Stupid 'fraidy cat question
 

This is soooo dumb but I have to ask it. The older I get, the more I don't like heights. Last year in London, in ignorance and well, for the love of my children, I went to clear up to the top at St. Paul's. Whispering Gallery, okay. Stone Gallery, just fine. Stairways between the domes, okay, breathe deep, focus and don't look down. Golden Gallery, oh my God. I think the imprints of my fingers are still in the stone from where I gripped it in my anxious walk around to the exit.

Fast forward to this year and Rome. What can I expect from St. Peter's? In the guidebooks in sounds like a similar climb to the top. Is it worth it? Is the view great? Is the railing high and the walkway wide? Should I face my fears or tell everybody I have an urgent appointment with a latte? Hey, I told you it was a stupid question!

It is a steep and long climb, but it is a great view. I thought it was worth the effort. It was narrow in my opinion, but not frightening by any means. You can take an elevator part of the way up.

I don't think this is the least bit dumb of a question. My husband, who is otherwise very brave, and a private pilot to boot, has exactly the same feelings as you. He did not do the top of St. Paul's with me, nor did he do St. Peter's Dome in Rome.

There are other wonderful views in Rome without torturing yourself in St. Peter's. Two of the best are these: the Garibaldi Monument in the Gianicolo Gardens, an easy walk south of the Vatican, on the northern edge of Trastavere. Or the Parco di S. Alessio. This is on Via di Santa Sabina, down the street from the famous keyhole view at the Knights of Malta. From this overlook in the park, you can see St. Peters, and if you are lucky and the day is clear, the observation balloon rising from the Borghese Gardens.

By the way, the lines to get up into the dome at St. Peters are very, very long.

I love heights, but my sister does not, so it was quite a climb with her. At one point you are on a narrow walkway high up inside the dome looking down into the church, even that was a bit scary for me. After that, you walk up narrow stairs with low ceilings around the dome, and everything is a bit tilted, like Batmans' cave. . . great views from the top however, you can see down into the non-public parts of Vatican City and get very good views over the hills of Rome. If you really don't like heights, you may not enjoy the experience.

We went in mid-September and only had about a 10 minute wait in line to start the climb.

I think this experience is out for me. I get twitchy feet and a nervous feeling, literally, just reading something like Cicerone's post! I'm glad it was a good experience for you, Cicerone.

Oh, travelingtedrows, you're my kindred traveler. Eiffel tower - 1st level, OK, 2nd Level, uh-uh, once I felt the wind hit my face and looked down through the grating I immediately turned tail and fled to the down elevator line, my left hand holding railing the entire time. My husband went to the top and took a picture of himself with his arm around air, telling everyone I was there in spirit. Same thing at St. Pauls' - I couldn't even make it past the stone gallery. Same picture of my husb. at the top, holding air. I can't tell you anything about St. Peter's, but the Duomo in Florence I COULD do, for some reaosn. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone. I've also noticed I'm getting a bit more freaked out by turbulence and hard-turn landings/takeoffs. Maybe they are related?

I think I'll pass on it or go part way. Or is it one of those one way thing where you're stuck for the duration. Catwalks? Looking down into domes? Tilted stairways? I'm shivering just to think of it. Meet you at the bottom, honey.

I hear you about the turbulence. I've had to develop my own coping strategy for that too.

Thanks!

The walkway around the base of the dome INSIDE St Peter's has a railing with a high fence attached above to create an about six-foot-high barrier. The walkway is wide enough that you could hug the wall and people would be able to pass you without squeezing by. The view from here is vertiginous--no sense of structure below you, just the central crossing of the church--but the fence offers a great sense of security.

The climb from here to the top of the dome is as Cicerone states, confining at times, with occasional small windows to look out.

The viewing area at the top of the dome is OUTSIDE in the open air. The thin iron railing looks very flimsy if you don't like heights (it is not a thick, marble balustrade) and is only waist high. The views are wonderful. The walkway is wide enough to hug the wall if necessary, with plenty of little alcoves to step into to feel more secure.

Last year a friend and I made the climb, both of us not fond of heights. There were a few moments of concern but there were plenty of options to avoid being too close to the edge. We decided that the barrier inside was more secure because a falling object would make a bigger mess there--outside, a falling object would land on the roof.

The view from the top of St Peters is sublime but I found the climb, especially near the top of the dome where the stairwell narrows and is curved, quite claustrophic. You can go part way, get the lift up and stop there for a look around then go back down. If you start on the walkway, after the lift, you'll have to go the whole way.
Kay

Don't feel bad about being a 'fraidy cat. I have always been scared of crazy things, and always done crazy things to get over my fears. First there was the heights thing, I was unfortunate enough to throw-up the first time I did the Eiffel Tower. Then, to get over my fear I bungee-jumped 270 feet. No longer afraid of heights. Then there was the irrational fear of sharks, I was even a little freaked in lakes (I know no sharks in lakes), so in Australia last year I got into the shark cage and let them sink me into the ocean. Still afraid of sharks, but no longer have panic attacks in the open water. Flying on the other hand I don't think I will ever get over. I have spent over a hundred thousand miles on a plane and nothing has ever managed to shake the fear of flying that I have. Except the Valum the Dr. prescribes for me everytime I need to fly.
So unless you're ready to do something crazy to get rid of your fears, buy the postcard, and enjoy your latte.

I respect fears, especially heights. Usually before a trip I research to see if there is a horrendous mountain pass or some narrow harrowing rides which I will avoid. Any joy attached to heights is usually erased by the nightmare of the trip. So why take it. There are so many other joys involved with a travel plan. And I have been to the Antarctic and shipped around Cape Horn several times. Go figure.

I wonder if there's more than height involved in this syndrome. I live on the 16th floor, have no problems peering out windows daily. Also, no problem on a friend's open balcony on the 36th floor! But several years ago when one could still climb the tower at Pisa I started up and had to back down... and hadn't even gotten that "high". (husband went all the way to the top.) ??? Also got a little nervy on roof of NOtre Dame.

You can walk or take the elevator to the mid-piont & still get a decent view. The climb to the very top is hard work. Not for the congestive heart failure prone, etc..! The view from the top was great (and you will be safely enclosed), but not worth getting sick over. Try another venue that is not as intimidating, if you are worried. If you go, here's a tip: I went towards the end of the day, and the line was only 5 minutes.

I think it is the narrowness of these staircases, more than the heights. I can stand on top of Notre Dame but climbing the small staircase in St Chapelle, made me want to run backwards back down the stairs :)
I know they were built this way to prevent someone coming upon you with a sword, but obviously, knights in those days had no problem with small enclosed places...probably from spending so much time in a suit of armour~

I am so glad to see this thread because I'm terrified of heights! So many horrible memories! Like finally reaching the top of Chartres cathedral, taking one look, and turning my face back to the wall and clinging to the stones spread eagal until my husband finished running around taking snapshots. Or the lovely time we spent climbing the million or so open-backed stairs of a watchtower in Northern Ontario to take in the view. I get dizzy, shakey, weak in the legs, nauseous, my eyes tear up, and I feel like I'm going to die. Not exactly fun or relaxing during a vacation! :&

So, if some of you are reading this to get an idea of scary places... the worst for me was the St. Nicholas bell tower in Prague. The stairs in some parts were so narrow & shallow, my size 9 (womens) feet were totally slipping off the stairs, and I thought I was going to tumble to my death! Again - the view from the top was AMAZING, and I used 2 rolls of film, but I can imagine some people just freaking out if they had to climb that staircase! You are all invited to see my scrapbook pictures, if you are too afraid to climb up there! (St Peter's, too! :) )