Saint Peters basilica Rome. (St. Peter's Basilica (Rome))

Member Name: angi63

Product:	St. Peter's Basilica (Rome)
Date:	13/10/08 (108 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great architecture.

Disadvantages: watch out for pigeons.

I could not leave Rome without visiting St peter basilica also known as Basilica di San Pietro, the centre of Christianity, I was overwhelmed when I entered the basilica, not just the vastness and immense size of the building but the atmosphere was overwhelming.

The Vatican and St. Peter's Square is a long walk from most historical sites in Rome, we stayed in the centre of Rome so we had to use the tube to get there, which I must advise anyone who is going to visit Rome is a haven for pick pockets so be very wary.

The walk from the tube to Vatican city was lovely there was lots of little curio shops selling rosary beads and scarf's, as you approach the Vatican city You can see Michelangelo designed dome from a great distance away.

Home to the most powerful figure, the Pope The basilica sits overlooking Saint Peters square, here you find a long queue of people waiting to enter the basilica, before entering you have to go through an x -ray machine, and there is a very strict dress code, which is No shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts are allowed to be worn. This rule applies to both men and to women.

The first thing I noticed was how huge the 5 bronze doors where on entering the basilica, these where guarded by Swiss guards dressed in there colourful uniforms. The basilica itself is full of the finest Renaissance monuments and decorations, designed by the best money could buy and using the great talents of Michelangelo and Bernini.

We were lucky when we arrived as we had just planned by chance to visit on a Wednesday, and to our surprise the pope addresses an Audience on a Wednesday morning, to attend an audience you need a pass which we unfortunately did not have one, but it did not stop us watching the service. This just added more to the atmosphere.

ST Peters Basilica sits inside the Vatican city surrounded by the whole of Rome, over looking ST Peters square, which is actually round in shape, and is absolutely beautiful, the square has two large fountains and a Obelisk from Egypt, which sits centrally in the square, And all this is surrounded by the Colonnades which are supported by 284 columns, and to crown it all on top of these are 140 statues of saints, The Vatican city is the worlds smallest state and yet biggest tourist attraction, when you visit it you can understand why it attracts so many people.

Photographs can be taken in the basilica, unlike some historical churches I have visited. I took great advantage of this and got lots of pictures and even a distant photo of the pope to prove I had seen him.

Overall I think the Saint Peters basilica is a magnificent piece of art. I'm not a religious person but I am truly glad I went to visit it. It is absolutely breathtaking.

Summary: A fantastic experience.