Life in Luanda: Vatican City

St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Square

We started our day early today because we had a 9:15 tour of the Necropolis under St Peter's! There is a ton of history on it but basically St Peter's was built over St Peter's tomb but they never really knew quite were it was and didn't excavate. In the late 1930's they were doing work and found something so decided to excavate and found an ancient graveyard (with mostly above ground mausoleums) along with St Peter's tomb, which was empty. Later they found what they think are his bones hidden in part of the wall of his tomb. They don't want to have the bones tested though...but either way they are certain it is his tomb - bones or not. They opened this area to tours a few years back but only allow 200 people in per day in groups of 10-14 only. I got tickets about 8 months ago and I am glad I did. The tour was really neat for both the history, significance and architecture. Sadly no pictures are allowed. Another cool part is you have to request access to this part of Vatican City by speaking with the Swiss Guard...kinda neat since they don't really seem to interact with the public for the most part.

As far as our camera could go :(

After our Necropolis tour we went inside St Peter's - it was packed and not fully accessible due to all the ceremony set up for Holy Week. But after seeing many many churches - this one is impressive to say the least. It is huge and amazingly adorned. I was excited to come back later in the week and experience a service inside.

St Peter's Dome which 420 feet tall

Michelangelo's Pieta which is behind bulletproof glass thanks to a crazy man with a hammer in 1972

After our St Peter's marathon we headed to lunch then back to tour the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. We had a tour arranged which was nice but crowded. We had a hard time seeing some of the art but circled back after it was over and the whole museum was basically empty so we got some great shots and got to appreciate the art a little more. The Vatican Museum has an amazing collection but the rooms themselves are super impressive. The Sistine Chapel is also pretty amazing along with the Raphael rooms that proceed it. One of the funniest things I found was that the guards in the Sistine Chapel were actually "shushing" the entire room - it was pretty impressive shushing! After all this history and culture we were in need of a beer and a snack. After a rest we headed out to an unimpressive dinner. Tomorrow we head to Florence!