The Largest Cathedral In The World Inside The Smallest Country In The World! (EU Travel Part 1)

St. Peter's dome from the inside close up photo

Greetings Steemians!
The most memorable part of my first ever Europe Solo Travel last year was climbing (320 steps!) to the top of St. Peter Basilica's dome (cupola). The highlight of my trip to Rome, Italy.

This is also my first entry for the #architecturalphotography contest organized by @juliank @photocontests .

St. Peter's Basilica is the world’s largest Basilica of Christianity, It stretches over 186 metres of length (218 if we consider the porch too), a height of 46 metres in the central aisle, a main dome 136 metre high and 42 metres large in diameter. The huge façade is 114 metres wide and 47 metres high. It has a surface of 22000 square metres and can accommodate 20000 prayers at a time.

You can take the elevator to the roof level if you don't want to climb & save the 320 steps. Then if you want to be on the top of the cupola you must take the stairs for the last portion (551 steps in total).

After the brief elevator ride (or the first 320 steps), before your climb to the dome, you can stop and enjoy the view from the gallery inside the dome looking down into the basilica . Take a few moments to absorb the astonishing beauty of the cupola from within and look down to the main altar. Checkout my video here.

pardon my finger, pointing to where I was taking the video 😅🙈

the main altar or Papal's altar

the tomb of Blessed Pope John Paul II 😇

The Vatican also holds some of the most significant art works of the Renaissance such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam.

taking a break, having a moment at the top of cupola
nostalgic!, feeling so blessed to be able to not just see but experienced this sacred historical place

at the outside top or terrace of The vatican

Pope Francis balcony.

I also found out that the Vatican is the world's smallest country (Source: World Atlas )

So... the world's largest church is located in the world's smallest country . Pretty cool huh?

Happy Steeming!
@joville

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Photography Contest Related Post :
Life Is Colorful!

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