Once inside I did a walk through of the tombs of all the previous popes. Pope John Paul II had two guards next to his tomb. Since he was arguably the most popular Pope EVER, his tomb has a special designation. Sorry, no pictures allowed.
Next I went into St. Peter’s proper. Magnificent. The Cathedral is huge inside.
As the world’s largest Christian church (we are NOT counting services done in converted football or basketball stadiums) Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano can hold 60,000+ people.
According to Catholic tradition, St. Peter is buried at the altar, hence why all Popes are buried there also.
First it takes you inside the top of St. Peter’s so you look down on the crowds that are coming in.
Then there is another staircase that takes you outside for fantastic views of Rome itself.
This staircase is not for the claustrophobic or the out of shape. We were delayed about 30 minutes because paramedics had to bring a woman down. I did see her later on solid ground so she was OK, but be forewarned.
Next post one of the treasures of the world…The Sistine Chapel!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, GREAT pictures! I never quite had Vatican City on my radar, but it looks absolutely majestic. The trip up to the top of the Basilica looks like it puts the Statue of Liberty climb to shame!
@ScottFro
I always heard about it, but to see it was excellent. Did they reopen the crown of the Statue of Liberty?