Another close-up of Raphael’s “The School of Athens,” features a number of individuals representing philosophy but the image of the man in the right corner with the black cap is the artist himself, Raphael as Apelles. May 25, 2017

As a quilter, I am always amazed by the beautiful inlaid marble work that decorate the floors of a number of the Vatican Museum galleries. May 25, 2017

More beautiful inlaid marble work that decorates the floors of a number of the Vatican Museum galleries. May 25, 2017

The Holy Door, of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy, is opened only for great celebrations. May 25, 2017

The hall leading to the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy. May 25, 2017

The cavernous interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy. May 25, 2017

The bronze canopy over the High Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy. Designed by the Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the canopy, in a monumental way, marks the place of Saint Peter’s tomb underneath. May 25, 2017

Another one of Michelangelo’s famous works is the Pieta inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy. May 25, 2017

A close-up of Michelangelo’s Pieta inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy. May 25, 2017

There are a number of gorgeous statues inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City including this Monument to Pope Pius VIII by Pietro Teheran. May 25, 2017

And, here’s another group of statues inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy, the Monument to Pope Leo XI by Algarve. May 25, 2017

The Swiss Guard in their distinctly Renaissance attire at their post in Vatican City, Italy, are tasked to protect the Pope. May 25, 2017

A close-up of the Swiss Guard who have been protecting the Popes since 1506. The dress uniform is of blue, red, orange and yellow with a distinctly Renaissance appearance. May 25, 2017

The exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica, considered the holiest of Catholic shrines, in Vatican City, Italy. May 25, 2017

One of the colonnade’s designed by Italian sculptor, architect and city planner, Gian Lorenzo Bernini in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square. May 25, 2017