Our second day in Rome starts and ends with the big "V". Between St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican museum, there is a lot to see. Add in the fact that we have tortured the kids with a zillion museums over the past days and the fact that it is going to be - ready for this - 40+ degrees today, super V is definitely a whole day.
On the left is the Vatican with St. Peter's in the background. Surrounded by 5 meter columns and really really big - its an awe inspiring moment. St. Peters takes that to next level. The largest church in Europe (Maybe the world) it's on an immense scale. As you walk in, you go "Wow!" and then like the finale of a fireworks display it gets better and better. Above is one of the little wings off the main area.
Check the sculpture above. Taking it in is delicious. The setting, the ambiance, it all combines to be a powerful moment. One that you'll have a hard time forgetting. On the right is one of the many domes on the ceiling of the Church cleverly constructed to give the illusion of heaven above. The interplay of light and painting combine for a spectacular effect. And that's today. Imagine what the "commoners" thought and felt as they gazed upon these spectacular vistas.
On to the Vatican museum reported to be 5.5 kms of hallways and one of the most complete collections of renaissance artwork in the world. (Oh and 40+ degrees - did I mention that? - and the women must have their shoulders and legs covered and the men must wear pants - perfect!)
There are some great sculptures here and I really did enjoy them. Here an early sculpture of our dog Oscar. I've added the real Oscar here for comparison sake. What a handsome fella now immortalized in marble forever. Below - Jake Stevie and Brigitte have found an air conditioner and thought they'd hang there for a while.
There are great paintings throughout. Savadore Dali, Matisse and many of the all star from various times but it really is the ceiling of the Sistine chapel that seals the deal for this great museum. Michelangelo's ceiling depicting the "creation" is as thought provoking as it is awe inspiring. The 12 frescoes on the walls are created mainly by Perugino and Botticelli (my favorite painter) along with others I am not as excited about. But these too are as inspiring and beautiful as the ceiling. Imagine gazing on images of the creation of Adam - or the seperation of light and darkness, the creation of the sun and moon. What an amazing room. It's like the condensed milk of renaissance art. Tomorrow we'll be traipsing around Florence (The jewel of Italy) and doing the uffizi museum. Hope the weather holds.....
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