Vatican City

On our last day in Rome, Grant and I went to Vatican City. We were really disappointed that the Vatican museum was closed, but we still got to go to St. Peter's. We decided to pay the extra money to climb to the top of the dome, which was definitely worth it. I highly recommend doing this while in Rome, you get an incredible view at the top, but also a close up look at the mosaics that surround the dome inside, as well as a birds eye view of the church below. The steps were narrow and dizzying, and the walls curved in steeply towards the top. 

stunning mosaics to see up close

All of the decoration, including the text, was gilded mosaics.

Beautiful dome.

There was no way to get a picture of the church below without the fencing. Nevertheless, it was a stunning spot to watch mass from.

The bending walls!

Incredible view from the top.

It was interesting to see the backs of the sculptures that line the church roofline. It felt like we weren't supposed to be there since they weren't finished entirely, which was done when the sculptures were not viewed in the round. No need to waste the energy if it wasn't going to be viewed!

Inside St. Peter's

Baldacchino!! It looked SO small from the landing in the dome.

I've never been in a bigger church.

The magnificent Pieta is unfortunately behind glass. In the 70's, a man came in with a sledgehammer and broke her face. How he managed to go through security with a sledgehammer still bewilders me.

View from a bridge

We finished off our trip in Rome with a very American sendoff-going to an Irish bar for dinner. Magner's may be my new favorite cider. The Irish bar was so fun- such a lively atmosphere, great music (Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons!), good food, and friendly people. I'm definitely coming back here with friends in my classes that are going to Rome with me.