Our first stop today was the Vatican. The crowds were absolutely overwhelming. I have never seen anything like it - not even in China.
The high walls around the Vatican
Crowds like this stretched around the block with a 3-4 hour wait. Our tour group had a reservation so we didn't have to wait in that line, thankfully.
UGH! It was like this inside as well...just a swollen mass of humanity (and sweat) surging from room to room. When exiting the Sistine Chapel we all had to squeeze through a doorway only large enough for two at a time. I kept thinking what a horrific fire hazard it was. ha!
Unfortunately, no one in our group could understand our guide due to her heavy accent so I have no idea what most of these rooms/paintings, etc. are. I will just post a few without comment.
I'm obsessed with windows and doors. ha!
These colors look oversaturated but this is an unretouched photo.
Inside St. Peter's Basilica
I found the blue sky to be a simple, calming beauty.
Our second stop was at St. Paul's Basilica where it is thought that Paul was buried. It is said that after he died, mourners came to visit the spot and erected a memorial. Eventually, Roman Emperor Constantine had the Basilica built there.
St. Paul's Basilica was much more peaceful than the Vatican and about 7 km from the city center.
The portico
Inside the Basilica
Ancient wood carving of what Paul may have looked like.
From there we drove to the site of Paul's execution by beheading. It is called Tre Fontane.
It was so peaceful here.
There is a building built here over a spot where they found a small jail - more like a holding cell. The Romans executed their prisoners quickly and didn't require many jails. This may have been where Paul was held a day or two before his death.
We walked down into a basement area where there were two cells. The is the larger of the two.
From the jail there is a walkway to the spot where it is said that Paul was executed. As I walked along, I wondered if Paul was rejoicing as he walked these last few steps, knowing he was minutes away from meeting his Jesus for whom he had suffered so much. I can imagine he was counting down the moments, knowing he had finished the race that was set before him - and he had finished well. A warm welcome awaited him as he stepped into eternity.
"For to me, to live is Christ but to die is gain...I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far..." Philippians 1:21, 23
