VIEW FROM THE TOP, a photo from Vatican City, Lazio

Photographer's Note

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Saint Peter's Basilica is the largest church in Christendom, and the most recognizable landmark of the ‘Eternal City.’ Its construction was first commissioned in the mid 15th century, but the actual construction did not begin until 1506. The names of the artists and architects associated with it are synonymous with creative genius. Bramante, who hailed from Urbino, friend of Leonardo and Raphael, was the architect at the laying of the cornerstone. In the early 16th century Michelangelo carved the incomparable Pietá for the interior, and returned to paint the ceiling and one of the walls of Sistine Chapel. Leonardo’s unfinished painting, St. Jerome, hangs in the Vatican Museum. Raphael painted the series of large murals for the Pope’s Stanza, culminating with his masterpiece, the School of Athens. In 1546 Michelangelo became the official architect, designing the dome. By the time he died in 1564, only the cylindrical drum below the actual dome had been built. His design called for a hemispherical dome. The final dome shape followed a subsequent design of architect Giacomo della Porta, and has the shape of a paraboloid of revolution. Bernini, the successor to Michelangelo as the finest Renaissance sculptor, designed not only the great piazza, but he carved the statuary of the Apostles seen standing on the edge of the building. The 13 colossal statues depict (from left to right) St. Matthias, St. Simon, St. Bartholemeo, St. James the Less, St. John evangelost, St. Andrew, Christ the Redeemer, St. John the Baptist, St. James the Elder, St. Thomas, St. Phillip, St. Matthew, and St. Thaddeus.

Bernini also designed the altar, the Baldachino, that stands under the great dome. From the ground to the pinnacle of the lantern on the dome the height of the entire edifice measures 136 meters (448 ft), or as tall as a forty-five story building. The great edifice was completed in 1626, or 120 years after its construction began.

Other Trekearth members have presented views from the top, magical that it is. Ultimately, the success of the photograph depends on the light, and on this day, July 12, around 11:00 am the light was passable, with the sun almost overhead. It is possible for one to take an elevator to the top of the building, but then must climb up by foot the 320 steps to the top of the cupola, where a “lantern” crowns the dome. That is the level from which I took the photo. It’s a long way down, as one can judge by the size of the creatures strolling in St. Peter’s Square below (actually a pair of semicircles, designed by Bernini). The obelisk dates back to the 13th century BC, from the period of Ramses the Great of Egypt, and was transported to Rome in AD 37, to stand in the Circus of Nero about 150 meters away. The obelisk soars to 40 meters (131 ft) but appears like a matchstick from the top of the dome. The view from this vantage point suggests that the obelisk and the square in concert could be calibrated to make a colossal sun dial.

More than four decades ago, as a teenager, I had made the climb and shot a whole 8-mm reel of home movies from the same vantage point. A decade later, I climbed again, carrying my baby son. It was a great deal more difficult making the same ascent this time. More over there is only one very narrow staircase going up, and only one coming down. It is impossible to change one’s mind part of the way up — dozens of other tourists are making the same tortuous trek up. What relief it was to finally emerge at the top and see the breath taking view!

This image will be placed in a new group theme, DOMES. I Welcome others to contribute.

Nikon D70, 18-70 mm Nikkor lens, UV-filter, monopod. ISO 200.

isabela_sor, jwillie44, evanrizo, MLINES, smarcell, snunney, thea0211, delic, feather, Mondaychild, danos, jwmunro, papagolf21, TopGeo, Uhu, stego, Tue, alvaraalto, adores, ChrisJ, kdialyna, jhm, veve, happypoppeye, doubay, belido, Henryk_Bilor, AiresSantos, Emile, avene, macjake, paololg has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

xavshot (69835) 2007-08-31 21:58

Bonjour Bulent
la vue est superbe et le POV permet de dominer la place et offre une très belle perspective. J'aime beaucoup la lumière qui permet de donner du relief à l'ensemble. Beau travail.
Xavier

