Early this morning I got up and made my way to the Vatican City. When I got there it was very empty, making it really easy to get into the Basilica. What stood out to me when I first walked in was the sheer size of the Basilica. A person could easily get lost just wandering around these sacred halls.
The main aisle ceiling that lead up to the central dome was lined with a rich gold as far as the eye could see. All along the ceiling there were various biblical characters that danced, pranced and posed. The floor beneath me was a very crisp and clear white marble. When I looked closely enough I could see my own reflection upon the marble floor.
The Dome itself clearly exemplified the power and meaning that can be seen through religious artwork.
I made my way towards the front and that was when I noticed a large group of people congregating around one area. Lo behold to my surprise it was Pieta, one of Michelangelo most famous works, in which depicted Christ dying in his mother's arms. The amount of detail that was put into Christ himself was remarkably. His bony skeleton was very unsettling to me. I could feel and see his suffering and I was at first angry that such a man had to put through such pain, but then I remember that he died to forgive us for our sins.
The main aisle ceiling that lead up to the central dome was lined with a rich gold as far as the eye could see. All along the ceiling there were various biblical characters that danced, pranced and posed. The floor beneath me was a very crisp and clear white marble. When I looked closely enough I could see my own reflection upon the marble floor.
The Dome itself clearly exemplified the power and meaning that can be seen through religious artwork.
I made my way towards the front and that was when I noticed a large group of people congregating around one area. Lo behold to my surprise it was Pieta, one of Michelangelo most famous works, in which depicted Christ dying in his mother's arms. The amount of detail that was put into Christ himself was remarkably. His bony skeleton was very unsettling to me. I could feel and see his suffering and I was at first angry that such a man had to put through such pain, but then I remember that he died to forgive us for our sins.
I then tried finding my way to the entrance to the top of the Dome so I could get a closer view of the artwork on the Dome, and then go on top the Dome to overlook the city. Finding the entrance was not very easy. I asked various people where I was supposed to go and they sent me in all various directions. After 15 minutes I found the entrance, feeling silly in that I passed it by several times in searching for it.
Then I slowly but surely made my way up 365 steps in order to reach the dome itself. From this vantage point I could more clearly see what was on the dome, as I wasn't really able to before due to the fact that it is really high up. Along the outer rims of the dome were various biblical characters like Christ, Moses and what I think where disciples. Each character was surrounded in gold with angels up above their heads. The walls in which supported the dome from this vantage point were covered in various mosaics, yet again playing off the very similar theme as mentioned.
What came next was easily one of the things I will remember most about my experience while in the Vatican City. I thought climbing up the stairs just to get closer to the Dome was challenging, well clearly I had not been in the upper section of the Dome quite yet.
Alongside having another 300+ more steps to climb the spiral staircase in which you climbed up was very difficult to climb. Not only where you in a very narrow and confined space but at many points you had to bend your body every which way just to be able to climb up. On top of that the spiral staircase got you very dizzy and every once and awhile you would have to stop to reorient yourself.
Completely out of breath, I finally made it to the top. The view from up top the Dome instantly made climbing up all those stairs well worth the time and effort. I always remember being on top of there and seeing the city of Rome in all of her beauty.
Next I made my way to go and meet up with Makayla, a Curry student who is studying abroad in Rome. We ended up meeting right by her college in an area called Trastevere. The area itself was very quaint and in much contrast to the rest of Rome. This area is not a touristy area so it was a nice break to see a different side to Rome.
We walked around for a short bit until we found a restaurant she had suggested. We ate outside the restaurant since it was a really nice day and chatted about our experiences at our respective universities. All in all, it was nice to see a familiar face even if it was just a few hours.
Late afternoon had arrived and I hopped back on the tube and explored the Piazza del Popolo. There were a few marble statues and what not but nothing to special. A park was nearby but at this point my legs were very tired, and I just wanted to go back to my hotel and rest until dinnertime.
When dinnertime approached I searched for a quick bite to eat and then sat outside the Coliseum and watched the sun set. Once the sun set, I slowly began walking away from the Coliseum. Every few moments though, I would turn back and take one last look the Coliseum. I began to shed tears of happiness as well as sadness as I got further away from the Coliseum.
Roma stole my heart like no other city has before. I will sincerely miss it and its memory shall forever remain engrained in my mind.
Tomorrow is a new day filled with no adventures and places to explore as I make my way to Florence. Farwell Roma and God bless you and keep you....
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