Roman Holiday Part 2

Our original plan was to see the Sistine Chapel on this day.  But after waiting in such a long line for the Colosseum and reading that you are normally packed in like sardines as you look up at Michelangelo's masterpiece, we decided that we didn't need to see it that badly - especially not during peak tourist season.

Instead, we decided to have a little more Roman Holiday fun.  We went to the church of Santa Maria to see the "Mouth of Truth."  The line to make a photo there was quite short - probably 10 min. or less.

Aren't we just like movie stars?

Well, maybe not.  But it was fun.  I read that they think that this round artifact is really a drain cover from the time of Hadrian.  Right after we had these pictures made, we donated 1 euro each to see the tomb of Adrian in the crypt below.  I thought they said Hadrian.  Since I have seen his wall, his gate, and his aqueduct, I thought I might as well see his tomb.  Turns out I would have a chance to see the real thing later that day!

Then we walked along the Tiber to St. Peter's square.

Next we took a serendipitous trip to the top of St. Peter's.  We thought we were in line to see the Pieta, but instead we were in line for the steps to the top of the basilica.  Way better than the Pieta!  The views were incredible! Here's a view of the dome halfway up.  I was really excited that I could read enough Latin to know what it said in the words that circled in gold. (Hint: It started with "Tu Es Petrus")

Then on the roof:

The residence of the Pope.  Actually, I've head that the current Pope lives in a smaller apartment instead.

We even picked out the Colosseum in the distance from here.

We did finally get to see "Peter's tomb" and the Pieta inside.

So apparently Michelangelo sculpted this at age 26

so much opulence!

Next we saw Hadrian's Masoleum.  Apparently, it was multi-purpose -  masoleum, fortress, castle, pope's residence, and now a museum.  

There were lots more steps to get to the top.  Terry complained about all the steps, but then I pointed out that this is the urban version of hiking.  He doesn't mind climbing a mountain for a view, what's climbing a few steps?  The views were good!

Hadrian's Bridge