St. Peter's Basilica: November, 2008

I am a Cruise Planner by vocation, but I generally let my wife hammer out specific plans for our excursions.

Her ambitious plan for Rome called for us to visit five major attractions: St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Coliseum.

After many days questioning my son, who had been to Rome in the summer, and me about whether we thought it was possible to see all this, she decided it was, as long as we took the train from Civitavecchia to Roma S. Pietro and then returned to port from the Roma Termini station.

I would suggest taking a Hop On, Hop Off tour of Rome to make this possible, but our plan of attack was to walk as far as we could and take a taxi if necessary.

When we left the train at Roma S. Pietro, a lot of fellow travelers were also heading toward Piazza San Pietro, many to spend the full day at the Vatican.
I'm certain this destination could easily fill a day or even a week or more. The Piazza is dramatic and impressive, but the interior of St. Peter's Basilica is where you will find yourself in awe.

It seems every inch of amazing architecture if filled with masterpieces and building materials that have been polished and honed into works of art in their own right.

The Apostle Peter followed Jesus to the cross but infamously denied Him three times before the cock crowed, just as Jesus predicted he would. But when you think about it, he was truly courageous to have followed Him to the cross, where as a loyal follower he could easily have found himself nailed.

St. Peter rose from his shame and proclaimed the Word to the world, starting a church that had more than a little staying power.

St. Peter went on to become the first Bishop of Rome, and his remains are buried in a tomb below the alter of this amazing church named for him.

There has been a church on this site since the Fourth Century

I have seen many churches and cathedrals throughout the world, but all pale in comparison to St. Peter's Basilica.

Without doubt, it piqued my curiosity about the treasures of the Vatican, but further exploration would have to wait for our next visit.

We were off for a scenic walk along and then over the Tevere River to explore the Eternal City's Greatest Hits.