Sistine Chapel
Stand beneath Michelangelo's legendary ceiling frescoes in the most famous chapel in the world.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Visit the largest church in the world and the spiritual heart of Catholicism.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Delve into 18 centuries of history at Castel Sant’Angelo.
Vatican Museums
Explore 54 galleries filled with treasures collected by popes over centuries.
Piazza del Popolo
Visit one of Rome's most elegant squares, featuring an ancient Egyptian obelisk and twin Baroque churches.
St. Peter’s Square
Pay a visit to the pope at one of the world’s most famous squares.
Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state and one of Rome’s most spectacular attractions. Home to breathtaking Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and the seat of the Catholic Church, this tiny nation welcomes millions of visitors every year who come to experience its treasures.
At just 0.44 square kilometers with around 800 residents, Vatican City became an independent nation in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty. Built over the tomb of Saint Peter, it functions as both the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and a fully sovereign country led by the Pope. Despite its tiny size, Vatican City operates with its own post office, radio station that broadcasts in 29 languages, newspaper, and even its own Euro coins.
The famous Swiss Guards, wearing distinctive Renaissance uniforms possibly designed by Michelangelo, have protected the Pope since 1506. Today, more than 25,000 people visit daily to see St. Peter’s Basilica (the world’s largest church), admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, and explore the Vatican Museums‘ 54 galleries filled with masterpieces by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.
Whether you’re here for the art, the history, or the spiritual significance, Vatican City offers an unforgettable experience. This guide will help you plan the perfect visit and discover the essential attractions every first-time visitor should see.
Vatican facts:
– Country: State of the Vatican City (Holy See), Italy
– Population: 920 inhabitants
– Size: 0.44 km² (0.17 sq mi)
– Language: Italian, Latin
– Currency: Euro (EUR)
– Government: Absolute monarchy (Pope as head of state)
– Religion: Roman Catholic