign outside. It was a nice breath of fresh air. Before we headed back to the hotel, we snagged some gelato due to the heat.
Gelato numero 2
il mio cuore รจ innamorato con l'Italia. l'arte sta chiamando alla mia anima.
ReplyDeleteTranslation:
My heart is in love with Italy. Art is calling to my soul.
Savor it, Brady! Soak it in!