isabela_sor (47748) 2007-08-31 22:22

Yes many photos from that place,all great as your is too!The symmetry created by your perfect POV,the details and the depth make this one amazing
Hugs
A nice weekend

jwillie44 (1236) 2007-08-31 22:25

Interesting as always. thank you for the wonderful view and note
michael

evanrizo (462) 2007-09-01 0:39

Hi Bulent, it looks majestic and almost with perfect symmetric.
It is nice clear image with very good light, so we can see the people in the square.
Very good cropped too.
Have a nice weekend.
Evan

gigiotta (453) 2007-09-01 1:02

This is the most classical of classical photos of Rome, and you can find a lot of this kind since more than a century. But the classic, you know, are always the best. Compliments, Donatella

meltemi (0) 2007-09-01 1:11

Hello Bulent,
just for the view alone, this shot is an eye-magnet. Smart idea to show this place from this point of view, excellent composition and depth of field and perfect light management both in foreground and background. Superb note as always.
Warm Regards.
Stella

[workshop] [compare]

MLINES (12516) 2007-09-01 1:21

Hi Bulent. This is certainly the best view of the Vatican possible i would think! It shows us well the extent of this huge palacial place. Excellent vantage ponit. Notes as always top rate. TFS. Murray.

snunney (130967) 2007-09-01 2:50

Hello Bulent,
This is a magnificent view over St Peter's square towards the city. The detail is superb with very good light and colours.

delic (6735) 2007-09-01 3:02

What grand view! I like the neighboring light and shadow areas. I would try increasing the contrast and sharpening a bit. Excellent lecture, as usual. Regards,
Hakan

thea0211 (1365) 2007-09-01 3:06

hi bulent,
i haven't seen this view from the top myself, which i believe it is a shame and a living proof that i need to return to Rome ... i haven't returned just yet even though i've thrown the mandatory coin in the Fontana Trevi :) on my first visit
nice perspective from up there, toped up with your appealing note - makes for an interesting and atractive TE post.

hope all is well with you,

take care,

dora

dip (21408) 2007-09-01 3:10

Hello Bulent,
a usual view but again and again amazing!
I like the symmetry and the natural colors,
well captured and composed,
Regards,
Dimitris.

jrj (34843) 2007-09-01 3:22

Interesting view Bulent from the top of the Famous Basilica. I must admit when visiting in 2005 that after cuing to enter the Basilica, another cuing for getting to the top was sacrificed for an Italian lunch in one of the nearby narrow streets. So good then to have this impressive view of the great place and all the details of this most interesting city.

Valerka (8171) 2007-09-01 3:57

Hi,Master Bulent,
No doubts, the sensation when shooting from the top of the Vatican world is very special and so is the breathtaking view over this magnificent city.
I feel like visiting it.
TFS, Master.
Valerka:)
Nice WE

feather (51130) 2007-09-01 5:01

320 steps is a lot of climbing in one go Bulent. It was certainly worth the effort as the view is spectacular. i like the symmetry of the architecture below and your inclusion of the closer statues on the roof. Well done
Kath

Mondaychild (378) 2007-09-01 5:16

Hi Bülent,

unusual POV (most photographers show us a view OF the building, but not FROM it!), the symmetry of the square is well captured. The frame fits the warm colors of the houses and roofs well.

PJE (20758) 2007-09-01 7:29

Well from the top it is a most dramatic view Bulent. I love the symmetrical design with the sun dial in the middle. The top of the photo is nice and level with the horizon, but with the bottom half I would suggest a little level modifying with Photoshop..distort...lens correction.. and I think I am being too picky about it..because its a great view to say the least. TFS!!

danos (110407) 2007-09-01 7:53

Hello Bulent,
a well known place all around the world the most recognizable landmark of the ‘Eternal City,the Saint Peter's Basilica.An excellent capture with sharpness and clarity as the light and the colours too.Your note is very informative.Well done Bulent.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

carper (96) 2007-09-01 9:37

ah my frikend Bulent,
avery good photo again, the view is nice and there is a lot to see. For myself, yes there am I again, I would use a littled more contrast by the shot, but ofcoarse thats personal, good photojob any way. have a nice day.
gr. jaap

jasmis (58653) 2007-09-01 11:17

Really from top. The most important place, superb POV.
Extraordinary note, as well.
Regards.

