When visiting Italy, it is possible to check off two countries within one day and only a few steps! Vatican City is considered the smallest country in the world at only ~110 acres. It is located in the heart of Rome and holds religious significance for the Catholic church today. A large reason so many people visit it today is due to the art it holds. The Vatican City is home to many of the most famous art pieces in the world. A great way to spend a day is touring the beautiful city.
History
Originally a part of Rome, the Vatican City gained its independence in 1929. The area received its name due to the hill it is located one. This is now the location of St. Peter’s Square. When observing the square, it is still possible to find the Obelisk that was taken from Egypt in the center of the Circus.
The period of time between the late 1800s and early 1900s is referred to as the “Roman Question.” An era that was defined by the uncertainty of who was capable to rule over the Vatican area. The Lateran Treaty settled this. There is also interesting information in relation to World War II and the reasons for the Vatican not being attacked. If you like history, this is definitely something to research!
Famous Landmarks in
Vatican City
When visiting this tiny country, there are multiple famous landmarks that you can explore. These range from religious to art to touristic. We highly recommend dedicating a full day to exploring this area.
St. Peter’s Basilica
The basilica is built on the site where Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and considered the first pope, was buried. The previous Basilica was built in the 4th century and the current was built in the 16th/17th centuries. It is the largest church in the world. This location actively is utilized for Catholic ceremonies and for the Pope to address the crowd. If you visit while the Pope is in Rome, it is possible to attend these ceremonies and prayers.
When you plan your visit, it is free to go to the Circus and to go into the church itself. Walking through the middle is beautiful! Keep an eye out for the amazing sculptures and architecture. To go inside, the line often can take around 2 hours and wraps completely around to the opposite side.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Cost: Free
Time: ~2 hours if going inside
***Hot tip: to get a great photo it is better to head down the road instead of standing right at the basilica.***
Vatican Museum
An area that could take most of your day is exploring the Vatican museum. Upon entering, it is possible to get an audio guide. This is definitely recommended as there is so much art so it is helpful to form a deeper understanding of what each area showcases. One of the most famous areas of this museum is the Sistine Chapel. Well known for the beauty and amazing abilities of Michelangelo, here is where you will see the famous ceiling and the Last Judgement mural. Expect large crowds as this a big part of why people visit. In the chapel there is seating at the edge and many people standing in the middle. We recommend trying to get a seat to take your time in processing and viewing each aspect of these paintings. This was the main part that it was great to have the audio guide for as it provided a lot of the history and descriptions of these paintings.
Though there are the most famous artworks at the Vatican Museum, there is also art and history from many other areas of the world. There is an Egypt area that was fascinating! It is easy to take a tour which each section marked and listed on the map. Keeping a map with you throughout the walk is very helpful, there are multiple levels and at times multiple entrances to one area. There are areas to obtain snacks making it possible to stop for a food break.
Museum Details
Hours: Closed on Sunday, opens at 8:30 am each day
Appropriate Clothing: For women they recommended covering the shoulders, stomach, and down to the knees. Men are encouraged to wear a full shirt, so no tank tops, with shorts at least to the knees.
Cost: €17 for basic entry, €8 for audioguide (multiple language options)
Time: ~4 hours
Website: The Vatican Museum
Tours
It is possible to take tours to these areas. We saw many tour groups while visiting. There are many pros to taking a tour. A big pro is that they generally have the skip-the-line option. Specifically for St. Peter’s Basilica, this can be extremely time efficient. Below are links to different tours!
Recommendations for
Vatican City
- Spend a full day here. There is so much to see so I do not think this is an area to rush.
- Get the audio guide at the museum. If not taking a full guided tour, this is a great option to all of the historical information!
- Wear comfortable shoes. Even if you only do the museum it is so big! Expect to walk a ton.
- Dress appropriately. I hadn’t noticed anyone get turned away but I have seen it at other similar establishments. Better to be safe than sorry.
Have you visited Vatican City? What would you add to our list?! Head over to our other posts about Italy —
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