They have, also--which was far more interesting to me--a piece of the true cross, and some nails, and a part of the crown of thorns.
Of course we ascended to the summit of the dome, and of course we also went up into the gilt copper ball which is above it .-- There was room there for a dozen persons, with a little crowding, and it was as close and hot as an oven.

Some of those people who are so fond of writing their names in prominent places had been there before us--a million or two, I should think.

From the dome of St.Peter's one can see every notable object in Rome, from the Castle of St.Angelo to the Coliseum.
He can discern the seven hills upon which Rome is built.

He can see the Tiber, and the locality of the bridge which Horatius kept "in the brave days of old" when Lars Porsena attempted to cross it with his invading host.

He can see the spot where the Horatii and the Curatii fought their famous battle.