We woke up extra early and arrived at Vatican City just when it was opening up (at 7:30). This turned out to be great because we beat most of the crowds and practically had the place to ourselves for a while. First, we went to St. Peter's Basilica and then we went through the MANY Vatican museums, until we finally reached the Sistine Chapel. By the time we left (around 12:30) the place was so packed, you could barely get through the crowds, and the line into the city just kept going and going. We were very smug and treated ourselves to some gelato as we left.
This is a view of the outside of St. Peter's Basilica. The far building in the back is where the Pope comes out and blesses the masses once a week (we chose not to come and be blessed, and instead beat the crowds).
This is inside the Basilica. It was absolutely breathtaking inside. Under the arch in the back of this hallway (you can kinda see it in this pic) leads to a crypt where St. Peter is supposedly buried.
This is the Pieta- one of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures (he actually did this as a novice) of Mary holding the body of Christ. (also located in the Basilica)
This painting is located in the Vatican Museums. This particular painting shows a gold cross and a crushed statue of Zeus. It signifies Christianity triumphing over paganism. (kinda interesting)
This is one of the walls in Rafael's apartments. This is called the "School of Athens" (one of his most well-known paintings). Rafael painted many educated and renowned men throughout history here, and also painted himself in the picture as well. (I think one of, if not his only self portrait).
And this is an illegal shot of the Sistine Chapel (hence Jared's nose in the picture. But he did manage to get a shot of the creation (with God giving life to Adam) almost in the center of the shot.
This is a view of the outside of St. Peter's Basilica. The far building in the back is where the Pope comes out and blesses the masses once a week (we chose not to come and be blessed, and instead beat the crowds).
This is inside the Basilica. It was absolutely breathtaking inside. Under the arch in the back of this hallway (you can kinda see it in this pic) leads to a crypt where St. Peter is supposedly buried.
This is the Pieta- one of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures (he actually did this as a novice) of Mary holding the body of Christ. (also located in the Basilica) 
This painting is located in the Vatican Museums. This particular painting shows a gold cross and a crushed statue of Zeus. It signifies Christianity triumphing over paganism. (kinda interesting)
This is one of the walls in Rafael's apartments. This is called the "School of Athens" (one of his most well-known paintings). Rafael painted many educated and renowned men throughout history here, and also painted himself in the picture as well. (I think one of, if not his only self portrait).
And this is an illegal shot of the Sistine Chapel (hence Jared's nose in the picture. But he did manage to get a shot of the creation (with God giving life to Adam) almost in the center of the shot.
2 comments:
Wow! Great picture of Jared!
I love seeing you pics again--this time with even MORE commentary!
We miss you!!
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