Saint Peters Basilica, Rome

The Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Basilica are even more spectacular than pictures depict it to be. Upon entering the Basilica, golden beams of light shine through the top windows of the apse casting their light upon 

Bernini’s bronze-sculpted, baroque-style canopy, or baldachin. As I marvel at the magnificent splendor of such beautifully sculpted artwork--Solomonic columns adorned with golden Cherubim, a bright golden altar, and all above me, gold coffered ceilings--the choir begins to sing in a melodious harmony that could best be described as angelic--maybe even otherworldly. 

The text around the drum of the dome reads: "Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam mean et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum" meaning, "You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my Church, to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 16:18).

"Quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in coelis. Et quodcumque solveris super terram erit solutum et in coelis" is a continuation of the words written on the drum and translates to: "I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Day 11: Vatican City, Rome

Forum Romanum

 After sorting through a plethora of photos, I decided to make my posts smaller and more digestible.. Here are some photos from the Roman Forum, or "Foro Romano" if you want to say it in Italian ;-)

Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio

Stepping foot into the Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio, or Church of Saint Ignatius, I was immediately blown away and completely awe-struck by the magnificence and utter beauty of this place. The architecture, the detail in the painting, the golden altar adorned with cherubim--it was absolutely breathtaking. Enough of me describing it! Here are some photos to see for yourself! :-)