Table of Contents
Introduction
Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but it holds treasures beyond just the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. This tiny city-state is packed with architectural wonders, historic sites, renowned museums, and beautiful gardens just waiting to be explored. Even repeat visitors to the Vatican can discover new gems around every corner. Beyond St. Peter’s Basilica lies a wealth of attractions offering intimate glimpses into centuries of Roman Catholic history, culture, and art. From Raphael’s magnificent frescoes to the Pope’s private gardens, there is so much more to uncover in this holy city within a city.
Gardens
Vatican Gardens
Sprawling over nearly half of Vatican City’s total area, the immaculately manicured Vatican Gardens are a peaceful oasis from the bustling crowds of St. Peter’s Square. The beautifully landscaped gardens contain fountains, fishponds, sculptures, and an assortment of international flora. Meandering gravel paths lead visitors past important sites like the site of the first Vatican cemetery and the stunningly tranquil Lourdes Grotto. For a unique perspective, join a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens.
Belvedere Courtyard
Tucked behind the Vatican Museum lies the Belvedere Courtyard, a gorgeous green space decorated with elaborately trimmed hedges, marble fountains, and ancient statuary. Once used as the Vatican’s botanical garden, today this overlooked courtyard provides a quiet escape to appreciate the view of the Vatican Palace and St. Peter’s Dome. The space also features round temple structures housing marble masterpieces like the Laocoön sculpture.
Museums
Vatican Museum
Boasting one of the world’s greatest art collections spanning centuries of human history, the immense Vatican Museum holds treasures beyond imagining. As visitors weave through galleries adorned with frescoes and tapestries, highlights include ancient Egyptian artifacts, Etruscan bronzes, Renaissance maps, and Raphael’s magnificent School of Athens fresco. Must-see masterpieces also include the famed Laocoön sculpture and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
Chiaramonti Museum
For sculpture aficionados, the Chiaramonti Museum houses over 1,000 artworks in a long loggia space connected to the Vatican Museum. The gallery features a diversity of Roman statuary, sarcophagi, reliefs, and inscriptions. Highlights include the colossal statue of Demosthenes from the 3rd century. Nearby in the Braccio Nuovo extension, marble masterpieces like the Augustus of Prima Porta and the Dying Gaul captivate visitors.
Pio Clementino Museum
Named for Pope Clement XIV, the Pio Clementino Museum contains some of the Vatican’s most famous Greek and Roman sculptures within a palatial setting. Located within the Vatican Museum, standout antiquities include the renowned Belvedere Apollo, the magnificent Belvedere Torso, and 2nd century Laocoön group depicting the Trojan priest and his sons being attacked by sea serpents.
Architecture
St. Anne’s Gate
As the Vatican’s smallest gate, unassuming St. Anne’s Gate features a simple Romanesque style with its rounded marble frames. Built in 1845, the gate’s name honors the mother of the Virgin Mary. St. Anne’s Gate offers those on foot immediate access from central Rome into Vatican City. Nearby landmarks include the Holy See headquarters and the Vatican post office.
Teutonic Cemetery
Next to St. Peter’s Basilica sprawls the historic Teutonic Cemetery where German-speaking people in Rome have been buried since the 15th century. The small burial ground contains the graves of notable artists, bishops, nobles, and others associated with the Holy Roman Empire. The graves’ inscriptions offer a fascinating glimpse into history. Among the interred here is the Renaissance painter Raphael.
Palazzo del Governatorato
Fronting St. Peter’s Square, the imposing Governor’s Palace houses administrative offices governing Vatican City. Built in the early 1900s, the grand building façade mixes Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Visitors can tour certain areas of the palace such as the antique map gallery, historic apartments, and chapel adorned with Pope gregory XIII’s tomb.
Art
Raphael Rooms
One Vatican Museum highlight, the Raphael Rooms harbor vibrant frescoes by Raphael and his students. The ornate papal apartments once belonged to Pope Julius II who commissioned Raphael to decorate them. Raphael’s luminous, detailed frescoes depict meaningful religious and humanist themes, covering walls and ceilings across suites with names like the Signature Room and Room of Constantine.
Sistine Chapel
No Vatican visit is complete without viewing Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel ceiling. This famed chapel impresses visitors with artwork coating every surface. Michelangelo’s masterful ceiling frescoes depict biblical scenes like Genesis’s Creation. Equally impressive is the massive Last Judgment fresco behind the altar wall. Seeing these renowned paintings in person never fails to take one’s breath away.
Tombs & Crypts
St. Peter’s Tomb
According to tradition, St. Peter’s Basilica was erected over the tomb of St. Peter himself, located directly below its altar. Visitors can see the ancient necropolis and venerated tomb of the apostle during exclusive Scavi tours several meters underground. Viewing St. Peter’s ornate reliquary and crypt is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience for many Catholic visitors.
John Paul II Crypt
After Pope John Paul II died in 2005, he was entombed with honor inside grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Visitors can pay respects at the tomb decorated with a relief depicting the late pontiff, located not far from the Vatican Grotto containing papal tombs dating back centuries. Seeing the John Paul II Crypt is a meaningful way to commemorate his modern legacy.
Offices & Residences
Apostolic Palace
Serving as the Pope’s official residence, the Apostolic Palace is located within Vatican City. Containing the Papal Apartments and offices like the Vatican Library, the lavish building took centuries to construct. Visitors can tour certain areas of the Apostolic Palace during guided Vatican visits to see frescoed reception rooms, chapels, and historic hidden passageways like the Passetto di Borgo.
