From the vestibule of S. Peter's we see, to the fullest advantage, the
fine piazza, with the Vatican on our left, which presents very much
the appearance of a large factory. Having been erected by different
architects in various eras, it has no systematic design, and is, in
fact, a collection of palaces built by different Popes. The entrance
is at the bend of the colonnade. _Permission to visit the_ MUSEUM,
GALLERIES, LIBRARY, _&c., must be obtained from Monsignor Macchi, at
his office, between the hours of 10 and 1, thus enabling a party of
five to pay a visit any day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and festas,
between 9 and 3, except the Museum of Statues, which is closed every
Thursday, when the Egyptian and Etruscan Museums and the Gallery of
Tapestries are only open_. The galleries are gained by