Vatican City is the smallest country in the world sharing its borders with Rome. It is famous all over the world for its beauty. It has many religious & cultural sites, especially pertaining to the catholic community and is the home of the Pope.
Exploring the Vatican City is a delightful experience, one which is best done without any hurry or haste. After spending a few days in Rome, it was time for me to cross the Tiber river and enter Vatican territory.
Most of the landmarks are located within walking distance of each other. Below is my list of places to see or things to do in the Vatican -
St. Peter's Basilica - My first port of call was the Basilica. According to the Catholic tradition, this large church is believed to be the place where Saint Peter (one of the earliest leaders & chief disciple of Jesus) was buried. It has about 100 tombs within its campus and is especially famous as a pilgrimage place. For me, the design of the church itself is worth a visit - it is stunning inside & outside. This particular site is certainly a treat if you adore history and historical sites.
Saint Peter's Square - Designed by an Italian architect, it is the heart of Vatican City. It is a unique square, surrounded by two half-circle arms of columns with an Egyptian obelisk in the middle. This obelisk is over 4000 years old and was brought to Rome from Alexandria. This place can hold about 400,000 people at a time and it gets choc a bloc full when the Pope addresses his Papal audience. It is the most visited place in Vatican City and a beautiful one at that.
Sistine Chapel - Sistine Chapel was constructed in the late 15th century. It is a rectangular shaped building which is famous for the paintings on its ceiling (Michelangelo’s stunning frescoes). This place is the official residence of the Pope and also the venue for papal conclaves where the new Pope is elected. There were large queues to enter the famous landmarks in Vatican and this chapel was no exception. It took me close to 2 hours to get in, but the wait was worth it. Every inch of the chapel is covered in amazing works of art, which is sure to elicit a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’.
Vatican Gardens - If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds in the city, why not relax in the natural green paradise of the Vatican Gardens? Taking up more than half of the total area of Vatican City, the gardens are only open to guided tours, and are divided into different sections that reflect different historical periods. Here is an amalgamation of bushes, flowers and trees which makes this place worth a visit. This place lies between Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, so, it is just a walking distance away.
Vatican Necropolis - This place is situated under the Vatican City. It is located on a depth of 5-12 metres below the St. Peter’s Basilica. It was found in an archaeological excavation in the 1940s. Necropolis does not allow more than 250 people to visit the place so it is advisable to get in early, to get the maximum out of it. It is located adjacent to the Vatican museum.
Vatican Library - It is one of the oldest libraries in the whole world and it contains a collection of historical texts. About 1.1 million printed books are present in the library. It is a type of research library for history, philosophy, law and science.
Vatican Museums - Any trip to Vatican City would not be complete without a visit to the Vatican Museums. The galleries feature works that have been collected by Popes throughout the centuries. Aside from that, you will also find sculptures and paintings by renowned artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, and historical artifacts collected by the Catholic Church from around the world.
Marvel at the beautiful architecture - There are many buildings, whose architecture will leave you spellbound. As you roam around, always keep an out for such beauties.
Castel Sant'Angelo - It was built in the second century as a tomb for the Roman emperor Hadrian. It was transformed into a military fortress and then a papal residence, before finally becoming a museum. The rooms have an extensive collection of weapons and prison cells where multiple historical figures were imprisoned in the olden days. The top floor also has a small terrace that serves coffee with a great view of Rome. The area near the castle is a good place to relax after a hectic day of exploration.
Observe the Swiss Guards doing their thing - Despite their slightly comical appearance, the Swiss Guards are a force to be reckoned with. Known as the de facto military of the city, they have guarded the Vatican for the last 500 years, and are comprised of Swiss Catholic males aged 19 to 30 who have gone through military training. They carry traditional weapons such as the halberd, but will use firearms and their martial arts training to defend the Pope from attacks if need be.
Come back at night - Most tourists visit Vatican City during the day, but for a magical experience, tour the city at night! The Vatican Museums open their doors on Friday nights from April to October, giving you a chance to roam the corridors and admire the artwork at a more relaxed pace and without the usual crowds. Outdoor concerts that feature classical musicians are held right outside the museums at this time, too. Or, you can take a romantic stroll along Saint Peter’s Square, illuminated by the lights of the basilica’s dome, and bask in the peaceful ambience. Once my Vatican trip was done, it was time for a sumptuous dinner at one of the many restaurants in Rome.
Whether you’re on a pilgrimage to visit the Vatican or a tourist staying in Rome, the splendor of the city will surely enthrall you. Spend a day walking through its hallowed buildings and admiring the magnificent artworks in the museums, while taking in the historical charm of the city. This is surely not a place to be missed!
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