Vatican Travel
The Vatican City�s Charm and Appeal for Travel
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world with an extremely influential place in the world. As the center of Catholicism and the home to the Pope and numerous cardinals, archbishops, and other clergymen, the Vatican is a tourism magnet for Catholics all around the world. Not only that, the Vatican's rich and timeless history is preserved splendidly throughout the walls of the tiny country. Located inside of Italy, the Vatican has art from some of the most famous artists of all time, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Michelangelo most famously painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and this has become widely acclaimed as his most exemplary work of art.
Vatican city is the capital of the Vatican, and the name is also known as the Holy See. Usually the easiest way to access the Vatican is via Rome. Flights into Rome can lead you directly into the heart of Vatican City where it would take weeks if not months to explore all of the treasures hidden within the walls of this tiny country. Some of the most enchanting places to see in the Vatican are St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum (or Museum of the Vatican), and St. Peter's Piazza. The Swiss Guard Corps is truly a sight to behold as well. They are militaristically rigid Papal Guards adorned in festive attire and sporting a stately appearance. Their primary purpose is to protect the Pope and the city. St. Peter's Basilica does need further explanation as it is the Mecca of Catholicism. The domed exterior and ornately adorned, intricately designed interior leaves little to be desired in terms of style and architecture.
In addition to St. Peter's Basilica, another awe inspiring artistic creation is the Raphael Rooms. These can be found in the Palace of the Vatican, and have become famous because of their uniquely designed frescoes and painting. The Sistine Chapel is the Pope's residence in Vatican City and has been one of the most widely acclaimed artistic masterpieces of all time.
Vatican City gives most people the opportunity to see the Pope and perhaps even attend a Papal mass. In Vatican City, you will hear a lot of different languages because the people that visit are so extremely diverse. The most commonly used languages are Italian, French, Spanish, German, and English. Vatican City currently uses the Euro for any monetary transfers so it is good to familiarize yourself with the money and the currency exchange rate. The truly spectacular art, history, and heritage of Vatican City entice travelers from all over the globe to visit and observe the intricate workings of the Catholicism capital of the world.
Vatican Map
Features Rated by Vatican Locals
- Monte Mario . The largest hill in Rome, with sweeping views of the Vatican and Rome across the Tiber.
- Teatro Adriano .
- Palazzo di Giustizia ( Palace of Justice ).
- Castel Sant'Angelo . 09.00 to 19.00, last entry at 18.30, closed on Mondays . - Perhaps the most fascinating building in Rome. The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870, but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death. Film buffs will recognise as a setting from "Angels and Demons". Euros 8,5, with reductions. Roma Pass accepted .
