Vatican City

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Sunrise

5:44 AM

Sunset

8:28 PM

About

Vatican City, a sovereign city-state surrounded by Rome, is the spiritual and cultural heart of Roman Catholicism. It is home to numerous world-famous landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Despite its small size, Vatican City boasts an impressive art collection and plenty of history, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts alike.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Visit St. Peter's Basilica

Explore the largest and most renowned Catholic church in the world.
2. Admire the Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Michelangelo's famous frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and "The Last Judgment."
3. Explore the Vatican Museums

Discover an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts spanning centuries.
4. Ascend to the top of St. Peter's Dome

Climb to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
5. Attend a Papal Audience

Experience the opportunity to see the Pope and receive his blessings (if available during your visit).
6. Explore the Vatican Gardens

Take a guided tour of the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
7. Visit the Vatican Library

Explore the vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books housed in one of the world's oldest libraries.
8. Admire the Vatican Apostolic Palace

See the residence of the Pope and the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Church.
9. Explore the Vatican Pinacoteca

Admire a remarkable collection of paintings by renowned artists, including Raphael and Caravaggio.
10. Visit the Vatican Necropolis

Descend beneath St. Peter's Basilica to see the ancient burial site of early Christian tombs.
11. Discover the Vatican Ethnological Museum

Learn about the cultural and religious artifacts from various regions around the world.
12. Explore the Vatican Historical Museum

Discover the historical and artistic treasures, including papal carriages and vestments.
13. Visit the Vatican Numismatic Museum

View an extensive collection of coins, medals, and monetary artifacts.
14. Attend a Papal Mass

If available, participate in a religious service celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter's Square.
15. Visit the Vatican Post Office

Send mail with Vatican City postage stamps and collect unique philatelic items.
16. Explore the Vatican Pharmacy

Learn about the history of the Vatican's medicinal traditions and purchase herbal products.
17. Admire the Vatican Sculpture Museums

Marvel at a diverse collection of sculptures and statues from different periods.
18. Take a guided tour of the Vatican City State

Learn about the governance, history, and significance of Vatican City.
19. Visit the Vatican School of Paleography and Diplomacy

Attend lectures and workshops on ancient manuscripts and diplomatic protocols.
20. Attend a concert at the Vatican

Enjoy classical music performances in the prestigious settings of Vatican City.
21. Explore the Vatican Observatory

Learn about the Vatican's astronomical research and see historical telescopes.
22. Visit the Vatican Stamps and Coins Museum

Admire rare and collectible stamps and coins issued by Vatican City.
23. Attend the Vatican Christmas Eve Midnight Mass

Experience a special Christmas celebration in St. Peter's Basilica.
24. Discover the Vatican School of Library Science

Learn about library management and preservation techniques.
25. Explore the Vatican Radio Station

Take a guided tour of the broadcasting facilities and learn about Vatican media.
26. Attend the Vatican Gardens Open Day

Enjoy access to the private gardens on special occasions.
27. Visit the Vatican Archives

Gain insight into historical documents and records dating back centuries.
28. Explore the Vatican Publishing House

Browse and purchase publications from the Vatican's publishing arm.
29. Attend the Vatican Easter Vigil

Witness the solemn celebration of the Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica.
30. Take a guided tour of the Vatican City Walls

Learn about the fortifications and defense systems of Vatican City.

Vatican City

About

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Visit St. Peter's Basilica

2. Admire the Sistine Chapel

3. Explore the Vatican Museums

4. Ascend to the top of St. Peter's Dome

5. Attend a Papal Audience

6. Explore the Vatican Gardens

7. Visit the Vatican Library

8. Admire the Vatican Apostolic Palace

9. Explore the Vatican Pinacoteca

10. Visit the Vatican Necropolis

11. Discover the Vatican Ethnological Museum

12. Explore the Vatican Historical Museum

13. Visit the Vatican Numismatic Museum

14. Attend a Papal Mass

15. Visit the Vatican Post Office

16. Explore the Vatican Pharmacy

17. Admire the Vatican Sculpture Museums

18. Take a guided tour of the Vatican City State

19. Visit the Vatican School of Paleography and Diplomacy

20. Attend a concert at the Vatican

21. Explore the Vatican Observatory

22. Visit the Vatican Stamps and Coins Museum

23. Attend the Vatican Christmas Eve Midnight Mass

24. Discover the Vatican School of Library Science

25. Explore the Vatican Radio Station

26. Attend the Vatican Gardens Open Day

27. Visit the Vatican Archives

28. Explore the Vatican Publishing House

29. Attend the Vatican Easter Vigil

30. Take a guided tour of the Vatican City Walls

Nearby cities