We enjoyed a late breakfast then headed to Termini, where Keiran and Natalie were looking for the Lonely Planet guide to areas east where they were heading tomorrow. The copy that they owned was still sitting in London! The bookshop at Termini had many, but not the one required. But the friendly staff sent the bookless pair to another store, while Peter, Yvonne and I just hung around Termini waiting.
The Metro was back in business, so we took that towards Vatican City, where we planned to look around. As we had all been through the Museum, that was not on today's agenda. But St. Peter's Baslica was worth another visit.
Looking into the front of the Basilica from the Piazza, showing part of Bernini's colennade. A building of enormous dimensions, even by today's standards! Not to mention the amazing interior.
This photo is courtesy of Keiran, showing our touring party. Left to right: Lindsay, Natalie, Peter, Yvonne and Keiran. The photographer was a tiny tripod! All good photographers need one. You'll have to work out the location for yourself.
The body of Pope John XXIII, in a side chapel. Most of the popes are buried in or under the Basilica, with the majority in the catacombs underneath (open to the public, I believe).
The burial place of Pope Clement XIII.
Tomb of Pope Pius VII.
Michelangelo's Pieta, sculpted between 1498 and 1499.
Looking over the altar to the front of the Baslica, showing parts of Bernini's canopy (Baldacchino).
The front view of the altar, including Bernini's Baldacchino.
Time to leave, and this is the view coming out the front doors, looking down Via Della Conciliazione which leads down to the Tiber. And also showing the crowd.
From here we headed back to the Metro station to return to our hotel, as the heat was becoming oppressive. This is not the time that I would have chosen to travel to Italy (or anywhere much in the northern hemisphere that is popular with tourists), but the timing was not really my choice. However, it was nice to be in such a fabulous city as Rome with a bunch of the family.
Italy In July