BRRRR!!!!

Saturday was Vatican Day. It was also very, very cold and rainy.

About two months ago, I emailed the Vatican to reserve tickets for the Scavi Tour. Scavi refers to the excavation of the necropolis that was found about 30 feet below the foundation of St. Peter's Basilica. The necropolis, or city of the dead, is an area of ornately decorated then-above-ground burial crypts that were outside the city walls of Rome on the Vatican Hill that date back to the first century. Much of the hill was leveled when the Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the first St. Peter's Basilica (the existing one is the second one). The crypts were thus filled with rubble and the church was built on top. But most importantly, it was built on the burial site of St. Peter. Even though it can't be 100% proven, in the tour they present overwhelming evidence that indicates they actually found his remains. The dome of the basilica and the high altar sit directly above that spot.

Because it is an extremely fragile archaeological site, the number of people per day are limited and security is very tight. Its controlled lighting is dark, and it is musty-smelling and very damp. And it is hands-down the most fascinating thing EVER. The artwork combines pagan and Christian symbolism into a unique, hybrid iconography. It is a rare and fascinating glimpse into that window of history between the older and newer belief systems.

I just found a WONDERFUL website that takes you through an interactive version of the tour. I encourage you to spend some time there. I know I will.