Lunch time was nearing as we left the Basilica to explore St. Peter's Square and Via Della Conciliazione.
The Swiss Guards controlling the entrance to private areas of Vatican City.
Michelangelo's dome. The detailed image shows tourists on the top of the dome.
Peter and I walked down to the Tiber - just a few blocks away. And there we saw some rowers, fighting the river flow. As is common in this area of Rome, there are churches all over the place!
One of the Tiber bridges, but more interestingly is the large horse under the trees in the middle of the image. Click here for a closer view.
Another Tiber bridge, and also part of Castel Sant'Angelo as well as the Palace of Justice (law courts). This is the Ponte Sant'Angelo, built by the emperor Hadrian in 130AD, along with the Mausoleum which has since been transformed into Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo's name dates back to the 12th century but with origins dating back much further. During a solemn procession in 590 by Pope Gregory the Great to beseech the Virgin to put an end to the plague that was devestating the city, an angel appeared in the sky and came to rest atop the Mausoleum, sheathing his sword as a sign that the plea was being answered. A chapel was then built in honour of the angel, and later a statue was added to evoke the miracle. The building's name was then changed to recall the event.
Inside St. Peter's Basilica
