Located within the boundaries of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and the seat of Roman Catholicism. The Vatican sits not just at the center of Roman Catholicism, but is also home to one of the most impressive collection of art in the world. Be it Caravaggio’s paintings, the frescoes of Michelangelo or sculptures by Bernini, some of the greatest works of Renaissance art can be found in the the Vatican.
Apart from a pilgrimage center, the Vatican is also one of the most important tourist destinations in Europe. The main attractions in Vatican City are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter’s Basilica, along with St. Peter’s Square, sits in the heart of the Vatican. It is a renowned work of Renaissance architecture and was designed by the likes of Bramante, Michelangelo, Giacomo della Porta, Maderno and Bernini. On the other hand, the Vatican Museums and its collections are considered to be of the highest historical, scientific and cultural importance. The greatest of all though are the frescoes which adorn the Sistine Chapel, a chapel in the Apostolic Palace and a part of the Vatican Museums.
Make your plans ahead in time. If you don’t and find yourself at the waiting lines of the Vatican, then you very well may end up queuing for 3-4 hours. Make your plans ahead and purchase your tickets online in advance. On the day of your visit, you will be able to bypass the long ticket line and head inside without having to wait.
Go for a guided tour of the Vatican. The Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica have a lot of history and art stored within their walls. On a guided tour, you will be able to to learn much more than you would if you went alone. A guided tour is definitely a fulfilling way of experiencing the Vatican.
Give it enough time. The Vatican may be the smallest country in the world but it holds some of the largest collections of historical, cultural and artistic exhibitions in the world. There is so much to see that a couple of hours may not be enough. During the course of the day, remember to fuel yourself as well as all that walking can be tiring.
Know that entry to the St. Peter’s Basilica is free, however queueing outside the Basilica for mere entry can take upto 2 hours. The wiser option would be to purchase Guided Tour tickets to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel which allow you entry to St. Peter’s Basilica from a secret entrance in the Chapel. This way you can tour all 3 Vatican gems with zero hassle.
Follow the rules. The Vatican is the holiest of all Christian sites in the world. Given its stature, there are rules that every visitor to the Vatican must follow. Many sections of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums are no-photography zones. Certain sections like the Vatican Grottoes require one to maintain silence in order to maintain the sanctity of the place. Do keep these in mind so that you don’t face any issues at the Vatican.
Follow the dress code. It is extremely important to be dressed appropriately before you enter the Vatican. Sleeveless blouses, mini skirts, shorts and hats are not permitted. Large bags or backpacks cannot be carried inside. There are however cloak rooms that allow you to store your bags if you’re carrying any.
To get a free visit, go on the last Sunday of the month when the Vatican Museum does not charge an entrance fee.