We couldn't visit Rome and not see the Sistine Chapel. I had read it is one of the wonders of the world. I hadn't realised though that there are so many museums and so much to see.
We were warned that we would need to give a day for this visit. 
And they were right!
And they were right! We queued for two and a half hours :-)
And still the queue grew behind us
One long stream of people of every nationality waited patiently.
And still the queue grew behind us
One long stream of people of every nationality waited patiently. There was no trouble, no arguments.
One beggar sat under a tree so that the queue divided around her. 
But we made it :-)
Inside we found the elusive azaleas :-)
And felt for the people still queuing outside
There are too many treasures for me even to begin to describe.
But we made it :-)
Inside we found the elusive azaleas :-)
And felt for the people still queuing outside
There are too many treasures for me even to begin to describe. We were impressed that cameras were allowed in most of the galleries.
But not the Sistine Chapel :-)
But not the Sistine Chapel :-) (this is a pic of a print we purchased!)
It was a shame that despite guards asking people not to take photos in the chapel so many continued to do so! I would have liked to sit silently and just look. It wasn't possible. The chapel was packed with limited seating around the edge and there was a continuous buzz of conversation and requests from the guards.
It was a shame that despite guards asking people not to take photos in the chapel so many continued to do so! I would have liked to sit silently and just look. It wasn't possible. The chapel was packed with limited seating around the edge and there was a continuous buzz of conversation and requests from the guards. It was a wonder to see though and if at all possible you should try to visit!
It really is incredible! I am very glad I had the chance :-)
It did feel strange to be so close to so many treasures and so much art when old women are begging on the streets. I wondered if it was right for the church to own so much but as HG said, who should own it? At least it is available for public viewing and not in some private collection.
From a practical point of view there are loos and snack bars inside!
Check opening/closing times carefully as they vary throughout the year.
We paid 13 euros each and it was worth every one!
No credit cards were taken!
2 comments:
Dear Chris,
Wow! I bet it is a wonder! I have often thought I would like to check out the basement of the Vatican. I bet there are treasures there as well.
Thank you so much for posting these photos of your trip. I may never go myself but it is nice to see Rome through your lens.
Penguins, in their natural habitat, are on my list!
Sherry
Go for it, Q :-). Penguins in their natural habitat is, I'm sure another wonder of the world! Have you seen the film, 'March of the Penguins'? I was amazed at the length of their marches to find food and then back to their mates and young!
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