Today we went back to St. Peter's with a guide. Ryan - Anthony's (from theViking ship) cousin - came to Rome 9 years ago to spend a couple of months learning the language and never left. He was great. He was able to tell us a lot - of course, I only remember part of it.
He told us that the square itself was formed like open arms - a mother's hug. And that from the air it resembles a keyhole since St. Peter is always shown holding the keys to the church.
I think I will just caption pictures for the rest of the explanations.
This wall contained the escape route for the popes. It ends at the Castel Sant'Angelo which was a very strong fortress. During the sack of Rome in 1527, PopeClement VII was hurried to the Castel and it saved his life. Ryan told us the the Swiss Guards were the only guards that stayed to fight and that is why all the guards are Swiss today.
This mosaic of Mary was made after the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981. One of the jewels in her crown is the bullet taken from John Paul's body. She is there to watch over everyone as she watched over him.
This door depicts the deaths of St. Paul by beheading and St. Peter by being crucified upside down.
These are pictures of the Holy Door - Porta Sancta - that is opened every 25 years - next in 2525. Walking through this door forgives your sins.
St. Peters statue. Rubbing his feet is supposed to bring good luck. Yes, I rubbed his feet.
The alter in St. Peter's. that is alabaster, not stained glass, where the light shines through the dove!
My ticket to the Pope's Audience on Wednesday.
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