So what one sees here is St. Peter's Basilica, and to the right and slightly above is the Sistine Chapel. St. Peter's is supposed to remind one of the grandeur and power of God. I can only imagine being a 17th century peasant making a pilgrimage to this place and passing out in the front entrance from the overwhelming size and ornate decoration.
I came to a new understanding of the term "cognitive dissonance" after visiting St. Peter's. As a 21st century visitor I couldn't help but feel, in the same moment, total awe and revulsion. Awe at what is the most amazing display of architectural and design genius that I've ever seen. Revulsion at what all of this display actually meant in financial and political power. I'm still not quite sure what to make of the whole experience.
Pentax K200D
DA 18-55mm lens (@18mm)
f8
ISO 100
1/750 sec.
