Its the last Sunday of the month. Our only one of those we get here in Rome, so we are taking full advantage of the fact that St Peter's Basilica is free on this day, and at 12noon the Pope pops his head out to say a few words.
The crowd's leading up to the area seemed immense, but once inside the giant arena, it actually seemed quite empty. Perhaps just the funnel effect of going through security made it seem so busy.
The Vatican is grand to say the least! Surrounded by marble columns and statues looking down on us, it makes the place feel quite special.
The Basilica is probably the most richly decorated church I have ever seen - and huge!
It truly is a demonstration of the power of the church, and open to all, as people of all nationalities, and faiths, take in the views, or stop to pray/confess/sit quiety.
*Sorry my photos of the basilica were not as good as I had hoped!
On our way out we saw some of the Swiss guards who are interestingly dressed, and pretty stern. You are not supposed to take photos with them - I took this a long way off just in case :) Switzerland didn't fight any wars, and always remained neutral, so their army were hired out and well trained, at one time the elite soldiers of Europe. So they were hired by the Vatican a long time and remain now as one of the longest serving military units (for continual service).
We chose our spots to see the Pope.
I Spy with my little eye....
There!
The crowds by now were pretty intense - I can't imagine what it will be like at Easter.
Just in case your zoom isn't as amazing as mine - there are handy screens to watch him on too.
We left slightly early after 10 minutes or so of listening. It was not in English, so difficult to try and follow, especially when people started to respond in unison. We went to try our luck at climbing the dome.
The queue was already pretty long and took about 45 minutes to get in, but the stairway upwards was great!
We managed the stairs pretty easily (lots of practise this last year!) But I was genuinely worried about the panic of the people in front - I wasn't sure they would make it.
When the walls started to curve inwards in the shape of the dome, claims of claustrophobia began, and We really started giving them some space. They made it though! And so did we :)
The top looks down into the basilica, and where stood had some amazing mosaics around the walls which I loved.
As we has already been into the basilica, the best view was the roof at the top.
Much Love x