Vatican City
Oops, it’s been a very long time to continue my story about the jorney to Europe. Right now, I will talk about Vatican City, the smallest country in the world at this time I’m writing. The country itself is surrounded and located within Rome city, just a few steps and you are in another country.
In Vatican City, it’s about this St. Peter’s Square. Just to give you an idea, have to borrow some photo over here.
Original photo from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter%27s_Square
I am of course also talking about the Roman Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Basilica, or known as Basilica di San Pietro in Italian.
St Peter Basilica. I seriously need a wide lens
My history knowledge is really bad when comes to this area, especially if you are trying to touch some sensitive religious subjects. I will probably just do some simple explanations about the sights instead.
Proper dress code to enter
First off, you must have proper dress code to enter the basilica, it is after all a holy place. No singlets, short pants, or spaghetti strips for the ladies. Two words, dress properly.
Columns, the top left building is where the Pope rests and works
Right around the basilica, there’s columns surrounding. Within the area is called the St. Peter’s Squre. With an obelisk right in the middle.
Obelisk right in the center of St Peter Square, with Ivy
Fountain designed by Bernini
Well, unfortunately I don’t own a wide lens to cover the whole area as much as I can, plus the weather it’s a bit bad (It rained), bare with the poor photos this time ok.
Pieta by Michaelangelo
Right inside you can see marvelous art work from Michaelangelo, one of it would be Pieta, with Mary holding Jesus. A work that show’s how Michaelangelo’s art and human body geometry brilliance. There are several paintings in the basilica itself, but I guess I am not in a position to discuss them, moreoever the shots I got are blurred out, since the interior is very dark.
Risen Christ by Raphael Sanzio (Blurred photo)
Personally I do not like to shoot in holy places, they are dark and you are not allowed to use a tripod. No tripod in dark place equals blurred photos. Plus, I got some attention a few times of the guards from different cathedrals/churches/basilica for using tripod. Bad weather + no tripod allowed, talk about bad mood…
But what I do enjoy is the architecture design, right inside the basilica.
Interior
The ceiling of the inner dome
What you cannot miss the the great dome right above the alter, the moment you look upon the ceiling. Here’s a clearer close up of the patterns.
Dome patterns
Right in the back of the basilica is a stained glass window, with a Dove on it. Look closely.
Dove stained glass window
Okay, time to conclude it with a random shot on the outside.
Took a group photo for this gang
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