Are you planning to visit the Vatican City? Located in Rome, this is the smallest independent country in the world that spreads over an area of just more than 44 hectares. Every year, thousands of people come here to explore the spirituality and amazing creativity of the wonderful structures of this nation. The country is also widely popular for its heritage that attracts many history lovers from the world over.
Whether you are a traveler, an art lover or a devout pilgrim, you will love to go for an unforgettable journey through the Vatican City and relish its age-old traditions, timeless architecture and sacred masterpieces that are a treasure trove for the western civilization.
St. Peter’s Basilica
This colossal structure is indeed a marvel of devotion and architecture. It is one of the holiest Catholic shrines located in the heart of the Vatican. Today, it is regarded as a landmark of Renaissance architecture. The structure was constructed over more than 100 years and is regarded as the collaborative result of such genius minds as Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno.
Once you are here, you can see the wonderful marble sculpture of Pietà by Michelangelo. Baldachin, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s ornate bronze canopy, is another marvelous creation. It glorifies God and serves as a source of inspiration for all those who enter the Basilica.
You can take photographs inside the Basilica, although flash is prohibited strictly. Try to visit the Basilica early in the morning, to avoid heavy crowds. Also try to be respectful of worshippers who come here.
The Vatican Museums
Come here if you want to make a journey through human creativity. It is just a short walking distance away from St Peter’s Square. You can check out some of the most impressive art collections in the world when you come here. The galleries are spread over an area of seven kilometers and you can see artifacts from Renaissance Italy, Classical Antiquity, Etruria and Ancient Egypt.
The museums consist of many highlights such as the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, the Etruscan collection and the Gregorian Egyptian Museum.
The Sistine Chapel
How can you miss out on this timeless masterpiece of Michaelangelo? The Sister Chapel is one of the most iconic artworks of all time and is popular for the legendary ceiling frescoes that were painted by the master artist between 1508 and 1512.
The Creation of Adam is the centerpiece here, which captures the divine moment when life comes to man from God with just a touch of fingertips. The Last Judgment is equally striking, and this painting beautifully portrays the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The authorities of the Sistine Chapel prohibit photography strictly inside the premises, to preserve the integrity of the fresh frescoes. You should maintain silence while visiting this structure, as the experience is deeply reverent.
Booking Tickets and Managing the Crowd
The Vatican Museums are extremely popular and attract more than 6 million visitors every year. Naturally, as a visitor, you should plan ahead to book your tickets and manage the crowd.
The entry lines are notoriously long and you can skip them if you book online in advance through the official website of the Vatican Museums or through authorized resellers. If you want to avoid peak crowds, choose entry slots during the early morning or in the late afternoon.
You can appreciate the artistic and historical context of the exhibits fully, through an audio guide or a guided tour, which is particularly recommended to first-timer visitors.
Choose a small group tour if you are especially interested in art history. You can get more time to explore all the important areas, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. If you want a more exclusive experience, you can go for the “Vatican Museums by Night” tours that are offered occasionally during the summer season.
Practical Visitor Guidelines
It is important for you to follow a proper dress code when you plan to come here. You should dress in modest attire. Avoid wearing revealing clothes, putting on shorts that end above the knee or sleeveless tops.
Security is a top priority here. All visitors have to go through metal detectors before they are allowed an entry inside. You cannot take large bags along and have to store them in cloakrooms.
Accessibility is not a problem here, as the museums can be accessed by wheelchair-bound persons too. In most areas, you can find lifts available for convenience.
Final Reflections
If you have always wondered about what the Vatican City is like, it is time that you pack your bags and actually make a visit to the place to explore it personally. You can explore the best of human creativity when you come here, as this place is indeed an essential stop for every traveler who loves beauty and appreciates history.
