The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-05-25
THE ASCENT OF ST. PETERS.

On Thursdays, from 8 to 10 A. M, the
public are permitted to ascend the dome
of st. Peters. Ny wife and l were a
little late, and the custode at first shook
his head, but after little parleying,
probably to impress upon us the magni-
tude Of the favor, and our consequent
obligation to put good fee into his
hand on our return, he graciously let us
pass. AS large number of Indifferent
groups followed on after US during the
STRANGE was by no means bona fide, but
part of the regular program. The as
cent to the roof by means of long spiral
stairway is so gradual that it is said
loaded mules often pass up without diff
ficulty.
After toiling up this roadway, it
seemed full quarter of mile. at last we
emerged from its gloomy archway and
walked out upon the spacious roof. 1t
was difficult to imagine that we were
already one hundred and fifty feet from
the ground; for it seemed as though we
were in the midst of little village which
had by some mighty volcanic force been
raised to its present level. There were
broad spaces, long walkss clusters of
dwelling houses for the workmen,
fountain playing, domes that might be
taken for temples. and every appearance
of life. The views from here were far
sweeping and full of beauty. but we
knew they would be still better from the
cupola of the dome, so we hurried on.
At every turn guard was stationed to
direct US on our way. This magnificent
dome is double, there being sufficient
space between the inner and outer wall
to allow narrow stairways and passages
by which you ascend to the top. Long
before you reach the summit you are
deeply impressed with the magnitude of
this stupendous structure-the result of
Michael Angeles consummate genius
and skill Almost every traveller on en-
teripg st Peters is disappointed. 1t does
not app ar as vast and immense as he
had anticipated. But looking down from
either gallery of the dome into the in
terror of the church he never fails to
realize its grandeur. The great central
altar, ninety seven feet high, seen from
this point, resembles some small orna
ment; and as the eye ranges from tran
sept to transept, the mind is over
whelmed and bewildered.
Another climb and we are at the top
of the dome. What view! Once seen,
who can ever forget it? There lies the
Eternal G ty at our feet, the cradle of
that mighty Roman race. once the proud
conquerers of the whole world. And
there are the everlasting mountains
the same that Caesar. Augustus, Cicero
and Virgil gazed upon. Among the most
conspicuous objects in the panorama are
the Vatican and Castle of st. Angelo,
near at hand; the Capitol, Colosseum,
and st. John Lateran to the southeast,
while farther to the right, covered with
tombs and ruins of stately aqueducts,
CbACNSA-Co bhO SolhPo6ho7 bhob piuAh VI
desoIation and death.
But we had not yet reached the top of
st. Peters. There was the copper ball
still above US, and the guard was admit
ting into the narrow stairway few per-
sons at time to perform the last feat.
To get into this ball, which will hold
about eight persons most uncomfortably.
our party, one by one, climbed an almost
perpendicular ladder, through narrow
orifice like the hatchway of ship. Hav-
ing reached the goal of our ambitions
we were rewarded not by any view. for
there was nothing to be seen, but by the
consciousness that we had been in that
ball, 430 feet above terra firma. The
descent was rapid and easy; but on leav
ing the church we were surprised to find
that over two hours had passed. We
shall always remember that aerial visit
"a tour to the clouds.-H. N. GoodeH,
in the interior.