St. Peter's Basilica

Hanging out with the Pope

---

May 3rd 2006
Just got back from touring the Vatican Museums. The place truly is incredible...I was afraid that all the stories I had heard would build up unrealistic expectations, but the beauty and splendor of it all surpassed my excpectations. I got into the Sistine chapel at about 9:30 am and didn't leave for an hour and a half. My neck is still a bit sore from all the gawking I did. It was truly touchi ... read more

Europe » Vatican City

---

Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further c... ... read more