St. Peters is facing east so the morning sun shines directly at the entrance.K and I got there a little before 7 a.m. We had read on the net that the entrance to the top of the dome opened then, and we wanted to beat the crowds. There were no lines and we could walk straight through security when we got there. We were by the staff and signs informed that the dome would open at 8 a.m. which left K and me an hour to explore the interior of the church. It was nice and cool in the morning, and almost no people present. Such a great church!
A little before 8 we lined up for the dome and the lines quickly build behind us. Time went - people started complaining as the sun started to take - and it was almost an hour later that they finally opened the gate. (Italians!) We were then almost first in line - and could see thousands of people behind us.
The climb to the top was well worth it!
Columns at the entrance.
View from the top of St. Peters.
Climbing to the top of the dome...
... and descending.
K inside the dome of St. Peters.
Mosaic detail. Amazing how they have managed to make all these large pictures with small stones.
St Peters grave.
Me.
Swiss guard.
Panorama of the Trevi Fountain. (click to enlarge)
1 comment:
We didn't have time to visit the dome when we were in Rome, so I very much enjoyed your pictures!
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