jwmunro (286) 2007-09-01 12:09

Hello Bulent -

It is quite a hike to the top isn't it? I have the same image captured late in the afternoon in 1969 when I visited Roma for the first time. This scene is all about symmetry with the colonnades around the piazza and the Via Vaticano out of the piazza to the river. This is a well composed image but I think I would have not captured so much to the horizon especially at the time of the day you took this. Otherwise, you handled the light very well. Well done!

Thank you for sharing.

John

Cretense (68709) 2007-09-01 14:29

Hi Bulent!

Amazing panoramic view, with great depht of field and beautiful colours. What's most impressive is the symmetry of this excellent photo. Congratulations!

Hercules

papagolf21 (152605) 2007-09-01 14:54

Bonsoir, mon ami Bulent,
Difficile de trouver meilleur emplacement pour donner toute la splendeur de Rome.
Magnifique perspective depuis les toits.
L'image, le cadrage, les détails, tout est réussi.
Un grand bravo pour la photo et la note.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Cricri (176) 2007-09-02 0:04

Hi Bulent,
Vous avez choisi un excellent POV, superbe vue sur la place avec tout ces détails et la ville qui l'entoure, belle composition
Have a nice sunday
cricri

TopGeo (38220) 2007-09-02 0:58

Hi Bulent Excellent this shot is a beaury eyes. Wonderful and ideal idea to show this place from this point of view, excellent composition and depth of field and perfect light management both in foreground and background. Superb note,good photojob any way, have a nice day Congrat,,, Geo,,

PixelTerror (0) 2007-09-02 3:06

Hi Bulent,
A nice view from the top, considering the shades invading the city in the distance I find good that the famous square remained entirely in the light, which helps keep the focus on it.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

Uhu (8609) 2007-09-02 4:20

Little black specks of a humans down there shows a real size of this place. Great photo and very interesting note.

EOSF1 (1944) 2007-09-02 12:19

Hello Bulent, great picture of this marvelous place. Very good POV and very sharp image! Well done,

Mario

atilgone (0) 2007-09-03 3:26

Merhaba Bülent Bey,

Harika bir panoromik görüntü çekmişsiniz. Fotoğrafın kalitesi oldukça yüksek ve net. Paylaşımınız için teşekkürler
Atilgan

stego (24132) 2007-09-03 10:44

Hi Bülent,
Great view indeed, showing the symmetry of the square and the its surroundings. I guess you were too unlucky with the light, because the sharpness and saturation is a bit disappointing. Coming from you, I am a bit surprised with the fg not being completely horizontal, something that almost breaks the symmetry, which is indeed perfect on the square itself and the coming street.
Interesting and informative note, as usual.
Regards, José.

meltemb (164) 2007-09-03 11:19

Çok başarılı ustaca çekilmiş bir panoromik resim olmuş. Paylaşımınz için tesekkurler.
Meltem

Tue (85050) 2007-09-03 12:55

Hej Bulent,
I remember well the wonderful view from the top of St. Peter's basilica from my visit of Rome a couple of years ago, but unfortunately my photos are not very good. I love the view over all the roofs of Rome and St. Peter's Square in the foreground. The many people as tiny spots down there create a beautiful effect. Well captured and thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

alvaraalto (42410) 2007-09-03 14:40

Hi Bulent,
I once had this famous view from the saint Peter when I was their with a group of students. I do have pictures (slides) of it, but unfortunately from before the digital area and the I not satisfied about the quality of the scan, so maybe I have to go back to Rome.
Groet Rob

adores (46979) 2007-09-03 19:24

Hi Bulent!
Great pov,it's amazing the view you have from this place. I like to see all those people around, how small they are and the city is huge.It's very well framed. Good shot!

