Immersing in Sacred Art on Day 1 in Rome

I started my day early at the Vatican Museum. Reservations are a must because the waiting line was enormous. As soon as I entered, I felt like I was being bombarded by art. I tried to take my time to appreciate each piece, but the highlight was undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel. Standing before Michelangelo's ceiling fresco, I was utterly breathless. It’s hard to believe it was created by human hands. St. Peter's Basilica was simply overwhelming. Even without religious faith, the space commands reverence. Climbing up to the dome, I was greeted by a panoramic view of Rome, and wow... now I understand why it’s called the 'Eternal City.' For lunch, I had a simple pasta near Piazza Navona. Sitting at an outdoor café in front of the 'Fountain of the Four Rivers,' I soaked in the atmosphere. Street performances, warm sunshine—it was perfect. The last stop was the Pantheon. The moment I stepped inside, I felt a quiet resonance. Each column is a masterpiece, and the oculus in the dome felt like a window piercing through time. Standing before Raphael’s tomb, I instinctively clasped my hands together. To have such a fulfilling day right from the start—it’s beyond my expectations. I’m completely captivated by Rome.