Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City
When we were preparing for our trip to Rome, I proposed most of the sites which we have visited and naturally, I included Saint Peter’s Basilica when we were in Rome. I was horrified to know that it was dropped along with the Vatican Museums, I promptly had it put back. There was no way I would not go visit Saint Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Musuem when I visit Rome. We purchased Roma passes, which will give us entry into the basilica and the Vatican museums. With the pass, we get to bypass the massive queues which form almost daily outside the basilica and the museums. I think the extra euro spent on the fast pass is worth more than wasting my time queueing up the entire day to enter the basilica.
Massive Columns on the Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica
We smugly entered the restricted area ahead of thousands of other tourists or pilgrims. I can’t say I don’t feel bad for them but I can’t waste the time queuing. From the entrance area, you need to go through security. It is a bit bizarre to have airport like security outside a church but such are the times we live in. From here you walk on the right side of the piazza to get the audio guides and finally queue up to get in the actual basilica itself. I must say though that the basilica looked smaller than it really is from afar. I was stunned to see how large the facade actually was up close. Not the pearly gates yet, but I am literally outside the gates of Saint Peter’s.
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