Before I left Toronto – my Travel Agent had booked some sight seeing tours for me once I got to Rome. Since I would only be in Rome for a few days, I wanted to make sure that I at least saw the highlights and didn’t wander around aimlessly (which I did anyhow!).
My first tour is of the Vatican – including the Papal Tombs, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The Tour Operator was scheduled to pick me up at the hotel at 6:40 am. Guess who slept in?. I brought a travel alarm clock with me – but I guess the pace of the last 10 days caught up to me. I remember the alarm going off and I remember turning it off and thinking – 10 more minutes. I ended up waking up again at 6:20 am. I managed to jump in the shower, dress, brush my hair and teeth and put on some blush and mascara and was in the lobby by 6:40 waiting for the driver.
We first hit the Vatican Museums. We were able to take pictures here (without flash). There are many samples of this style on the ceilings. Doesn’t this look raised – it is all done with paint and depth.
This is the ceiling in another Room (I think the Maps Room)
Before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica we visited the Papal Tombs and the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures in either area (with or without flash).
The Swiss Guards outside St. Peter’s Basilica
La Pieta by Michelangelo. Dated 1499 – WOW! Unfortunately someone tried to deface the statue in 1972. It is now behind glass to protect it.
Bronze Statue of St. Peter. It is hard to see in the picture – but his feet (especially the right one) has been worn down by people rubbing and kissing it. The exact date of the scupture is up for debate – but it is thought to be the late 13th century. And yes – I lined up to touch it.
The Basilica is full of what looks like paintings. But… there is not one painting in the Chapel. They are all Mosaics. Amazing works of art.
The outside of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Moi.
Instead of taking the Tour Bus back to the hotel, I decided to walk back through the City. I swear the bottom of my feet were bruised (if that is possible).
Piazza Navona
The Colosseum… I have a tour booked tomorrow of the Colosseum, Palantine Hill and the Roman Forum. I couldn’t resist though walking around the area today. I found a bench and sat outside the Colosseum for over an hour watching the people (oh and eating Gelato!) The weather was amazing.
Take a look at the top of this column. It looks like three heads.
Pretty awesome stuff. Tomorrow is the tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Thanks for stopping by,
Elizabeth, Your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
www.StampScrapAndMore.com
Beautiful pictures and stories, minus the cab issue. 🙁 Glad you are having a wonderful time none-the-less!
okay…I needed some biscotti while perusing these FABULOUS photos!! amazing 🙂 I have to admit I got such a kick (no pun intended) out of the coordinating boots worn by the guards outside of St. Peter’s Basilica…love it!!
These pics are breathtaking! Gives me chills just viewing them..
I am so glad you made it to the lobby in time to take tour. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have these wonderful pics you are sharing with us. Thanks and I hope you get some rest.
Wow, thank you for sharing. I was there in 1972! We didn’t get to see the Pieta because a guy had attacked it with a hammer and they were fixing it. And they’ve cleaned the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel since, wow! So glad you’re having a good trip.