Rome - The Vatican

Day 4: April 2, 2013

We booked our tickets to the Vatican in advance.  I highly recommend going that route, as when we got there, the line was around the block.  It's not a small block, either.  We had an added bonus in that it started raining shortly after we started wandering around, so we didn't have to stand outside in the pouring rain.  We decided against taking a tour, as it was already packed, and we didn't want to be herded around like sheep.  It was a good choice for us, because we definitely went and saw some areas that are not on the tour.

As I said, the Vatican was packed the day we were there.  It was difficult getting pictures at times, but well worth it.  I don't have much to say about it, other than there were so many things to look at and take in that my senses are still overwhelmed when I think about it.  You are able to tour the old Papal apartments.  They are definitely worth the time, as they were painted by Raphael (and his assistants).  Each room has a sign in multiple languages that explains what you are looking at.  We spent a lot of time marveling at the details - everywhere you looked was decorated: floors, walls, windows, ceiling and doorways.  It was a visual overload, but lovely!

There are no pictures of the Sistine Chapel, as you are not allowed to take any in there.  Obviously, it was quite amazing, and we spent a lot of time getting a crick in our necks looking up at it.  Our favorite part was when we found a guy mooning us on the ceiling!  If you go, you should look for him :)

After touring the Vatican Museum, we went through St. Peter's Basilica. It's absolutely stunning in there!  Michelangelo's Pieta was definitely a high point of the day.

I have labeled the parts of the room where the following pictures were taken (floor, ceiling, etc.) to help give you a sense of direction.  Honestly, there is so much loveliness these pictures don't even begin to do it justice!

Diana, or, Artemis if you prefer.

Floor Mosaic.

A view of Rome from one of th windows we walked by.

Ceiling

Wall.

 

What museum trip is complete without a lion?!

Floor Mosaic.

Ceiling.

Floor.

Window!

Ceiling.

This was in a long hall, and on each side of the wall were gorgeous maps.  I could have stared at them all day!

Ceiling.

Corner of a room at the ceiling.  I loved the details of the guy on the left - exquisite!

Floor Mosaic - it didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped.  The room was packed, and this was the best I could do!

Ceiling in the Papal Apartments.

Ceiling.

Corner of a room towards the ceiling.

Above a doorway.

St. Peter's Square on our way in to the Basilica.  It was still set up from the Easter Sunday service.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

 

Michelangelo's Pieta.

In the picture below, you can see the columns that are on each side of the Basilica.  It's actually a walkway.  We took our time, as it was pouring out when we left!

St. Peter's Square looking towards the Basilica.

We spent the majority of our day at the Vatican.  It was lovely, although packed with tourists.  While I don't like being a part of a tourist sandwich, it was still enjoyable.  When we left, we wandered around for a little bit looking for something to eat.  We were hungry, and it was pouring, so we found a nice little cafe and had wine and pasta.  Very typical for us while in Rome!  Also typical was grabbing a slice of pizza while wandering around.  2nd lunch was a common occurrence for us throughout the trip.

It did stop raining, so we wandered around and just enjoyed the sights and sounds of Rome.  Obviously, we stopped for an afternoon vino session :)