Anyone who’s traveled with me knows that climbing to the top of whatever structure is open for viewing is a must, so of course we went to the top cupola of the Bascilica at St. Peters. 551 steps to the top! Delaney managed to do it while carrying on a running commentary the entire time (ha!) She was a bit scared when we first got to the top viewing area, but then quickly decided she was secure enough to do laps around it (dodging people far faster than I was able to keep up with her). The sky was very clear and the view was wonderful. We could see the snow covered mountains in the distance – very cool.
St. Peter's Square where the Pope gives his Easter address (among others).
Stairs inside the Bascilica's dome.
If you look closely, you can see the people on the lookout at the base of the top columns.
Sitting around on the roof of the Bascilica (gift shop to the left - no joke)
551 steps back down again into the nave of the sanctuary – amazingly large! The guidebook indicated that it didn’t feel overwhelming large because everything is in such perfect proportion. The center structure over the alter is the height of a 4 story building! Beautiful marble statues. Surprisingly, there was no massive organ console in sight.
Shrine with bones of St. Peter under the main alter.
Statue of St Andrew
Alter
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