Vatican Day/Rome (Day 4)

Day 4 again started early in the morning--we took a cab over to our pre-arranged tour of the Vatican & St. Peter's Basilica. So happy we made that choice as the lines and mobs of people were unbelievable! Had a great morning seeing beautiful art, learning perplexing stories of Catholic history and trying to dispel my conspiracy theorist husband. Took a long walk back in the afternoon....enjoyed some wine (or a little more than some) and had our favorite dinner in Rome at L' Archetto... in the Trastavere neighborhood. Dinner is always amazing when you ask the server (aka owner) at the table a question and they say..."Prego, don't you worry, I make for you"....and what comes to your table is a delicious homemade surprise.

St. Peter's impressive dome.

Vatican gardens...or square...or whatever this outdoor area is called.

Every hallway is lined with art and everything that looks gold....actually is!

Very intricate tapestries.

Just a taste of the artwork.

Not pictured--the Rafael Rooms (amazing!) and the famous and breathtaking Sistine Chapel. No photos allowed there.

Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Peter's is the largest religious building in the world--the church covers 6 acres.

The ceiling.

Michaelangelo's Pieta (Mary holding Jesus). He sculpted this at 24 years old!

Michaelangelo's dome of St. Peter's.

This church is said to be built on the remains of Peter who died around 65 AD

Main corridor.

St. Peter's Square--where the pope holds a papal audience every Wednesday.

The top building, second window from the right, is the pope's bedroom. He gives a papal blessing from that window every Sunday morning.

The front of St. Peter's. Originally, the front was designed later by Bernini so it obscures part of the dome....which wasn't the intent. Walking along the river...and it was windy!
River walk.
So happy to be here with this guy. Soaking up Rome! Back at the Spanish steps...no less people this time around either.
A fashion diva....on one of the most famous fashion streets in the world. You're looking at her. Our humble abode.
That's the extent of it. Our view. Ha!
Hotel Alexandra.