In Awe
Personally, religion was never a topic that I gave much thought on. I wasn't raised in a religious household, nor was any of the institutions I attended religious as well. However, knowing that within the parameters of Rome, there's a city state called Vatican City with the head of the Roman Catholic Church as the sovereign of the state and numerous sacred establishments, I came with the utmost respect.
My first impression arriving at the Basilica di San Pietro is the sheer size of the plaza, that makes me feel tiny instantly. Take a few moments and admire a 360 degree view from where you are, it's nothing less than a perfectly crafted architecture by MIchelangelo, Bernini, Bramante and Maderno. By mid-morning, the crowd from all over the world wrapped around half the plaza, waiting to set foot into probably the most famous basilica ever.
The moment I stepped into the Basilica, the noise miraculously died down. Immediately to my right, Pieta by Michelangelo greeted all of us with an unexplainable glow. Moving forward, depending on the day, there are always routine activities in session, including mass and penance. From these services to the standing architecture and the Swiss Guards, the sacred tradition is here to stay, despite the tourists and any other external factors.
As we come to the Sistine Chapel, another great piece of Michelangelo's work, the Last Judgement glance down upon us. Above our head, there is the Creation of Adam amongst other countless pieces of fresco. I'm standing in the same space that new popes get selected.
Every detail, from the stunning art and architecture with rich history, that I came across in this city state has done nothing but put me in awe. Without a religious background, I opened my mind to understand a practice of belief and set of traditions.