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| Basilica Papale di San Pietro |
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| Cupola from the Vatican Museum |
The family was able to withstand the heat, the long queue, and a few mood swings to finally got the chance to ‘climb’ the cupola of the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano. We sort of cheated, actually, as we paid 7 euros so that we could take the lift up to the roof level of the Basilica (which will give you great views of the Basilica looking downwards, as well as excellent views of frescoes of the dome as it is now very near). If I recall it right, we saved about 200 steps, and are now only 320 steps away from the top of the dome. At the roof level (after the lift ride), one could look at how small tourists are inside the Basilica, just to have an approximation of the height of the structure. The Basilica’s dome is the highest in the world, and is just a little smaller in diameter compared to the Roman Pantheon.
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| Rain going down |
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| Climbing the cupola |
Climbing
the dome is, well… exhilarating. It is advisable to have a ready bottle of
water. I had several pit stops during the climb to catch my breath (it felt
like the air becomes thin as you climb higher… and the spiral staircase is
really, really narrow, sloping as you go higher) and rest my thighs. After the
320 or so steps, however, you’ll find that the view of Rome outside of the
cupola is unequalled…
You’ll
see Castel Sant’ Angelo (remember Angels and Demons?) at a distance… the
view of St. Peter’s square is breathtaking... and of course, the Vatican Gardens. You can also see part of the Tiber
River and other Rome attractions, which make the experience all the more
awesome.
Truly spectacular.
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| The Cupola viewed from the floor level |
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| It's hot at the top |
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| Ash viewing St. Peter's Square from the Cupola |
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| View from the Cupola |
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| The family at St. Peter's Square |
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| Part of Vatican Gardens |
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| St. Peter's Square |
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