Finally: St. Peter's!

I'm so exhausted I can barely write this, but I feel like I need to get it online before I forget everything. Today was our group trip to St. Peter's and the Vatican museums. I had never been inside before (having visited the exterior only once before), and I was in for a treat! Unfortunately I wore my "good" shoes (to be more respectful) and not my comfortable ones, and my feet are not pleased...

Asides aside, My favorite part of the Basilica was either the dome or Michaelangelo's Pieta (I was pleasantly suprized to find out you are allowed to take pictures anywhere inside the basilica). Unfortunately, the statue is behind a rope in a bulletproof glass box 5m away after someone attacked it with a hammer in the 1980's (?). It was still beautiful and awe-inspiring, nonetheless. (click pics to enlarge).

I also got to climb the inside of the dome of St. Peter's. (I should note here that I didn't get to, I paid 5 Euro for the "privilege". But why wouldn't I?! )

Here is a picture from the lower edge of the drum, on the interior of the church. It isn't very good because of the 1" metal mesh safety screen.




The stairs after this point are tiny and wedged between walls leaning at a crazy angle. This picture is taken parallel to the stair on which I'm standing. It was a little claustrophobic and, with my sense of balance, probably a little dangerous!

This picture is from the Verrry top, just under pinnacle swoop above the main dome, looking out over St. Peter's square. (Which, by the way, Dad, was designed by both Bernini and Michelangelo at some point...)

...aaaand here's me being a dork in St. Peter's square :)

I think the Vatican Museums deserve their own post, so I'll put more of that up tomorrow (as well as more pics on flickr if I ever get the chance!)

Ciao Vediamo, Buona Notte!