St Peter's Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano)

After spending most of the day in the Vatican Museums, we said to ourselves, "Hey, let's go stand in another ridiculously long line!"  Luckily this one was for St. Peter's Basilica which happens to be (a) free, and (b) unbelievably beautiful.

I can't even begin to explain (or understand) much of the history of the building and the contents therein, so check out the Wikipedia page here.

The line moves relatively quickly, and we made our way to the main entrance relatively quickly.

Statue of St. Paul

The Holy Doors at the main entrance.  Any Latin majors want to help me with the translation?  The body of John Paul II isn't far from here, so I'm assuming it has something to do with that.

St. Peter's is, hands down, one of the most spectacular museums / historical sites that I've ever seen.  Honestly, I think even the most devout atheist would agree.

After walking in the front doors.

Impressive, no?  More Latin.

Just ONE of the domes (not the big one).

That's the "main" dome above with the alter (Baldacchino) on the lower right.

I took this just to get a sense of scale.  See also: this painting from 1731.

View above the alter/Baldacchino into the main dome.

More Baldacchino with the Cathedra Petri (or "Chair of St. Peter) in the background.

The sunbeams (Crepuscular Rays for you science folk), really add to the beauty of the building and art therein.  These photos really don't do it justice.

There are two "sites" within St. Peter's that are very popular with tourists, the Pietà and the Tomb of John Paul II.

The Pietà is a masterpiece work by Michelangelo, and the only work he ever signed (something he soon regretted and vowed to never do again).  Much more information, including some interesting interpretations of why Mary looks so young can be found at the Wiki page.

Finally, I wanted to see the tomb of John Paul II, arguably the most popular Pope in memory (if not "ever").  I highly respected the man and most of his teachings during his lifetime.

What I didn't take photos of was the awesome Vatican Grottos and Necropolis beneath the main alter.  We were able to see the upper level of the Grotto, but there's apparently a level below that, and another area with deeper / more hidden tombs.  The Necropolis is a much larger subterranean system that contains pagan gravesites as well as VERY early Christian tombs, including what is more than likely the remains of St. Peter himself.

If you'd like to find out more, this is the best link I could find, although the wiki page is also helpful.

- B