St Peter's Basilica

After the crowded Sistine Chapel it was nice to step into the cool vastness of St. Peter's. We visit cathedrals wherever we go in Europe but this was the most impressive of all and it's sheer size had much to do with that. Since this trip last September I have purchased an ultra wide lens (10 -22mm) to help me get more in the shot in places such as this. You may spend a lot of time looking up

The "Pieta"- draws a crowd and is behind glass since it was attacked and defaced in 1972.

Michaelangelo sculpted it from 1498-99. It depicts Mary holding her son after his Crucifixion.

The lettering around the inside of the dome is 6ft 6 inches tall and above is a circular viewing platform. We didn't have time to go up there, alas.

This structure is 95 feet high!

I didn't hear all of Massimo's narration as we walked through the Basilica as I would have to stop to take photos while he and Carol moved on. Much of what I know about the church I later learned from Wikipedia-go there and search as it's a fascinating read.

Soon we were back outside as our tour was at it's end.

Chairs have been set out as tomorrow (Sunday) the Pope would be giving a blessing from the steps at the entrance to the Basilica. Franco offered to get us tickets but we didn't want to have to deal with the vast crowds that would be here. Tomorrow was to be a more relaxing day for us.

 Television crews were setting up large video screens to show close-ups of the Pope

Franco was of course nearby in a narrow street waiting for our return. At this point we had to reluctantly say goodbye to Massimo. We thanked him and paid him including a generous and well-earned tip.

Back into the car and on our way to our hotel-at last!