The Vatican

The kids and I took introductory Italian classes when we arrived in Italy. Walking to class the first day, we happened upon a bunch of columns and even more tourist. I looked around and guessed that we had bumped into the Vatican (although I was not 100% sure). I think we were the only people there who accidentally stumbled into it.

We waited until Aimee and Tessa arrived to tour the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. We saw the Sistine Chapel too, but photos are not allowed inside it. I had high hopes for being awed by it after having seen Michelangelo’s David. However, it did not impress any of us as much. Perhaps it was due to the overwhelming crowd almost suffocating us as we tried to peer up.

Laocoön

Vatican

Climbing up to the top of the dome at St. Peters’ Basilica, you first reach the interior balcony at the base of the dome. This turned out to be my favorite part of the climb. You can see the mosiacs up close (behind us) . The view down (below) is stunning (the picture does not do it justice), but a bit nauseating.

Continuing the climb to the top of the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica.

View from the top.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica.