Cyndy in Rome with St. Peter's in the background!

One of the most celebrated places in Rome is St. Peter’s Basilica, which can hold 20,000 people praying!  Watch an Easter Service from Rome and it is being held here in this square with  its  massive semi-circle and it is completely surrounded by walls that are topped by statues of saints – 140 of them.   We felt that when we were inside the area that we were protected by all of the saints looking down on us.  A very inspiring area that you will want to take some time to just soak it all in. 

There are 45 altars and 11 chapels inside St. Peter’s with the most famous area being the dome that was designed by Michelangelo, but others had to help complete it after his death.   Then you have art work by Rafael, then Bernini work is every where because it was a labor of love on the Basilica for over 20 years.  You have more history and art work here than you can possibly imagine.   Michelangelo’s Pieta stands in the first side chapel on the right.  He created it in 1499 when he was only 25 years old.  Don’t miss the Statue of St. Peter that is a bronze statue and the foot of the statue has worn thin from the kisses of millions of pilgrims over the centuries.  St. Peter’s is open every day, except Wednesday’s if they are having a service, plus it is free to enter and pray!

You have to realize that the Vatican has a radio station that is broadcast all over the world in 29 languages, they have their own television station, a daily newspaper, a Post Office with Vatican Stamps, a publishing house, and shops plus you have the every day feeding and taking care of things.  Over a 1,000 residents are responsible for the day to day running with the Pope at it’s head with all of this being guarded by the Swiss Guard. 

We loved this area of Rome!  Spencer & I are not Catholic but we must tell you it gives you a complete feeling of holiness and makes you appreciate the history and brings you closer to Christianity.  I would call it an AWE moment – where it all comes together!

To see more pictures of our trip you can find them at:  http://www.facebook.com/nordykeelitetravel

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