Italy 2023

#14, Rome The Vatican.

The following day before our tour of the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal museum, we walked to another monument site, The Spanish Steps. As with nearly everywhere, the crowds were swarming, many upon the steep slope of steps. From the piazza and water fountain at the base, the steps lead up to Trinità dei Monti church, at the top. We chose to forego further exploring there, deciding to walk to the Vatican.

As we approached the high papal walls, exceptionally long lines of people extended as far as we could see. Not needing to hurry we ate at a street side cafe before meeting the group tour. With our skip the line passes we were soon admitted inside despite the huge crowds that were waiting outside. 

Our guide, Adriano gave each of us a sheet of paper showing the Sistine Chapel ceiling and explained meanings of many of the panels, including information about the artists and Michelangelo who painted the ceiling. As he pointed out, the chapel underwent a conservation-restoration from1980-1994 after years of accumulated grime had dulled the original vibrant colors. However, one small area was left intact, uncleaned. The difference is astonishing and something we would see in person.

Entry into the Vatican complex is like that of airports, with the same security measures in place.

The Vatican Museums were first on the tour. Outdoors in a courtyard was the “Sphere within a Sphere” a modern addition to the collections within.

Click on photos for full size and slideshow

Most notable to me were the very long hallways lined with innumerable collections of statues and busts of significant people of the past or of mythological characters. Ceilings were works of art also with paintings and frescos complimented by mosaic tile floors. Another long hallway was lined with enormous maps of the world as known centuries ago.

The pinnacle of visiting the Vatican complex was to see the Sistine Chapel. 

It did not disappoint. 

Although the whole of it was filled to standing room only, one could not help but stand in total awe at what is seen. The chapel is magnificent portraying biblical scenes including the creation of man. Even at a distance, from the floor below looking up at the enormous masterpiece on the ceiling and walls, the brilliant colors with such sharp details are mind-boggling. One might say the Sistine Chapel paintings are actually many separate works of art as each section or panel depicts separate biblical scenes.

No photos were allowed as we were forewarned due to copyright laws. Officials were present throughout, directing visitors and reminding them not to take photos. That did not stop some from trying. Neither Mark or I took photos inside, even though the temptation was there. If I include any photos of the Sistine Chapel in my blog stories, they will be from online.

Previously I had mentioned about the cleaning of the paintings. In one small corner, a section has been left untouched to give viewers an idea of its appearance pre-restoration. That area is very dark, almost black, in comparison to the restored work. It would be difficult to imagine being impressed when the colors had become so dirty over the years. What we were witness to had to have been like the days when the work was first introduced to the public. 

Standing shoulder to shoulder, necks cricked to take in all the wonder above, at times I felt unbalanced for staring upward for so long. But it kept drawing a person to stand there in awe, taking in the enormity and beauty of it all.

The Sistine Chapel is awe-inspiring, astounding, breathtaking, stunning and remarkably wonderful!

From outside in St. Peter’s Square, we saw the seating prepared for the upcoming Easter services in 4 more days, April 9, 2023. There, before entering, was the balcony from which the popes typically address the faithful in the plaza below. It had started raining, lightly as we entered St. Peter’s. Inside, as one might expect, the enormous space was elaborately decorated, a high vaulted ceiling ran the length from back to past the alter area. Statuary, arches, frescoes and paintings, smaller chapel vestibules to the sides, and marble inlaid floors were throughout. 

One sculpture of great importance is that of the statue “La Pieta” showing Mary holding the body of Jesus after his removal from the cross. This too is a creation of Michelangelo and the only piece he ever signed.

Seating inside the basilica was set up in preparation for Easter Sunday. We heard more about the popes who are interred there also.

Click on a photo for full size images and for slideshow:

I was impressed by how large the basilica is. What was created was intended to have an impact on all who enter there. To think of all the intricate work and skills that were required to create this church is nearly overwhelming.

Leaving St. Peter’s Basilica, outside it was still raining, if only lightly.

St. Peter’s Square is also very large. Columned porticos encircle the square on two sides, atop are numerous statues overlooking all. And, even though it was 5:00 in the afternoon, endless lines of people waited in the rain for entry into the basilica.

This was, for us, an end to a long day, but one filled with indelible memories.

The next day would end our time in Italy, but one that did not cease to amaze and impress.

For full size view and slideshow, click on a photo.