Vatican City is probably the most unique place you'll ever visit. For one thing, it's a city-state. Though it's located in
Rome, the capital city of Italy, it's largely considered its own, distinct territory. There's also the history and heritage of the place. The Vatican has existed for centuries now! Who knows what stories every corner has to tell? So if you could ever go to this unique, you should know where to go. You've likely heard about the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square, but you should also check out the Vatican Grottoes, the Vatican Necropolis, the museums, and more.
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square is perhaps the most famous public plaza in the world. It's rarely empty; always filled with locals and tourists alike. It's here where the Pope hears mass on holidays, namely Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Catholics crowd the square when it's time to elect a new pope, especially since the chimney that signals the new elect can be seen from here. In the middle of this majestic square, Bernini’s Colonnade has drawn as much attention as the basilica itself.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
St. Peter's Basilica
Speaking of St. Peter's Basilica, this is a definite must-see. If you have a free
day in Rome, spend it in this man-made marvel! It’s possibly the most famous piece of Renaissance architecture, not to mention the center of the Roman Catholic faith too. Much like its namesake square, this is also where the Pope usually hears mass, especially on the holiest days of the year. Even if you're not a Catholic yourself, the church is worth looking for the artistry alone. Michelangelo's iconic Pieta sculpture is just one of many incredible artworks housed in St. Peter's Basilica.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Vatican Necropolis
Located approximately 5 to 12 meters below St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis is rarely mentioned. Lots of people may know about it, but its fame pales in comparison to the grand churches and museums in the Vatican. It's not that surprising considering it lies underneath the city-state, but it's worth exploring nonetheless. Sure, it's the “city of the dead,” but its eeriness is part of its charm. It's one of the most ancient cemeteries in the world with an unfathomable history.
Source: Flickr.com/ Egisto Sani
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is practically synonymous with Vatican City. You simply can't visit the city-state without going to this iconic chapel. “Iconic” doesn't even begin to describe this building. It's safe to say that this chapel is among the definitive monuments of the city-state, perhaps even of Rome altogether! Thanks to Michelangelo's legendary fresco, the Sistine Chapel never fails to draw in visitors from all around the world. Many would travel millions of miles just to see this incredible work of art in person!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums probably has the most amazing collections of any gallery in the city, perhaps even in all of the world. Even if the
museums in Paris or New York are arguably more famous, the Vatican Museums are a cut above the rest. These galleries feature works from some of the most celebrated artists in human history—particularly Da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo, among many others—making every corner worth exploring. Just note that you're bound to spend most of your time in the Vatican in these museums.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Sonse
The Vatican Grottoes
When a cardinal becomes a Pope, he takes on that role for the rest of his life. Though it's possible to resign from the position (i.e. the late Benedict XVI), most popes have fulfilled the role until their deaths. But have you ever wondered where they—or rather, their remains—go after their passing? The Vatican Grottoes! The historic cemetery is located right below St. Peter's Basilica, made up of over 90 tombs of the past popes. The most famous of them is St. Peter's tomb, the world's first-ever Pope.
Source: Flickr.com/ Tjflex2
The Vatican Gardens
All these churches, museums, and cemeteries are good, but what if you need a breather? Is there a place in Vatican City where you can relax and take a break? Yes—the Vatican Gardens. Looking like a royal courtyard of a historic palace, these well-manicured gardens evoke a regal and romantic appeal. It's decorated with statues, small shrines, and temples, each more captivating than the next. You'll want to snap photos and post them on a
travel inspo Instagram account.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Vatican Post Office
If you
moved to Rome and you want to immerse yourself in the historic charms of the “Eternal City,” you can always write a letter and mail it through the post. Fortunately, there are many postboxes in Rome, the most famous of which is in the Vatican. In contrast to the crimson and bright blue postboxes in other parts of the city, the Vatican Post Office is famously yellow. You can send letters and postcards from the holy city-state and the recipient will find it fascinating that they received mail from where the Pope lives.
Source: Flickr.com/ Rupert Ganzer.
Apostolic Palace
Admit it: the reason why you visited the Vatican is that you were hoping to see the Pope in person. He's the most powerful figure in the Roman Catholic church, after all, which is a faith that has billions of members around the world. Who wouldn't want a chance to see such an influential person in real life? Especially if you're in their hometown! When you go to the Vatican, make sure to include the Apostolic Palace in your itinerary. This is the official Papal residence, and though there's no guarantee you'll see the Pope, simply being in his home is still worthwhile!
Source: Flickr.com/ daryl_mitchell.jpeg
Castel Sant’Angelo
This last one is technically not part of Vatican City but it is linked to it. Castel Sant’Angelo is among the most popular sights in Rome. It's up there among the ranks of the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. And though it's technically not part of the Vatican, anyone going to the city-state ought to check it out too. Not a lot of people know that the Vatican has a passage leading to Castel Sant’Angelo. Well, you might if you've seen the mystery-thriller, “Angels and Demons” (2009).
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Vatican anytime soon? Then it's better to know the best spots to see when you go there. Learn all the must-sees in Vatican City through this guide. It has all the places you simply need to see in this one-of-a-kind city-state!
