Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and is located in the middle of Rome. It is not only the center of the Catholic Church, but also a place full of history, art and beautiful buildings. Visitors can admire famous sights there, such as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
Whether you are interested in religion, art or just want to discover a special place, Vatican City has something for everyone. Be surprised by the impressive atmosphere and rich history of this unique city-state.
Top 5 Sights in Vatican City You Can't Miss
Vatican City has five absolute top sights not to be missed during your stay in rome:
1. St. Peter’s Basilica – Admire the magnificent basilica and climb the dome for breathtaking views.
2. Vatican Museums – Discover one of the most impressive art collections in the world.
3. Sistine Chapel – Be amazed by Michelangelo’s masterpieces on the ceiling.
4. Vatican Gardens – Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this exclusive green oasis.
5. St. Peter’s Square – Admire this iconic square in Vatican City where papal blessings and ceremonies take place.
1. Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is one of the most famous churches in the world. The building has impressive architecture and attracts millions of visitors every year. The basilica was built in the 17th century on the site of an older church over the tomb of St. Peter. Inside, you can see famous works of art such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, the only work he ever signed, and Bernini’s beautiful canopy above the altar. These works of art make Vatican City extra special.
2. Visit the Vatican Museums in Vatican City
The Vatican Museums (“I Musei Vaticani”) in Vatican City are one of the largest museums in the world. They contain an impressive collection, from ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts to religious objects, beautifully painted rooms and modern art. The museum consists of 26 different sections, located in the various palaces of the Vatican, and is the most visited museum in Rome, thanks in part to the famous Sistine Chapel. During your visit in Vatican City, you can admire works of art collected by the popes since the 16th century in 54 rooms.
3. Visiting Sistine Chapel in Vatican City
The Sistine Chapel (Capella Sistina) in Vatican City is one of the greatest highlights of the Vatican Museum. The chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who began construction in the 15th century. The famous ceiling, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, depicts the story of creation and the Flood. The walls are decorated with paintings of the life of Jesus by artists such as Botticelli and Perugino. Above the altar you can see Michelangelo’s painting of the “Last Judgment.
The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is best known because the cardinals meet here to choose a new pope. White smoke from the chimney means a new pope has been chosen, while black smoke indicates they have not yet made their choice.
The chapel is a sacred site, so taking photos and videos is not allowed, and security guards will ensure that this is observed.
4. Visit the Vatican gardens
The Vatican Gardens in Vatican City are a quiet place where the pope and clergy come for relaxation and contemplation. For ten years, the gardens have been open to the public, but you can only visit with a guide. So it is a hidden piece of Vatican City that is definitely worth exploring!
The gardens cover 23 acres, which is equivalent to 23 soccer fields! This means that the gardens cover almost half of Vatican City. Although you can only see a small portion, you get a good idea of the beauty of the gardens.
In the gardens you will find many beautiful works of art, such as statues of the Madonna and small temples. There are also several fountains, including the Fontana della Galera, a fountain in the shape of a ship, and the Eagle Fountain. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from several spots in the gardens when you visit Vatican City.
5. Visit the iconic St. Peter's Square
The St. Peter’s Square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world, located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The square is 320 meters long and 240 meters wide, and can accommodate more than 300,000 people for important events. It has beautiful Doric columns, 140 statues and a large Egyptian obelisk in the center. The square is always open and is a must-see while visiting the Vatican. Because it is often crowded, it is best to arrive early in the morning or around 6 p.m.
Save Money on Admission Tickets in Vatican City
Want to discover the main attractions of both Rome and Vatican City? Then the Omnia Card + Roma Pass 72h tourist package is the perfect choice. This package offers access to top attractions in both Rome and Vatican City, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, plus free use of Rome’s public transportation for 72 hours. So you can explore the city easily and inexpensively. It is ideal for a first visit to the Eternal City!
Vatican City is located in western Rome, surrounded by the city. It is the smallest state in the world and is close to attractions such as the Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere.
Helpful tips for your visit to Vatican City
Here are some practical tips to make your visit to Vatican City go smoothly.
1. Wear comfortable shoes
A visit to the Vatican often takes longer than you expect. The sheer size of the museum, the splendor of the Sistine Chapel, the crowds around St. Peter’s Basilica and the climb to the dome can keep you busy all day. Therefore, make sure you wear comfortable shoes, especially if it is hot. You don’t want sore feet to ruin your experience due to blisters or discomfort.
2. Avoid the crowds in Vatican City
Go to the Vatican early in the morning to avoid the crowds. While it may seem odd to get there right at opening time, you’ll find that it can be very crowded later in the day. You can even book a visit to the Vatican Museums early. Going early also means avoiding the heat, walking through the galleries quietly, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in silence and viewing the Sistine Chapel without crowds. You can also go later, but then you are often tired and don’t want to rush the visit. So get up early!
3. Beware of tourist traps in Vatican City
Around the Vatican are many souvenir stores, fast food stalls and Italian restaurants. Make sure you are not too hungry and check reviews and prices in advance. Some places are expensive and the quality is not always good. It is often better to eat further away from the crowds.
Our opinion on visiting the Vatican
Our visit to Vatican City was an experience to remember and well worth the effort. In the gigantic St. Peter’s Square, we felt small among the impressive columns. In the Vatican Museums, we admired ancient works of art, each with its own story. The climb to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica was tough, but the view of Rome was breathtaking. Vatican City is definitely a place you must have seen once!
Deals for a City Break to Rome
Planning a city trip to Rome and also want to discover the main attractions in Vatican City? Then take advantage of the offers below!
Visiting Vatican City: Is it worth it?
Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and is located in the middle of Rome. It is not only the center of the Catholic Church, but also a place full of history, art and beautiful buildings. Visitors can admire famous sights there, such as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
Whether you are interested in religion, art or just want to discover a special place, Vatican City has something for everyone. Be surprised by the impressive atmosphere and rich history of this unique city-state.
Top 5 Sights in Vatican City You Can't Miss
Vatican City has five absolute top sights not to be missed during your stay in rome:
1. St. Peter’s Basilica – Admire the magnificent basilica and climb the dome for breathtaking views.
2. Vatican Museums – Discover one of the most impressive art collections in the world.
3. Sistine Chapel – Be amazed by Michelangelo’s masterpieces on the ceiling.
4. Vatican Gardens – Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this exclusive green oasis.
5. St. Peter’s Square – Admire this iconic square in Vatican City where papal blessings and ceremonies take place.
1. Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is one of the most famous churches in the world. The building has impressive architecture and attracts millions of visitors every year.
The basilica was built in the 17th century on the site of an older church over the tomb of St. Peter. Inside, you can see famous works of art such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, the only work he ever signed, and Bernini’s beautiful canopy above the altar. These works of art make Vatican City extra special.
2. Visit the Vatican Museums in Vatican City
The Vatican Museums (“I Musei Vaticani”) in Vatican City are one of the largest museums in the world. They contain an impressive collection, from ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts to religious objects, beautifully painted rooms and modern art. The museum consists of 26 different sections, located in the various palaces of the Vatican, and is the most visited museum in Rome, thanks in part to the famous Sistine Chapel. During your visit in Vatican City, you can admire works of art collected by the popes since the 16th century in 54 rooms.
3. Visiting Sistine Chapel in Vatican City
The Sistine Chapel (Capella Sistina) in Vatican City is one of the greatest highlights of the Vatican Museum. The chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who began construction in the 15th century. The famous ceiling, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, depicts the story of creation and the Flood. The walls are decorated with paintings of the life of Jesus by artists such as Botticelli and Perugino. Above the altar you can see Michelangelo’s painting of the “Last Judgment.
The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is best known because the cardinals meet here to choose a new pope. White smoke from the chimney means a new pope has been chosen, while black smoke indicates they have not yet made their choice.
The chapel is a sacred site, so taking photos and videos is not allowed, and security guards will ensure that this is observed.
4. Visit the Vatican gardens
The Vatican Gardens in Vatican City are a quiet place where the pope and clergy come for relaxation and contemplation. For ten years, the gardens have been open to the public, but you can only visit with a guide. So it is a hidden piece of Vatican City that is definitely worth exploring!
The gardens cover 23 acres, which is equivalent to 23 soccer fields! This means that the gardens cover almost half of Vatican City. Although you can only see a small portion, you get a good idea of the beauty of the gardens.
In the gardens you will find many beautiful works of art, such as statues of the Madonna and small temples. There are also several fountains, including the Fontana della Galera, a fountain in the shape of a ship, and the Eagle Fountain. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from several spots in the gardens when you visit Vatican City.
5. Visit the iconic St. Peter's Square
The St. Peter’s Square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world, located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The square is 320 meters long and 240 meters wide, and can accommodate more than 300,000 people for important events. It has beautiful Doric columns, 140 statues and a large Egyptian obelisk in the center. The square is always open and is a must-see while visiting the Vatican. Because it is often crowded, it is best to arrive early in the morning or around 6 p.m.
Save Money on Admission Tickets in Vatican City
Want to discover the main attractions of both Rome and Vatican City? Then the Omnia Card + Roma Pass 72h tourist package is the perfect choice. This package offers access to top attractions in both Rome and Vatican City, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, plus free use of Rome’s public transportation for 72 hours. So you can explore the city easily and inexpensively. It is ideal for a first visit to the Eternal City!
Where is Vatican City located in Rome?
Vatican City is located in western Rome, surrounded by the city. It is the smallest state in the world and is close to attractions such as the Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere.
Helpful tips for your visit to Vatican City
Here are some practical tips to make your visit to Vatican City go smoothly.
1. Wear comfortable shoes
A visit to the Vatican often takes longer than you expect. The sheer size of the museum, the splendor of the Sistine Chapel, the crowds around St. Peter’s Basilica and the climb to the dome can keep you busy all day. Therefore, make sure you wear comfortable shoes, especially if it is hot. You don’t want sore feet to ruin your experience due to blisters or discomfort.
2. Avoid the crowds in Vatican City
Go to the Vatican early in the morning to avoid the crowds. While it may seem odd to get there right at opening time, you’ll find that it can be very crowded later in the day. You can even book a visit to the Vatican Museums early.
Going early also means avoiding the heat, walking through the galleries quietly, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in silence and viewing the Sistine Chapel without crowds. You can also go later, but then you are often tired and don’t want to rush the visit. So get up early!
3. Beware of tourist traps in Vatican City
Around the Vatican are many souvenir stores, fast food stalls and Italian restaurants. Make sure you are not too hungry and check reviews and prices in advance. Some places are expensive and the quality is not always good. It is often better to eat further away from the crowds.
Our opinion on visiting the Vatican
Our visit to Vatican City was an experience to remember and well worth the effort. In the gigantic St. Peter’s Square, we felt small among the impressive columns. In the Vatican Museums, we admired ancient works of art, each with its own story. The climb to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica was tough, but the view of Rome was breathtaking. Vatican City is definitely a place you must have seen once!
Deals for a City Break to Rome
Planning a city trip to Rome and also want to discover the main attractions in Vatican City? Then take advantage of the offers below!
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