Graal (103040) 2007-09-03 23:16

Hi Bulent,
interesting reportage from the Vatican. Nice symetrical composition and beautiful architecture. Good work and informations.
Gr., Aleksander

anesugur (18789) 2007-09-04 0:09

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
Çok ihtişamlı ve etkileyici bir yer.
Bu güzel mekanı çok iyi bir bakış açısıyla fotoğraflamışsınız.
Tebrik ederim.
Selam ve saygılar. Uğur

ChrisJ (164446) 2007-09-04 0:32

Hi Bulent

A superb overview of Vatican Square, & a good, high pov. Excellent sharpness & detail, with good, muted colour & superb lighting. Tfs!

kdialyna (3148) 2007-09-04 0:55

The perfection of symmetry.
These two words characterizes your photo.
The very good prospect and POV gives you the impression that you fly above the city.
Very good and impressive work Bulent.
Kostas

ALIRIZA (16423) 2007-09-04 3:51

Merhaba Bülent Abi,
Harika bir panoromik şehir manzarası. Bakış acısı ve simetrisiyle nefis bir çalışma, güzel bir sunum. Ellerinize sağlık...
Selam ve saygılarımla...
Ali Rıza

jhm (206435) 2007-09-04 5:01

Hello Dear Bulent,

Great quality and nice sharpness and clarity, excellent presentation of this wonderful photograph.
What a perfectly perspective and wonderful depth, also the symmetry is extraordinarily, all the peoples on the square are exactly everybody small dust on the picture.
Very well done. Thanks for sharing.

Have a nice day,
John.

veve (4189) 2007-09-04 9:41

Hi Bulent ,
This is a really wonderful view of the Saint Peter's Square!
The Saint Peter's Basilica is absolutely magnificent!
Excellent POV,great depht of field and fine details!
Very well done!
Best regards,
Veronica

jemaflor (138735) 2007-09-04 11:26

Hi Bulent,
A great perspective from this pov, good symetry on your photo, well taken, interesting depth.

happypoppeye (4819) 2007-09-04 14:43

Great shot Bulent. It is a spectacular view. Colors and composition are excellent. Almost symmetrical, especially with the semi circles surrounding the inner courtyard, but maybe just a little off kilter. Your POV is, well, nothing less than spectacular and the surrounding city in the background looks great. The city, along with the mountains, looks a very nice setting for The Basilica, the people in the photo really add a sense of the "hugeness" of the place along with providing some proof of the long, arduous climb to the top...it looks like you were way up there.

Great work.
John

doubay (674) 2007-09-05 8:11

Hi Bulent!
A fantastic view over the Vatican and the eternal city did you capture here. Rome I indeed a overwhelming city. Also I enjoyed a lot your note.
Regards
Andreas

Bluejeans (64251) 2007-09-05 10:21

Ola Bulent que fantastica vista do topo da Saint Peter's Basilica, , muito bonita a cidade de Roma como o largo da catedral , gostei muito da simetria , as pessoas são apenas pontos , parabens!!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

gilou530 (34) 2007-09-06 4:36

salut bulent
saré POV en plongée de cette place célébre, les fourmis qui grouillent en bas donne l'échell de grandeur, bien vu
gilbert

belido (19934) 2007-09-06 5:18

Hi Bulent,

incredible perspective! The image is full of interesting elements (buildings) and the humans look like ants on the main square. Very pleasant image. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

Angshu (56760) 2007-09-06 20:53

Hello Professor "A"
12 years ago I stood at the same spot & shot a similar view. I liked the symmetry & depth we get looking down & beyond. The people are so small that they look like pegs in a giant board. We see shadow of the cloud to the left, which provides that light-shadow play. I don't think a bit of shadow/highlight & a tad saturation won't do any harm. So I tried a small WS..hope you won't mind.
With Warm Regards
Angshuman

[workshop] [compare] +

Henryk_Bilor (20803) 2007-09-07 11:01

Hi Bulent
Lovely view from the top. Good light. I run there by the stairs over 20 years ago and you? ;)
Regards

jaywalker (16105) 2007-09-08 9:05

Hi Bulent, I love Rome, this photo from the top of St Peter's is excellent & the balance is perfect, a spectacular view looking out over this very beautiful city, brilliant light, nice depth & superb prospective, kind regards Wilson.

