The line for St. Peter’s Basilica passed very quickly, as we only waited in line for about 25 minute
The line for St. Peter’s Basilica passed very quickly, as we only waited in line for about 25 minutes. When we reached the final security check, a guard stopped me immediately and pointed at my legs. Without thinking twice, I had decided to wear shorts that day because of the high reported temperatures. I failed to realize that St. Peter’s Basilica is notorious for turning away visitors who do not fit their dress code standards. My stomach sank as I turned to Lindsay, insisting that she go in without me. She stood firmly by my side and the guard pointed at my jacket. I tied the sleeves around my waist, but, as the front of my legs were exposed, he shook his head. After several attempts to increase my modesty, I had an idea. Thankfully, I enjoy loose fitting jackets, and the one I had brought with me was a male large I had bought in a charity shop in Glasgow. I attempted to wrap the jacket around my legs the same way I would put it around my torso, and, luckily, I was able to fasten the zipper where the jacket met at my knees. To keep it from sliding, I re-tied the sleeves around my waist, and, with a smile, I waddled my way under the archway after receiving approval from the guard. Lindsay and I grinned as we made our way inside the Basilica along with hundreds of others. After we entered what seemed like a new world, we agreed we would take our time grasping the incomprehensible amount of precise artistry the building withheld. From the golden framework and Latin letters, to the vibrant and graceful paintings and sculptures, to the windows allowing the sun’s streaming rays, I wasn’t surprised that the building’s construction lasted 120 years, nor was I surprised that the Basilica was designed by Michelangelo and Bernini, among other art-world changing composers.After thoroughly enlightening ourselves by studying every ceiling, stature, and archway, we made our way to the exit. We explored a small, free museum nearby that gave a history of sacred religious texts used all over the world. -- source link