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Thursday, September 21, 2023

Exploring the Vatican City: Tips for Planning and Enjoying Your Visit

Sistine Chapel , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Vatican City ⭐⭐⭐is a city-state located within Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world by both area and population. Vatican City is the headquarters of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope.

Vatican City - Complete Travel Guide (YouTube link)

Things to Do

Here are some of the things you can do in Vatican City:
  • Visit St. Peter's Basilica
  • See the Sistine Chapel
    • The Sistine Chapel is a chapel located within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. 
    • It is famous for its ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo and its wall frescoes painted by Sandro Botticelli and other Renaissance artists.
  • Visit the Vatican Museums
    • The Vatican Museums are a group of museums located within Vatican City. They house a vast collection of art and artifacts, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Take a walk through the Vatican Gardens
    • The Vatican Gardens, only accessible via guided tour, offer a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome.
  • Attend a papal audience
    • Papal audiences are held every Wednesday morning in St. Peter's Square. Tickets are required and can be obtained online or at the Vatican ticket office.

In addition to these activities, there are many other things to see and do in Vatican City. You can visit the Vatican Necropolis, the Vatican Library, and the Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. You can also enjoy a traditional Italian meal at one of the many restaurants in Vatican City.

No matter what you choose to do, you are sure to have a memorable time in Vatican City. It is a truly unique and special place.

Vatican Museums EntrancesVia Della Conciliazione and Via Vaticano

How to Access

  • Free access: St. Peter's Square, Basilica, and papal audiences (tickets required)
  • Paid admission: Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums
  • Other places: Only for business
Many paid tours can be booked online here, including guided tours of the Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel for small groups, as there is no general public access to the gardens.


Guided Tours of the Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel

Information:
  • There is a dedicated line for visitors with bookings.
  • Meeting point: 
    • On the day of your visit, go to the entrance of the Vatican Museums in Via Vaticano.
    • Show your booking voucher (electronic format is accepted) to the security staff at the entrance 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
    • After security clearance, climb the stairs on the far left of the entrance hall and proceed to the Guided Tours Desk to collect your tickets and meet your guide.


Things to Keep in Mind


Here are some additional tips for planning your visit to Vatican City:
  • Buy your tickets in advance
    • Many of the attractions in Vatican City are very popular, and it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
  • Wear comfortable shoes
    • You will be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
  • Dress appropriately
    • Vatican City is a religious site, so it is important to dress appropriately. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
  • Be respectful
    • Vatican City is a holy place for Catholics, so be respectful of the people and the environment.
  • Take photos and videos, but be mindful of your surroundings
    • Photography and videography are generally allowed in Vatican City, but there are a few restrictions. For example, you are not allowed to use flash photography in St. Peter's Basilica or the Sistine Chapel. You are also not allowed to take photos or videos of religious ceremonies or of people without their permission.
  • Personal items:
    • Bring a small bag with you on your tour.
    • Bags, backpacks, or luggage larger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm must be checked at the cloakroom.
Please confirm the final rules on the official website.

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