Today we returned to St Peter’s to collect our certificate of achievement called the “Testimonium” from a desk in the basement. Despite a long queue for pre-booked admissions and a longer queue to join this queue, we walked past everyone to reach the person scanning tickets. He just waved us through and we advanced to the airport security scanners. Once through we used a special door to reach the Testimonium desk. A cheerful friendly lady talked with us, stamped our Via Francigena passport one final time and issued our Testimonia and then took our photos.

We also met a walking pilgrim that we had met on two previous occasions!

We then made our way into the basilica and marvelled at its size and sumptuous decoration.