Vatican City Things To Do – The Definitive Guide for Tourists

Vatican City is an independent country located in the center of Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world and is home to some of the most famous art and architecture in the world. The Vatican is the home of the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, and is also home to some of the world’s oldest and most treasured artifacts. With its unique combination of culture, art, history, and religious significance, it is no wonder that Vatican City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

History of Vatican City

Vatican City has a rich and long history. It was initially founded as a cluster of small settlements in the year 752 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was then annexed by Rome in 7th century BC and became an important part of Roman history. After the fall of Rome in 476 AD, it became part of the Papal States under the control of the Catholic Church. In 1870, it was declared an independent state by the Italian government, making it the smallest state in the world.

Facts About Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent state that covers just 44 hectares and is home to around 800 people. It is also home to some of the world’s most famous sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. The official language of Vatican City is Italian, and its currency is the Euro.

Things To Do In Vatican City

Visiting Vatican City is an amazing experience for anyone who is interested in art, history, and religion. Here are some of the top things to do in Vatican City:

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most important religious sites in the world and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vatican City. It was built in the 4th century AD and is home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Many people come to St. Peter’s Basilica to see these masterpieces as well as to visit St. Peter’s tomb.

Visit The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are a collection of several museums that have been built over centuries by various Popes. They contain some of the world’s finest artwork, including works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini, and many others. The most popular museum is the Sistine Chapel, which contains Michelangelo’s iconic paintings on its ceiling and walls.

Visit The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous sites in Vatican City and one of the most important religious sites in the world. It was built in 1473 by Pope Sixtus IV and is home to some of Michelangelo’s most famous works, including his ceiling painting and his Last Judgment fresco. It is also home to many other important works by various artists and is a must-see for anyone who is interested in art and history.

Walk Around St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is one of the most recognizable sites in Vatican City and a great place to take a walk and soak up some Italian sunshine. The square was designed by Bernini in 1656 and contains a large fountain as well as two columns with statues of St. Peter and St. Paul on top. It also contains an obelisk that was brought from Egypt by Caligula in 37 AD, making it one of the oldest monuments in Rome.

Explore The Gardens Of Vatican City

The gardens of Vatican City are a great place to explore and get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome. They cover nearly half of Vatican City’s area and are home to many plants, trees, and flowers. There are also several interesting sculptures throughout the gardens, including Michelangelo’s “Rape of Persephone” and Bernini’s “Bacchus” fountain.

Visit The Catacombs Of St. Callixtus

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are one of the most important sites in Vatican City and an important part of Christian history. They were built in the 2nd century AD and contain early Christian artwork as well as tombs of several early Popes. They are a great place to explore for anyone who is interested in early Christian history.

Popular Tours In Vatican City

Visiting Vatican City can be overwhelming due to its sheer size and grandeur. There are several guided tours available that will help visitors get an even better understanding of this amazing destination. Here are two popular tours in Vatican City:

The VIP Sistine Chapel Tour

This tour takes visitors behind-the-scenes at St. Peter’s Basilica and The Sistine Chapel and gives them an even more intimate look at these amazing sites. Visitors will have access to areas that are not normally open to the public and will be given a guided tour by experienced experts who will explain the history, artworks, and sculptures in detail. This tour can be booked at Viator.

The Best Of Rome And Vatican Tour

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive look at both Rome and Vatican City in one day. Visitors will be taken on a guided tour around some of Rome’s most famous sites, such as The Colosseum and The Pantheon, as well as around some of Vatican City’s iconic landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and The Sistine Chapel. This tour can be booked at GetYourGuide.

Conclusion

Vatican City is an amazing destination for anyone who is interested in art, history, or religion. There are so many things to do in Vatican City that it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but with this guide they can easily find some great activities to do during their visit. Whether you want to explore St. Peter’s Basilica or visit The Sistine Chapel, there is something for everyone in this fascinating city-state!