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With its reputation for long lines and bustling crowds, some might wonder if Vatican City, in Rome, is worth the trip. But with a bit of planning, the answer is a resounding yes. Vatican City offers an experience unlike any other, one that goes far beyond the famous Saint Peter’s Basilica. This fascinating city-state promises an unforgettable day in Rome, whether you’re captivated by history, inspired by art, or just curious about this unique sovereign territory.
For those who want to save time, purchasing “skip-the-line” tickets allows you to fast-track your entry and dive straight into the incredible sights waiting within Vatican City.
A chance to see the Pope
Let’s start with the most famous resident: the Pope. For practising Catholics, a pilgrimage to see the Pope is a deeply meaningful experience, but it’s also a fascinating sight for anyone curious about the global influence of the papacy. If you’re in Rome when the Pope is at the Vatican, you can even see him in person at a Papal Audience. This isn’t a full mass, but it does include a blessing, a message (in Italian) and hymns. It takes place every Wednesday morning in St Peter’s Square, provided he’s in town.
For those who want to attend, the Vatican website has information on the schedule and how to reserve free tickets for the audience. Even for non-Catholics, the energy and excitement surrounding the event makes it an unforgettable experience.
Step into a new country
Did you know that Vatican City is its own country? With a population of just 800, it’s the smallest country in the world and is ruled entirely by the Pope. Vatican City isn’t just a symbolic place for the Catholic Church – it has its own passports, Euro currency, postage stamps and even number plates. While you won’t get an official passport stamp, you can pick up a souvenir stamp as a memento of this unique country.
Layers of history
Vatican City stands as one of the most historically significant places in the world. Since becoming a separate sovereign state in 1929, it has wielded profound influence on global affairs, shaping both political and religious spheres. For centuries, the Vatican and the Pope exercised extraordinary power across Europe and beyond, influencing not only religion but also art, philosophy, and politics.
Decades of tension preceded the Vatican’s official sovereignty. The dispute began in 1870 when a newly unified Italy seized papal lands, sparking a standoff between the Italian state and the Vatican. Pope Pius IX refused to leave Vatican grounds, holding out until the Lateran Treaty of 1929 formally established Vatican City as an independent state, thus ending the standoff.
Admire the architecture
Situated along the Tiber River, Vatican City bursts with Renaissance and Baroque architectural marvels, and Saint Peter’s Basilica is its crowning glory. As the largest church in the world, Saint Peter’s took more than 120 years to complete. This masterpiece showcases the genius of architectural legends, including Michelangelo, Bramante, Maderno, and Bernini, capturing the very essence of Renaissance design.
Michelangelo’s iconic dome, especially awe-inspiring, dominates the Roman skyline and is visible from almost every corner of the city. While the basilica itself is a spectacular experience, don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the dome. Though steep, the climb rewards you with sweeping views of Rome’s historic center, framed beautifully by the basilica’s majestic columns and rooftops.
The Vatican Museums: Art beyond compare
Vatican City is much more than a religious site; it’s home to one of the world’s most prestigious art collections. Entering the Vatican Museums feels like stepping into a living gallery of history, where each room unveils incredible artistic treasures. With more than 1,400 rooms and galleries, these museums immerse you in a world adorned with the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio, decorating walls and ceilings in all their splendor.
At the pinnacle of these treasures, the Sistine Chapel invites you to gaze up at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling, painted between 1508 and 1512. These breathtaking frescoes narrate the story of Genesis, from Creation to the Last Judgment, while the surrounding walls depict the miracles of Jesus, immortalized by Michelangelo’s contemporaries. This one-of-a-kind visual experience transports you directly into the heart of the Renaissance.
But the journey doesn’t stop there—art is everywhere in the Vatican. Iconic rooms like the Raphael Rooms display some of the Renaissance’s most celebrated works, including The School of Athens. This masterpiece captures the spirit of the era, depicting Plato, Aristotle, and other great thinkers in a vibrant fresco brimming with ideas and creative genius.
Even the corridors are works of art. The Gallery of Maps, for instance, is a stunning passage where the walls are covered with intricate maps of 16th-century Italy, illuminated in vivid colors. Each map offers a fascinating look into the country’s geographical history, letting you see Italy through the eyes of the Renaissance.
The Vatican Museums are more than just a visit—they’re portals into centuries of art, culture, and spirituality, leaving a lasting impression on all who walk through.
See the sights of Rome
As well as offering remarkable art and architecture, Vatican City is a great place to take in the views of Rome. Head to the top of Monte Mario, Rome’s highest point within Vatican territory, for a panoramic view of the city. It’s a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle, with views of the Tiber, St Peter’s Basilica and beyond.
For those who love nature, there’s also a garden at the top of Monte Mario known as “Lo Zodiaco”. Here you can spend time in the green while admiring the views of the chaotic yet enchanting city below.
A rare chance to hear Latin
Latin may be considered a “dead language” in most of the world, but it’s alive and well in Vatican City. As the official language of the Catholic Church, Latin is still used here, particularly in religious ceremonies and official Vatican documents. For those who have studied Latin or have a love of ancient languages, Vatican City is one of the few places where you can still hear Latin spoken, adding a unique layer to the experience.
