Day 10 - Vatican City and Sistine Chapel

Today we were blown away!!!

As we entered Vatican City, we were welcomed by the magnificent Piazza San Pietro, St. Peter’s Square the architectural masterpiece by Bernini.

The Dome of St.Peter’s or as it is affectionately called by Romans “er Capolone”…the big Dome…is the architectural masterpiece by Michaelangelo. And all of us made it up to the top. Of course, we knew we would not be able to make it up and down the 551 steps, so we took the elevator and climbed 320 steps to have our breath taken away (and you can image this was difficult because the stairs had nearly sucked every breath from our bodies) by the view of Rome from the highest vantage point in the city.

During our first week in Rome, we have been in awe as we enter the somewhat plain facades of the many churches and basilicas, to be overwhelmed with the beauty and splendor of the inside decorations of frescos, gold leafing, marble pillars, terrazzo floors, statues and the endless paintings by so many known and unknown artists. The masters include the great Michaelangelo, Bernini, Raphael and Carravagio, but there are so many others who have adorned the walls and ceilings of these treasures for centuries for all to enjoy.

But when you think you have seen the most outstanding artistic creations you ever imagine with each church you enter, you walk into the Sistine Chapel and your breath is again sucked from your body as you stand in awe of the grandeur surrounding you. As an artist you are awed by the perfection of these masterpieces. The size…the colour,..the compositions! These works have stood the test of time and have inspired many artists to place their brush to canvas or chisel to stone.

Along with so many visitors before us, we came to see Michaelangelo’s works of art. We were not disappointed! Raphael’s paintings kept my attention riveted. As an artist I am humbled by what I saw today. When I look at the size of the paintings, the position of these works on ceilings and walls so high and marvel at how long it must have taken them to complete their masterpieces with the difficulty of painting upside down, I will no longer complain on how long it is taking me to complete one of my paintings or decide on what I am going to paint next.

I am grateful for the inspiration the Masters have instilled in me to pick up my brush once again in earnest when I return home.

Carol-Ann