Things To Do In Vatican City For Free

Vatican City is a beautiful and captivating destination for tourists and travelers of all ages. Its history and culture are unparalleled and it has something for everyone. From its breathtaking architecture and expansive art galleries to its wonderful museums and awe-inspiring sights, Vatican City is sure to delight any visitor.

This beautiful city is located within Rome, Italy, making it easy to visit as a day trip or an extended stay. There are numerous things to do in Vatican City that don’t cost anything, and this guide will help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.

History of Vatican City

The Vatican City is the world’s smallest recognized independent state. It is situated within Rome, Italy, occupying an area of just 44 hectares, or about 110 acres. It is the spiritual home of the Catholic Church and the official residence of the Pope.

The Vatican City was founded in 1929 when Pope Pius XI signed the Lateran Treaty with Italy. This treaty established the Vatican City as an independent city-state and recognized its sovereignty.

Vatican City is home to several iconic landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. It is also home to many important religious sites, such as the tomb of St. Peter, the patron saint of Rome, and the tombs of several other popes.

General Information about Vatican City

Vatican City has a population of about 1,000 citizens and is a hub for religion and art. Here are a few facts about Vatican City that you should know before you visit:

• The official language is Italian.
• The currency is the euro.
• The time zone is Central European Time (UTC+1).
• The most popular attraction is St. Peter’s Basilica.
• The Vatican Gardens are a popular attraction.
• The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the pope.
• The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s greatest artworks.

What To Do in Vatican City For Free

Vatican City has so much to offer its visitors that it can be hard to decide what to do first. Here are some of the best things to do in Vatican City for free:

Explore St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is one of the most famous squares in the world. It was designed by Bernini in 1656 and features two magnificent fountains and an impressive colonnade. The square is surrounded by stunning baroque architecture, making it a great place to take photos or just enjoy the view. On Sundays, the Pope holds his weekly public address from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Visit St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most impressive churches in the world. It was built between 1506 and 1626 and features stunning works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. The basilica also houses several important relics, such as St Peter’s tomb and a piece of the True Cross. Admission to St Peter’s Basilica is free, although there may be a fee for special exhibitions and events.

Visit the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are among the world’s most important collections of art and antiquities. The museums contain works from some of the most famous artists in history, such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio. Although admission to the museums is not free, there are some special events that are open to the public without charge. These events include night openings and guided tours by experts.

Walk Through the Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are one of the most beautiful places in Rome. They cover more than 50 hectares (120 acres) and feature winding paths, lush vegetation, sculptures and fountains. The gardens are open to the public on certain days without charge and offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Explore Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a stunning castle situated on the banks of the Tiber River. It was built in 123 AD by Emperor Hadrian but was later used as a fortress by popes during times of siege. Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is open to visitors free of charge and offers stunning views over Rome.

Attend Papal Audiences

Papal audiences are a great way to see the Pope up close and hear his weekly address. Audiences are held every Wednesday at 10am in St Peter’s Square. Admission is free but you must obtain a ticket in advance from either the Prefecture of the Papal Household or one of the churches in Rome.

Popular Tours in Vatican City

In addition to its many free attractions, Vatican City also offers several popular tours that allow visitors to get an even closer look at this amazing city. Here are two popular tours that you should consider taking when visiting Vatican City:

Vatican Museums Tour

The Vatican Museums tour is one of the most popular tours in Rome. It allows visitors to explore some of the world’s greatest works of art in a single day. The tour includes stops at the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and St Peter’s Basilica. The tour also includes a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens and a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo. Book this Vatican City Museums Tour here.

Vatican City Secret Passages Tour

This tour takes visitors on an exploration of some of the Vatican’s hidden secrets. The tour includes stops at some of the Vatican’s most interesting places, such as secret gardens, libraries, and even secret passageways. It also includes a visit to St Peter’s Square and a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica. Book this Vatican City Secret Passages Tour here.

Conclusion

Vatican City is one of the world’s most fascinating cities with a rich history and culture unlike anywhere else on Earth. There are numerous things to do in Vatican City for free, including exploring St Peter’s Square, visiting St Peter’s Basilica, exploring the Vatican Gardens, visiting Castel Sant’Angelo, attending papal audiences, and much more. If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, you can book one of several popular tours available in Vatican City such as a tour of the Vatican Museums or a tour of the Vatican’s secret passageways. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience when visiting this amazing city!