Things to do in Vatican City

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St. Peter’s Square

Designed and built between 1656 and 1667 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peters Square is a large plaza and the main entrance to the basilica and Vatican City. With dimensions of 240 meters wide and 320 meters long it makes a magnificent entry point to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Egyptian Obelisk was placed in the center of the Square. Majestic Fountain designed by Carlo Maderno was installed on the square in 1613, to the right of the obelisk. To maintain symmetry, Bernini decided to install a similar fountain on the left side. The second fountain was created in 1677 by Carlo Fontana.

Square is divided into two parts, Bernini wanted an effect that would honor ‘the matrix of all the churches’.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Also known as the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, is built over the tomb of Saint Peter and across the Tiber river. It is the largest and most beautiful church in the world.

A modern-day structure was built between 1506 and 1626 on top of the earlier 4th-century church (covering Peter’s Tomb). It took approximately 120 years to complete and is a treasure trove of history.

Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is totally free and to explore its history better you can book a tour guide. Once reach inside you’ll see Bernini's works which include the Chapel of the Sacrament, the baldachin, the plan for the niches and open loggias in the piers of the dome, and the chair of St. Peter.

The Sistine Chapel

It was built between 1473 - 1481 to serve as the pope’s private chapel and the venue to elect new popes by cardinals, the Sistine Chapel is truly an outstanding sight for frescoes.

It is the most popular and famous tourist attraction in Vatican City which portrays Michelangelo’s fresco art masterpieces on the ceiling, vault, and behind the altar. Michelangelo Buonarroti devoted almost 10 years of his life to completing these masterpiece frescoes.

You’ll see famous Old Testament stories on the ceiling and behind the altar is The Last Judgement which represents the second coming of Jesus Christ and the Day of Judgement. Frescoes from artists like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Roselli, and Perugino are decorated on the walls.

To avoid long-standing queues we recommend you to Book Online Tickets and Tours in advance.

Vatican Museums

It is the largest museum complex in the world with more than 1400 rooms. Originally discovered in the 16th century by Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museums hold one of the largest art collections of any country.

Passing through seven kilometers of corridors, you will see Egyptian mummies, Renaissance masters Etruscan pieces and modern art. Don’t miss the classical sculptures collection in the Museo Pio-Clementino and the Raphael frescos.

It’s impossible to see everything in a single day, so plan Vatican Tour for 2 to 3 days.

Vatican Museums is very popular so we recommend you to Book Tickets and Tours in advance.

Vatican Gardens

Covering more than half of the total 110 acres of Vatican City are the beautiful Vatican Gardens.

Covering Approximately 57 acres (23 hectares) area of Vatican City, are the beautiful Vatican Gardens. It is mostly occupying the western part of the country. In the gardens, you’ll find stunning monuments and buildings which drag you back to the 9th century, the Vatican Radio Station, medieval fortifications, the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto, and numerous sculptures and fountains.