July 7,2018
Today we headed for the Vatican City! We made the short walk across the Tiber River to enter the city, first visitors must go through security, were bags are searched and outfits are checked. We went into St. Peter’s Basilica, were St. Peter and many past popes are buried. The massive church is decorated in marble, magnificent art and statues remembering remarkable people.
Underneath the main level is the Tombe Dei Papi or Tombs of the Popes were visitors walk through an underground cemetery. We also climbed up the dome, which cost 8 euro, but allows you to look down into the Basilica from Michelangelo’s dome. After the inside of the dome we continued to the top of dome outside, which looks over Rome. The climb totals about 550 stairs, but the spiraling, narrowing staircases can become a bit tricky, but the view is well worth it. When we came down from our climb it was time for Mass and we filed into the main pews and heard an Italian homily.
After hours spent admiring St, Peter’s we retired to our rooms, and gathered later for dinner. We had dinner outside at Osteria Da Mario in a small piazza where street vendors could approach you but also a good view for people watching. After dinner we took a short walk to the Trevi Fountain, I expected the fountain to be larger but it was just as breathing taking as imagined. Even at 11:30 pm the fountain was cluttered with people whom on this night all witnessed a proposal that had the entire place clapping and cheering, fulfilling all of our Lizzie McGuire dreams.