The Significance of Touching St. Peter’s Foot at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome Posted on February 2, 2024July 12, 2024 By Travelworldwide In St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, visitors come to honor the bronze statue of St Peter. St Peter was the first Pope and the foundation of the early church, and the basilica was built over his tomb. But why do people touch St Peter’s foot? Pilgrims used to bend down to kiss the foot of St Peter’s statue in the Vatican, and over time, the metal has worn away so much that the toes now blend in with the rest of the foot. Nowadays, most visitors prefer to touch the statue’s foot instead of kissing it, but the feet are still worn down from all the human contact. When we visited, there was a constant flow of people passing by the statue. Some were in a hurry to see the next attraction, some paused to say a prayer, and others stopped to take a photo. It’s a way for people to find personal meaning in a place that can otherwise feel overwhelming due to its grandeur and magnificence. I’m glad that visitors can get close enough to touch the statue. It would be a shame if all the beautiful objects were locked away behind glass, like Michelangelo’s Pieta, which was placed behind glass after someone tried to damage it with a hammer. This kind of interaction is important because it reflects the original purpose of these religious works of art. Blog
Blog A Glimpse of Rome from the Summit of St. Peter’s Basilica Posted on July 8, 2024July 12, 2024 I visited St. Peter’s dome in Rome one afternoon with my mother. We had to wait in line for about half an hour. It cost €10 to take the lift to the bottom of the dome or €7 to take the stairs. Once inside, we went through a door and… Read More
Blog A Memorable Weekend in London at the Mandarin Oriental – Podcast Episode 06 Posted on June 3, 2024July 12, 2024 In Episode 6 of my travel podcast series, I spent a winter weekend in London, catching up with friends and staying at the amazing Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge. I traveled with my teenage daughter, so you’ll hear some recommendations from friends who live in London about activities… Read More
Blog Exploring the Charms of Malta’s Three Cities: Must-See Attractions for 2024 Posted on May 2, 2024July 12, 2024 Just across the water from Malta’s capital Valletta, the Three Cities of Malta are peninsulas that extend into the Grand Harbour. These historic neighborhoods, with their picturesque narrow streets, impressive palazzos, and 16th-century fortifications, make for an ideal day trip from Valletta. Here’s a guide to the top things to… Read More