We gave up going to the Basilica in order to make it to Sant Angelo's on time because the security line to enter was huge. It was much more leisurely and we enjoyed it a lot. Afterwards we decided to try for the Bascilica again. Security was moving pretty fast and we took the challenge of climbing the 551 steps to the very top of the dome. Fabulous view, high point of the day.
Sant Angelo was originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian and later expanded into a fortress. Papal apartments were added. A wall runs from the Vatican to the castle with an escape route for the Pope when the Vatican is under attack.
Archangel Michael sheathing his sword after the plague ended. (Holy Angel - Sant Angelo is named after him).
Group view of Bascilica from Sant Angelo
Unfortunately, we lost 3 people in the group again (different 3 people). We were supposed to meet up in the back of the cathedral, but several people got confused and were waiting for us in the square. We finally saw them again back at the hostel - glad they had metro passes.
Climbing within the dome of the Bascilica. This is under the top row of round windows in the dome (seen below), looking up at the staircase we climbed.
Far away and up close photo of the statures on the roof. They are about 15 feet high.
St Peters square
I thought this was kind of funny, anachronistic. The old fortified wall and guard tower, converted to a media center (TV antennas and dishes on the roof)
This is looking down on the bascilica roof.
The picture below is looking up at the same windows.
Swiss guard at the Vatican.
One member of the group decided to stay and have dinner near the Square with David and I and then we made our way back to the metro to get home. We entered the station at 9:02....a notice read that it was closed for maintenance at 9:00. We walked the street following the line to the next station. Also closed. We could not find a bus stop or a taxi. We spotted a hotel and asked them to call a taxi. Problem managed. Rough day.
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