See the Exquisite Treasures of Vatican City, Rome

What to see in the world's smallest state: the Vatican City

The first point of interest that will catch visitors' eyes is the majestic Piazza San Pietro, or St. Peter’s Square, an impressive work of town planning by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. From above, it looks like a huge keyhole with semi-circular rows of columns. Bernini deliberately designed the striking colonnades to signify the "motherly or maternal arms of the Church". At the centre is the 25 m high Egyptian obelisk that Caligula brought to Rome from Egypt.
St. Peter’s Basilica, perched on the site of Nero’s stadium, is the centerpiece of the Vatican. It is on the Ager Vaticanus, where St. Peter is believed to have been buried at some point between AD 64 and 67. The basilica took at least 150 years to complete and is hailed as the second biggest in the world. Do not forget to climb to Saint Peter's Dome to check an unique panoramic view of Rome.
Many great Italian artists took part in the construction of the basilica, including Raphael, Bramante and Carlo Maderno. However, it was Michelangelo who made the most famous contribution. Take time to enjoy his splendid work, The Last Judgement, which adorns the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. The chapel also serves as the venue for the Papal Enclave.

With its 54 galleries containing valuable collections and vital masterpieces of Renaissance art, the Vatican Museum should not be missed. Admire the spectacular works of art, such as the haunting Pieta, and visit the Museo Storico Artistico to discover the beauty and meaning behind priceless artefacts and relics. The tabernacle of Donatella and the 6th-century Crux Vaticana are truly something to behold. Do not miss the well-maintained Vatican Gardens either, which are only accessible as part of a pre-arranged tour. Visit the Vatican Grotto to see where former popes are buried, including the simple tomb of John Paul II. Some of these sepulchres are rather ornate to the point of being flamboyant, and are well worth seeing.
If you are lucky enough, you might be part of the general audience when the Pope gives an address, which happens every Wednesday. Get your free tickets at the Prefettura della Casa Pontificia well in advance or on the Tuesday of the week before. The address consists of prayers and benedictions from the Pope. Note that during summer, the Pope holds an audience from his summer residence, located outside of Rome.

The areas adjacent to the Vatican City are delightful places to see, such as the Borgo with its charming cobbled streets. Located between the Vatican and the Tiber, its main attraction is the Castel Sant’Angelo, an impressive mausoleum erected for the Roman emperor Hadrian. On the north side of the city you will find Prati, a neighbourhood that has excellent accommodation and dining options. It also happens to be the headquarters of the RAI, the Italian public broadcasting company.

Getting there

The Vatican City in Rome is easily accessible by bus, Metro or taxi. Hop-on, hop-off tour buses also stop here. By Metro, you should get off at the Ottaviano-S. Pietro. If going by taxi, the nearest drop-off point would be Piazza Risorgimento. From there, it is a short walk to the Vatican City in Rome. Those who are taking the train should get off at St. Pietro station.
For a lot of people, walking to the Vatican City in Rome is a great way to discover the surrounding areas. There are many things to see along the way and every corner offers different surprises, whether it is a museum, a ruin, a popular café or a great restaurant. Getting to the Vatican City in Rome by foot is especially rewarding when the sun is shining and you can really take in the wonderful surroundings.

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