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Vatican City Travel Guide
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Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City © APT Rome |
Overview: The Vatican City is a remarkable entity in that it is an
independent state administered by the Roman Catholic Church and one
of the world's richest countries. The population of this enclave
doubles during the working week as the residents from Rome cross
into the Vatican City to work within its boundaries.
Scandal and intrigue has tarnished the papacy's image over the
years, but this does not detract from the magnificence of the art
collections housed within its buildings. The must-see sights when
on holiday in the Vatican City include St Peter's Basilica, the
Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Library. The
Pilgrim Tourist Information Office is located at P San Pietro
(Telephone: 69 88 44 66 or 69 88 48 66). The Vatican Gardens are
open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 7pm.
Attractions St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
The Basilica lies above the reputed site of St. Peter's tomb. It
is an overwhelming interior containing notable sculptures including
Michelangelo's Pieta, which is protected by bullet-proof glass
since the damaging attack on it in 1972. In the central aisle
stands Arnolfo da Cambio's... see full details
The Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel's famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo
looms above the frescoes on the side walls that were painted by an
illustrious team of artists that included Botticelli, Ghirlandaio,
Roselli, Pinturicchio, Signorelli and della Gatta. The altar wall
is covered by Michelangelo's Last Supper,... see full details
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