Salvēte, omnēs! We had a very long day, but also gorgeous weather for our visit to Cumae and an amazing dinner at Add'u Mimi in (modern) Pompei, and we are full, happy, and tired. Tomorrow will we head to the archaeological site of (ancient) Pompeii, part of which is just across the street from our hotel, and then we will head to the top of Mount Vesuvius.
We first visited St. Peter’s Basilica in St. Peter’s Plaza. In the center of the plaza is an obelisk, also known as “The Witness” because it “witnessed” the crucifixion of St. Peter himself. There are multiple fountains inside the plaza that light up at night. Aside from the obelisk and the actual Basilica, there are two semicircular structures that form an embrace around the obelisk, created by our favorite sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Basilica is also guarded by Swiss guards, whose uniform consists of colorfully striped parachute pants. Within the Basilica, we saw sculptures of multiple figures, including Bernini’s best friend, Christina, queen of Sweden, who left her throne to convert to Catholicism and was never married. In the basement of St. Peter’s there is a crypt built to hold the remains of former religious figures, which includes former popes. It has been referred to as “The City of the Dead”. Afterwards we visited Hadrian’s Mausoleum, which was built for Hadrian b
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