Within The Vatican

The next morning was the morning we were going to the Vatican.  This is the moment I was most excited about during the entire Italy trip, and it did not disappoint.  We met our guide and he first led us throughout the museums and the galleries.  To be honest, I wasn’t really paying attention while we were going through the museums.  I knew that soon we would be inside the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica, so I didn’t really care so much for the ancient statues in the museums.  I was too built up with emotions to think about anything but those two places.

Before I knew it, I was standing inside the Sistine Chapel.  In the same place were the Cardinals have conclave to elect a new Pope, with one of the most famous pieces of artwork on the ceiling above me.  As cheesy as it sounds, I was instantly overwhelmed with emotions.  The Chapel was full of people, but that didn’t take away anything from my experience.  Standing right under Michelangelo’s Creation and right beside the last Judgment, there wasn’t really anything I could do but try to take it all in. The beauty in the paintings is indescribable; the little details, the gentleness in the figures, and the stories that are being portrayed all combined to create this beautiful piece of art.  Also, while we were there, a priest of the Vatican lead a prayer inside the Sistine Chapel, so that was also an incredible experience. For the first time in a while, I felt the power of religion and the belief that there is a force out there that is more powerful than us, and that I should trust it.  Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures from the Sistine. As the chapel is a place of such significance, beauty and Holiness, not only is it completely disrespectful to take pictures, it was also forbidden. But here are a few off of Google so you have some idea of where I was.

This is the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo

After the Sistine Chapel, we went inside Saint Peter’s Basilica.  If you remember, I mentioned how we all had to give presentations on a different church in Italy; mine was Saint Peter’s Basilica.  St. Peter’s is one of the largest churches in the world, full of countless artwork and beauty.  Also, the dome of St. Peter’s was designed by Michelangelo and is the tallest dome in the world.  I could give you so much information on this amazing structure, but won’t bore you with the little details, but if you want to know, ask me and I'll gladly give you a history lesson.

When I first stepped foot inside, I won’t lie, I cried.  It was overwhelming.  You can’t help but first marvel at the size and then just take in what’s around you.  The golden radiance, the little details that create this huge wonder and the prominent pieces of artwork that are housed inside.  The first thing that eyes are automatically drawn to is the Bernini’s Baldacchino, the bronze, pavilion-like structure above the alter and under the dome.  Not only is this the largest bronze structure in the world, but also marks the spot where the crypt of Peter the Apostle lies beneath. 

Directly behind the Baldacchino is Bernini’s other work, the Throne of Saint Peter.  The Throne of Saint Peter is literally a chair that is believed that Saint Peter sat in himself (but actually dates back to the 12th century), that Bernini enshrined to prevent deterioration.  The Throne is being held up by four large, bronze statues that represent Doctors of the Church.  Above the throne, is a window of yellow alabaster.  When the light shines through the window, it illuminates the center, a dove that represents the Dove of the Holy Spirit.   

Also within St. Peter's is another famous sculpture by Michelangelo, The Pieta.  It's a marble sculpture of Mary holding Christ after his crucifixion.  Seeing works by Michelangelo will never cease to amaze me. Fun fact: the sculpture is now behind glass due to a mentally-ill man coming in the church and taking a hammer to the work. 

We had a tour guide that was guiding us all around all day, and honestly I did not listen to a word that he said while in St. Peter’s.  I wanted to create my own experience in Saint Peter’s rather than him creating it for me.

The dome of Saint Peter's, designed by Michelangelo

The facade (front) of Saint Peter's Basilica

Saint Peter's Square

The trip to the Vatican was probably the most moving trip I have had in Italy. Nothing will ever compare to the art, history, and religion that are within the walls of the Vatican.