Grin Reaper in Basílica de San Pietro in Vincoli | Roma, Italia

Off in a dark corner of Basílica de San Pietro in Vincoli the Grim Reaper lurks over a tomb. The style doesn't jive with Michelangelo's Moses or the magnificent dome painting! It would look great on a T-shirt or gastank of a Harley!

I had difficulty getting used to the European custom of burying the prominent and wealthy inside churches. Creepy, especially when you must walk across their graves. I got a kick out of informing Americans they were standing on a grave and watching the ensuing dance complete with spastic leaps. The wealthy and high born have grave sites along the walls complete with a little shrine. The lessor dead were planted in the floor, some under pews and doorways! Of course, the peons were buried outside. You had to pay big bucks if you wanted to be inside and close to God!

Canon EOS 40D and EF-s 17-55 2.8 IS USM