Papal Apartments
A small portion of the Apostolic Palace consists of the Papal Apartments, the Pope’s private residence since the late 14th century. While closed to the public, visitors may catch glimpses of interior rooms like the Pope’s study, bedroom, and chapel during televised addresses. Some guided specialized tours visit select areas of the Papal Apartments, like the Mirror Room where popes once dressed.
Tours
Scavi Tour
For an underground look at ancient Christian history, the Scavi Tour takes visitors below St. Peter’s Basilica to see its necropolis and the apostle Peter’s tomb. This exclusive tour run by Vatican archaeologists has limited tickets available to protect the delicate ruins uncovered during excavations. Walking through 2,000-year-old Roman mausoleums and early papal tombs is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Private After-Hours Tour
Avoid crowds and explore the Vatican’s museums in ultimate peace and privacy by booking an exclusive after-hours tour. Private evening tours of the Sistine Chapel and galleries provide comprehensive guides and intimate access to masterpieces. Customized itineraries may also include rare areas like the Vatican Necropolis and gardens by moonlight for an unforgettable experience.
Food & Shopping
Via della Conciliazione
Bordering St. Peter’s Square, this avenue leads to Castel Sant’Angelo, offering restaurants and shops en route. The Ristorante dei Musei in the shadow of St. Peter’s serves delicious Italian cuisine on a patio. La Rinascente department store sits midway down the street, where visitors can browse upscale fashions and souvenirs. Gelateria Old Bridge by the castle offers artisanal gelato.
Borgo Pio
For traditional flavors and unique finds, visitors love Borgo Pio’s neighborhood shops and eateries. Located by the Sant’Anna Gate entrance, this quaint quarter contains antique bookshops, religious art dealers, and Roman trattorias. Must-try spots include the hole-in-the-wall pasta joint Da Orazio and Arcangelo’s Osteria for heavenly Carbonara. The area stays lively at night for drinks and people watching.
Getting Around
Walking
Walking allows soaking in Vatican City’s beauty at leisure. Visitors can easily walk between main attractions like St. Peter’s Square, the museums, and the gardens. Comfortable shoes help when touring the extensive Vatican Museums. Guided walking tours orient first-time visitors and highlight history along the way.
Public Transportation
Vatican City has no public transportation but is well connected to Rome’s transit. The Ottaviano metro stop is a short walk from Vatican entrances. Trams number 19 and 23 stop directly at Piazza del Risorgimento by the Vatican Museums. Taxis and private transfers readily connect central Rome and the airport to Vatican City’s gates.
When to Visit
Avoiding Crowds
As one of the world’s most visited places, the Vatican attracts enormous crowds, especially on holidays and weekends. Visiting midweek and in off-season months makes touring more relaxed. Booking tickets online lets visitors reserve a Vatican Museums entry time to bypass ticket lines. Insider tip: Wednesday audiences with the Pope draw crowds away from the Sistine Chapel.
Seasonal Considerations
Vatican City offers sights and comfort year-round. Summer sees peak crowds but weather perfect for enjoying the gardens. During cooler months, the museums stay pleasant while the city decorates for Christmas. Joining Easter or Christmas mass in St. Peter’s Square creates magical memories. Comfortable shoes and attire allowing bare shoulders, knees, and midriffs satisfy Vatican dress code year-round.
Conclusion
Beyond its famous basilica, tiny Vatican City overflows with art, history, and beauty. From rare archaeological treasures to Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the museums and historic attractions enthrall visitors for many visits. Yet equally memorable are the Vatican’s intimate moments like lingering in the immaculate gardens, people-watching in lively piazzas, or gazing upward at the dome of St. Peter’s. Wandering Vatican City’s lanes delivers inspiring surprises and new perspectives to treasure.
FAQs
What is the dress code for visiting Vatican City?
Vatican City requires modest dress meaning no bare shoulders, midriffs, or knees. Some sites like St. Peter’s Basilica may refuse entry to those not dressed appropriately. A light jacket or scarf can cover bare skin when needed.
How long should I spend touring Vatican City?
Most first-time visitors spend 1-3 days immersed in the main Vatican City attractions. At a leisurely pace, the Vatican Museums require a full day including the Sistine Chapel. Admiring St. Peter’s Basilica and Square takes another day. Additional time lets visitors enjoy guided tours and other sites.
When are the Vatican Museums open?
The Vatican Museums are open Monday-Saturday, with the last entry at 4pm October-March and 6pm April-September. Closed Sundays except for the last Sunday of each month (free admission). On the last Sunday, hours are 9am-2pm with last entry at 12:30pm.
How do I get tickets for the Vatican Museums?
It’s recommended to purchase Vatican Museum entry tickets online beforehand to avoid waiting in long queues. Tickets cost around 17-24 EUR depending on advance purchase, reductions, and guided tour inclusions. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased at the Vatican Museums entrance ticket office.
Are there restaurants or food stands in Vatican City?
There are not many dining options inside Vatican City itself besides a cafeteria at the Vatican Museums. Nearby around St. Peter’s Square are restaurants like Ristorante dei Musei and others along Borgo Pio. Visitors can also pack snacks and drinks which are allowed to enjoy casually outdoors.