La Prima Fine Settimana

Our first weekend in Rome was an interesting one; I would definitely say it was the real matriculation of us to Rome. No one really knew where to go or how to get places, but it was nice to be free without having anywhere to really go. We were about to walk around, explore and relax… but not too much because I was up at nine on Saturday.

Dr. Dawson, our site director and my theology professor, who we have all come to regard as one of the most intelligent men we have ever met, gave us a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Dr. Dawson or DDV as he is affectionately known (David Dawson Vasquez), knows almost everything about Rome and can answer almost any question you throw at him, its great.

(DDV outside of St. Peter's)

St. Peter’s was one of the most spectacular pieces of architecture and history I have ever seen. The inside is enormous. I have ever before seen anything like this. The statues, the architecture, the history and the overall beauty, it was overwhelming. We learned a lot about the history of the different artifact, meanings and engineering techniques. It’s amazing to think that they were so precise in the sixteenth century. There really is so much that I could go on about, but it would get boring real quick. One of the most interesting things is that they actually have the bodies of saints displayed throughout the basilica.

After the tour of the basilica we were taken down into its crypt and saw the tombs of various Popes and St. Peter. One of the tombs we got to see was that of John Paul II. They were all really simple but very poignant.

Finally, since there were only about 20 of us on the tour, Dr. Dawson bought us passes up to the top of the dome. The climb was crazy, there were 557 steps to the top. After the first set of steps you arrive on the roof of St. Peter’s and there is a great view of the city, you cant believe that it gets any better, but it does and oh there is a souvenir shop of course. Then you can head inside the dome. The mosaics inside of it are gorgeous, and there is a great view of the altar below.

Once you’re inside the dome you have to walk up the narrowest set of staircases and since the walls are slanted you’re on angle most of the time. After what seems like another 500 steps we finally arrived at the cupola.

Once you’re inside the dome you have to walk up the narrowest set of staircases and since the walls are slanted you’re on angle most of the time. After what seems like another 500 steps we finally arrived at the cupola. The view was spectacular, it was sensory overload. You could see everything, a 360-degree view of Rome, the papal gardens, the river and where Rome ends mountains being, it was incredible. This is something that everyone needs to see, it just shows how expansive Rome is, how far it reaches and the spectacular site. I think its so amazing that I’m going to make the climb up two more time to make sure both of my parents see this and the amazing view of Rome.