St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Catholicism, is an imposing structure with an interior that leaves visitors in awe. Its magnificent dome, designed by Michelangelo, is a city landmark. Inside, the Basilica holds stunning works of art including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.vatican.va
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums boast one of the world’s most significant art collections, with over 70,000 works. As you traverse the miles of galleries and corridors, you’ll be surrounded by masterpieces from antiquity to the modern era. Highlights include the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the exquisite collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.museivaticani.va
Address: 00120 Vatican City
Sistine Chapel
A visit to Vatican City is not complete without experiencing the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel. Known for its breathtaking ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, it is where the Papal conclave takes place. The Last Judgement, behind the altar, is equally captivating, and the overall silence creates a profound atmosphere.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.museivaticani.va
Address: 00120 Vatican City
Vatican Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the Vatican Gardens. These manicured gardens cover more than half of the Vatican’s territory, displaying an array of fountains, grottoes, and sculptures. A guided tour will offer an overview of the gardens’ rich history and a peaceful break.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.museivaticani.va
Address: Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Raphael Rooms
The Raphael Rooms are four rooms which were used as the residence of the popes between 1507 and 1585. Each room is adorned with frescoes painted by Raphael and his students, creating a tapestry of vibrant narratives and Biblical stories that are a treat for art and history lovers alike.
Entrance: Admission
Address: Via Leone IV, 38, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, the Castel Sant’Angelo later transformed into a fortress and castle for the popes. Today, it serves as a museum, offering panoramic views of Rome from the terrace and a peek into history with its collection of paintings, sculptures, and medieval firearms.
Entrance: Admission
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is a massive plaza located directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it’s encircled by Tuscan colonnades that symbolize the stretched arms of the church. The central obelisk and stunning fountains add to the square’s charm.
Entrance: Free
Address: 00120 Vatican City
Necropolis
Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica lies the Vatican Necropolis, a Roman burial ground from the 1st century AD. The tombs, including the Tomb of Saint Peter, provide a fascinating exploration into the early centuries of Christianity. Remember, visiting requires special permission and should be arranged ahead of time.
Entrance: Admission
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Vatican Library
The Vatican Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world, with a priceless collection of texts, maps, and illuminated manuscripts. Although access is typically reserved for research purposes, pre-arranged tours offer a glimpse into this historic repository of culture and knowledge.
Entrance: Free (reservation required)
Website: www.vaticanlibrary.va
Address: Cortile Belvedere, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Pinacoteca
The Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, in Vatican City holds a vast collection of paintings and other works. With pieces from the Middle Ages to 1800, the Pinacoteca’s collection includes works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, showcasing the rich history of Italian painting.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.museivaticani.va
Address: WF43+CF8, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City ( Located in Vatican Museums)
Vatican Apostolic Palace
The Vatican Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope. It includes the Papal Apartments, various offices of the Catholic Church, and the Vatican Library. While some parts are not open to the public, many grand halls and chapels can be explored as part of a Vatican Museums tour.
Address: 00120 Vatican City