Rome Day 2

The second day was spent in the Vatican. First in the Vatican Museum, then the Sistine Chapel, and afterwards in St. Peters Basilica itself. The final stop of the day was at the Spanish steps, enjoying the view from the top. The day in Rome was hot and while the heat was making it more difficult to stay energized, everyone successfully made it to the top of the steps and back down again.

The Vatican Museum was originally designed to house the Pope’s art collections. The museum holds an extensive collection of Roman and Greek sculptures as well as many Renaissance paintings by masters such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. One of its most famous rooms includes the fresco “School of Athens.” Inside the Vatican museum is the entrance to the infamous Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, features the famous “Creation of Adam” and other biblical scenes. Michelangelo also painted “The Last Judgment” on the altar wall.

After the Vatican museum, students waited in a short line in St. Peter’s Square. This grand plaza in front of the basilica is designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is the site of many significant religious ceremonies and Papal addresses. Upon entering the Basilica the students were in awe of the artworks that decorated the Vatican. Its renowned for its Renaissance architecture, particularly its dome designed by Michelangelo. It houses significant religious artifacts and artworks, including Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” Unfortunately “Pietà” was undergoing restoration and students were not able to see the statue.

After visiting the Vatican left the Spanish steps. The steps were built to connect the Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The project was funded by a French diplomat, Étienne Gueffier, and their construction was meant to celebrate the peace between France and Spain. They consist of 135 stairs and start from the Piazza di Spagna, one of Rome’s most popular squares. The piazza is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which is located in the square. The students were not excited about climbing the steps, but once they reached the top, the view of Rome was worth it.