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Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City © APT Rome |
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: +39 69 88 44 66). The Vatican Gardens are open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 7pm.
Shopping
Religious pilgrims will enjoy the Vatican bookstore near to St Peter's Basilica, it has a broad selection of books on Catholicism, popes, saints and the Vatican city itself. Another great place for souveniers is the Vatican museum gift shop.
Nearby 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, 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, revealing the figure... see full details- Do Cruise Passengers Need Tourist/Transit Visas?
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