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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: +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 detailsThe 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