The 1014 Climb

Climbing 1014 steps to witness pure beauty.

Standing among the fortunate at the pinnacle of St Peter’s dome, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view that unfolded before me.

I climbed 551 steps to the top of the dome. I bought a ticket to take the elevator, which reduced the total steps to 320. However, the line was very long compared to the no-line for what I call the 551 climb, so I opted for the longer stair-step route to the top.

The Dome of St Peter’s is magnificent.

The dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica was conceived and built up to the drum by Michelangelo Buonarroti and brought to completion, after the death of the Master, by the architect Giacomo della Porta, who worked there alongside Domenico Fontana from 1588 to 1590, raising the dome in just 22 months thanks to the tireless work of 800 labourers. The dome, “double-shelled with a cavity”, then taking on an ogival shape, slenderer than the initial design. On 18 November 1593, the large gilded bronze sphere surmounted by the cross, the work of Sebastiano Torrigiani, was placed on the spire of the lantern. Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605), in terminating the grandiose construction project, wished to commemorate the work carried out by Pope Sixtus V in an inscription on the ring at the end of the lantern: “s. petri gloriae sixtvs pp. v. a. mdxc pontif. v” (“To the glory of Saint Peter, Pope Sixtus V, in the year 1590, the fifth of his pontificate”).
On the mosaic frieze at the base of the dome, the words: “tv es petrvs et svper hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam et tibi dabo claves regni caelorvm” (“You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven”, Mt 16:18-19) are written in large blue letters on a gold background.
Pope Clement VIII had Michelangelo’s superb dome covered with highly refined mosaic decoration by numerous mosaicists under the direction of Marcello Provenzale between 1598 and 1613. The surface of the dome (about 3000 square metres), subdivided by ribs into sixteen wedge-shaped compartments with pre-ordered fields and spaces, was entirely covered with images on a background of a golden sky of stars. Proceeding from top to bottom, we recognize the following figures: 1. The Eternal Father with outstretched hand in a gesture of blessing; 2. Seraphim; 3. Angels; 4. Cherubim; 5. Angels (some with symbols of the Passion); 6. Redeemer, Saint John the Baptist, Our Lady, Saint Paul and the Apostles; 7. Patriarchs and Bishops. Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

The climb is not for the faint-hearted. It's a rigorous physical workout, navigating a steep incline within a confined space. I bumped my head a couple of times on my way up. But the thrill of the adventure, the sense of accomplishment, is worth every step. And when you finally reach the top, the panoramic views of Rome are breathtaking.

The architecture of the dome is a sight to behold. The experience of seeing the design and construction as you climb gives you an appreciation of the genius of its design and the magnificence of its construction.

I enjoyed the experience, thinking nothing could top the joy of climbing to the pinnacle of one of the greatest buildings in history.

I was wrong.

There is the iconic dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

The dome is a symbol of Florence, Italy. It’s a fitting symbol of the cultural and religious art that makes Florence, well, Florence.

The only way to see the inside of the dome up close and enjoy the extraordinary view of Florence it offers is to climb its 463 steps (there is no elevator): the route takes you by the interior of the dome where you can admire Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment (1572-9) up close.
The OPA Combination ticket gives you entrance to the Duomo but you need to reserve your place in line BEFORE. Once you book your time slot, it CANNOT be changed.
The way up (and down) are basically tight corridors used by the workmen who built the cathedral for maintenance, they were never thought of as being open to the public. They are narrow, the steps can be steep and the entire climb is 463 steps. When you reach the base of the drum right below the cupola's frescoes, you actually come out onto a walkway Visit Florence.

The climb to the top of the dome is treacherous. The halls are narrow, the steps narrower, and the incline steep.

When going to the top of the dome, pace yourself. People of a wide range of ages were taking the Duomo challenge, and all were visibly showing the challenges of the climb. As you take each step, you feel like the hallway is infinite. The climb takes you to a set of stairs going straight up at a steep incline. These are the last steps to the top.

As you reach the pinnacle of your journey, you step out to see the awe-inspiring views of Florence.

The moments photographing Florence are indescribable. The first feeling you get is, “Oh my God…” You think to yourself that this structure was built as a homage to God using the best of human intelligence and ingenuity. You pause to think; the power of faith is demonstrated by this architectural and artistic wonder.

Regardless of your religious background or whether you believe or not, you will believe in the power of the human spirit, creativity, and knowledge if you take the time to see what both of these domes can show you.

There is one more aspect of this wonderful climb. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension with a defective mitral valve. Fortunately, a mitral valve repair is all I needed. After the surgery, the pulmonary hypertension was gone.

At 66 years of age, climbing to the top of these domes was…

Simply marvelous.

Stuart F. James

Climbing 1014 steps to witness pure beauty.

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