Thursday July 5^th

Today is the day that I have been waiting for!!!!! Today we go to Vatican City, to the Vatican museums, and St Peters! Although I will see many, many things, I await the Pieta..... Those that know me know that I have spent years studying the works of Michelangelo. I have read about him, looked at his sculptures and drawings in books, practiced life drawings from his drawings, I even started a larger than life sculpture in wood based on the Pieta... but that is another story for another time.

St Peters Square is MUCH larger than I expected. The square was designed by Bernini in the 17^th century as a choreographed experience when entering the piazza. The piazza is enclosed on two sides by colonnades, a total of 284 columns all together. The spina which was located directly in front on St Peters to completely surround the square was demolished by Mussolini in the 1930's. All roads lead to the square as it is the most important pilgrimage site. The design kept in mind holding the maximum people possible to hear the Pope when he spoke to the masses. 

St Peter's Basilica, one of the worlds largest churches, is built on the site of a basilica started by Constantine and is the site where St Peter was buried after his martyrdom. When St Peter's was rebuilt in the 17^th century many architects and artists were involved in its design. Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo all had a part in the creation of this amazing church. Michelangelo designed the dome and Bernini the square, as well as elements such as the alter over the tomb of St Peter within the church. Bramante's original vision of the church was that it would feature a cross design. However, that was not realized and the church ended up with the basic basilica shape. Bramante's work can be seen in the coffered ceiling.

We entered the church after waiting in line, passing the clothing check, (we all made it) and security. We gathered in the entrance, discussed the basics of the layout... and then turned to our right...... Yes, the first sight. The Pieta. It was surrounded by many.... who knows the number, but I did not stop, until I was in the front row. And then I cried.... It was right there in front of me. It is now behind glass, but that did not change the impact of the sculpture for me. This is what I wished most to see on this trip.  I am overwhelmed, and very happy.

After seeing this sculpture, the rest was a blur.... Funny, since there is so much more. Within the basilica is the Belvedere Torso, the 1^st century sculpture that so many artists used as a reference from antiquity, as well as many Bernini sculptures. Bernini was responsible for designing the space above and around St Peters alter.

After we left the Basilica, we entered the Vatican Museum, as well as the Sistine Chapel..... These are side notes to the day?! It is not possible to include all that we see in each day within these blogs. The Vatican museum itself would require days of blogs... The Sistine Chapel even more... They deserve more time than I have tonight.... I will do a second blog about today.... on another day...