All Things Vatican

July 5, 2013 (This entry is a supplement to the long day of walking tours in Rome)...
Friday evening Aron had arranged for us to tour the Vatican museum on the only day of the week that night tours are offered. This was the third walking tour of our day and although the body was tired and the feet sore, the spirit was greatly motivated and willing.

St. Peter's Square as seen from the portico of the Basilica.

We took a taxi to St. Peter's Square arriving within the closing hour of the Basilica, the largest church in the world and ground zero for the Catholic faith.  I dare say that Christian visitors of all denominations must feel the spiritual reverence of this holy place.  We had to be properly attired, no flip flops or shorts and no exposed arms, although I did see a few women in sleeveless tops.  I was prepared and brought along a shawl to cover my arms.

St. Peter's church is overwhelming both in size and splendor.  In the first alcove on the right side was perhaps the most beloved sculpture in Christendom, Michelangelo's great masterpiece, the Pieta.

 It depicts the dying Christ in the lap and loving arms of his seated mother, the Virgin Mary.  It is a powerfully emotional scene.  No flash is allowed in the Basilica, so holding steady to capture a photo in focus requires both skill and appropriate equipment. My little 12 mp Casio did a fair job.  The sculpture is protected behind bulletproof glass since a deranged man attacked the carved marble a couple of decades ago. Careful restoration has brought it back to its original beautiful state. There were other priceless works of sculpture and I was surprised to find the embalmed bodies of at least three popes encased in glass lying in state.

We couldn't tarry long since we were to meet our tour guide at 7 next to the obelisk in the middle of St. Peter's Square.  After we left the Basilica we saw the colorful Swiss Guards who have traditionally provided security for the Vatican.  They were hurrying us along as they closed the gate for the evening.

Our guide was a young Italian woman named Stella who was extremely well-versed in Vatican history as well as art history and appreciation.

 She led us through a courtyard with a large metal sculpture of earth and then up a long hill next to the high wall separating Vatican City from Rome proper.  There we entered a gate leading to the doorway entrance to the Vatican Museum.  We were given audio receivers and earphones, so we could listen to Stella's descriptions as she spoke at a low and respectful volume.  

The wealth of art treasures and antiquities we walked past boggles the mind. I particularly enjoyed the Greek and Roman statues, the tapestry hallway, and the fresco masterpieces of Raphael. More modern era artists like Picasso and Dali are represented as well.

Then we approached the entrance to the famous Sistine Chapel with its walls and ceiling decorated with the masterworks of Michelangelo. Wow! Words are inadequate to describe this gem. No photos allowed in there. It helps to have some familiarity with the scenes depicted as you stand gazing up and all around while waiting for a seat on one of the long benches along the side walls of the chapel. After the long walk to and through the museum, those bench seats are welcome relief. Silence is imposed by the Vatican proctors who frequently had to shush the assembled crowd.  I guess some visitors think "no talking allowed" does not apply to them!  After 10 or so minutes, we convened with our guide Stella who led us out of the chapel and downstairs through a long corridor where a gift shop was selling all things Vatican, saintly, and holy...and commercial. *wink*

We left Vatican City in a taxi and returned to our 'hood, found a charming small restaurant two doors down from our apartment and dined al fresco again on pasta and other Italian delights.  That was a lovely conclusion to a very long day of sightseeing in Rome.
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