AiresSantos (56155) 2007-09-09 23:26

Hi Bulent
more 2 to reach the 100 points... this is a great composition.
Excellent POV, and sharpness. I like details and simmetry
TFS ans have a nice week
Aires

DLM (6479) 2007-09-12 10:39

Hi Bulent,
Amazing view and the composition is just right, the notes as always are very informative.
TFS
Dave.

puzzle (700) 2007-09-12 17:14

merhaba hocam,

bu fotograftan etkilenmemek mumkun degil,muhtesem bakis acisi..
arkaplanın golgede kalması,buyuk meydanı ve insanları daha da on plana cıkarmıs..
elinize saglik..

leyla

sothy81 (9646) 2007-09-15 13:47

Hi Bulent,

This is a very nice shot from the top. I am sure that I never saw this place from the top before. Very interesting. Amazing architecture. I love to visit there sometime in the future when I can earn some bucks for the trip.

Sothy

levocan (2253) 2007-09-19 11:15

Bülent Bey;
Kartpostal tadında bir çalışma,
Kadraj çok güzel,
Elinize sağlık
Saygılarımla

Levent

Emile (20352) 2007-10-11 14:34

Hola Bulent.
I'm just having a tour around your excellent portfolio and found this shot taken from the top of the St. Peter's Basilica, at first glance I thought you were a very good friend of the Pope to be able to reach the highest altitude of the Basilica and get this amazing shot, then when I read your note I realized that you don't have to be a good friend but you have to be an excellent sportsman, a strong one to climb 320 steps to reach the top of the cupola with your camera and a monopod, it was worthwhile to do it, your shot is superb. Good WS.
Well done. TFS.
Best regards

Mistral (15416) 2007-11-01 9:18

Excellent framing and good sharpness from a beautiful PoV, Bulent. Nothing to add not already written... Well informative note, as usual by your side...
A smile
Luca

avene (12675) 2007-12-14 17:59

merhaba Bülent,

while I was browsing your impressive galery, the symmetry of this immediately recognisable scene caught my attention. impressive view (are there more words starting with "im-"?), and the "ants" down below show the proportions perfectly. I like a lot that you've included in the composition the tightly build city beyond the walls of Vatican, I find it conveys the feeling that Rome has been there a long time very well.

ever since I read "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling" by Ross King, I've wanted to go back to Rome, but for some reason I keep going in the opposite direction. good thing the world is round :)

wishing you a great weekend,
Kristine

macjake (97172) 2010-09-11 19:16

Hi Bulent
great views.
its worth the time and effort to climb all those stairs, and how wonderful for you to share that experience with your son this time.
I can't help but wonder what this looks like at sunset or sunrise...are you allowed to climb the stairs at that time or is it blocked off?
a memorable airiel view
thanks for sharing your story
Cheers
craig

paololg (31448) 2011-01-14 15:08

Excellent testimony of the unbelievable view that is possible to enjoy from the dome of St. Pietro, captured with pleasant sharpness that allows us to also admire the smallest details, also the most distant. It's always a pleasure to admire your gallery, dear friend!
Ciao, have a nice Saturday!
Paolo

seres76 (1078) 2013-07-10 23:53

Merhabalar. Guzel bir konumdan etkili bir poz. Ellerinize saglik...

No_One (4) 2014-05-05 8:04

Hi Bulent,
Thereis probably little more I can say that has not already been posted, but still, I would like to add my wow! Wht an incredible scene, the striking and unique designs of the arms of the cathedral, reaching out to embrace the city and the people who come here, pilgrims and tourists alike. You have captured a really awesome sense of the height and scale of this place too. Thanks once again.
Noel