Rome – The Vatican City Roma – Leading Sightseeing Places / Landmarks In The Vatican City Roma Italy
including information on meeting the Pope at Papal Audiences
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Rome – The Vatican City Guide & The Holy See – Roma
For information on other attractions in Rome see our Rome Attractions Page
Important Note Legally the Vatican City and The Holy See are two separate entities.
The State of the Vatican City (Stato della Città del Vaticano) is an independent sovereign state within the city of Rome. Its independent status (granted by Rome’s Government in 1929) is physically recognizable by the wall that surrounds the enclave. It size is about one fifth on a square mile or about 110 acres in which less than a thousand people live. Statistically it is the smallest sovereign state in the world in size and population.
The Head of State is the Bishop of Rome more commonly referred to as the Pope. He appoints Cardinals to serve on the state’s legislative authority the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State. The Commission serves a five year term and elects its own President who is supported by a General Secretary and his deputy. Deputy General Secretary. Despite it small size it has its own diplomatic service which has an ‘observer’ at the United Nations. It’s army is the Swiss Guard. The enclave also includes a Television station radio statIon, helicopter port and post office. It also issues it own passports. It has a special treaty with the European Union which allows to use the € as its of currency but the treaty bars it from issuing it own euro notes. It is allowed to issue a limited number of euro coins.
It is economy is dependant on the charitable donations of Catholics the world over. These donations which began in England are sometimes refereed to as ‘Peter’s Pence. Other income comes from the sale of religious books, stamps, museum admission fees and souvenirs. For more information on the Vatican see their website .
Dress Code For The St Peters Basilica Vatican City
There is a strict dress code for people going into St. Peter’s Basilica. Shorts, skirts above the knee and bare shoulders are not permitted. Anyone dressed inappropriately will be refused admission. In some instances and when available the guards may offer you a blue full length cape – similar to patients hospital wear.
The Basilica of Saint Peter (Basilica did San Pietro in Vaticano) above is often referred to as St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s international status as the greatest Catholic church is undeniable. It is a landmark visible throughout Rome. According to Catholic tradition it is the burial site of the Apostle St Peter who’s tomb underneath its altar. It has also been the burial place of numerous Popes. However the Basilica of St John Lateran has the faith’s highest status in church terms as it is officially the Pope’s cathedral. There have several churches on this site since the 4th century AD. The Basilica of Saint Peter was consummated in 1626 – 120 years after its construction began. For many its history and association with papacy mean that its a place of pilgrimage. For others it’s attraction is the work of Michelangelo who designed it’s dome.
Now days it is often the place where chosen by Popes to address international audiences. Location St Peters Square Vatican City Rome. For more info see its website.
Saint Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) is directly outside St. Peter’s Basilica. The space in the foreground was redesigned over an 11 year period starting in 1656 by the architect Bernini who was commissioned Pope Alexander V11. The commission centered around enabling the Pope to bless those in St Peters Square from the front of the church or a window in the Vatican Palace which was situated to its right on when approaching the main entrance. Bernini also had to accommodate an existing obelisk and formalize the somewhat chaotic appearance of the square. He achieved this using colonnades and paving stones that radiated out from the centre of the square.
Vatican Tourist Office (Left hand side of Saint Peter’s Square as you face St Peters Tel. 06 69881662), Opens Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 6:30pm. Useful resource that has maps and guides you purchase if you are planning to visit the museums in the Vatican. Also takes bookings for tours of the Vatican Gardens (see below).
Vatican Gardens The Vatican Gardens date back to the 13th century when Nicholas III planted an orchard (pomerium), a lawn (pratellum) and a garden (viridarium) – the first garden of the Vatican. Today it is impossible to miss the perfume of the imposing the camphor tree (Cinnamomum glanduliferum Meissn.) as you enter the spacious French Garden. Its red rock paths are martialed with ancient terracotta pots bearing the papal coat of arms and filled with stunning azaleas. Nearby are some rarely
found trees including two ‘Dawn Redwoods’ and an olive tree. Many of these trees have been donated by diplomatic visitors. Vatican Garden website.
Museums In The Vatican
Those that love classic paintings and artifacts by any artist are guaranteed to find an exhibition here that is second to none anywhere else in the world. Those that are critical of the wealth of Catholic Church whilst so many of the faithful live in absolute poverty will probably leave with high blood pressure but both schools will be lost for words. The Vatican collection of Art Treasures was started by Pope Julius II in 1503. Since then successive Popes have commissioned or purchased paintings of their choice by the world’s greatest masters.
Today this collection, it works and the history behind them, is worthy of its own website as it sheer size makes viewing and fully appreciating it on one day impossible. Having said that the displays in the separate museums are categorized and there is a one way style route that enables you to prioritize your viewing. it is usually possible to borrow a wheelchair – they are not bookable but if you telephone 06 6988 3860 you can check before you set out if there are any available. In the meanwhile here is a very brief resume of the most notable collections:
The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina above) is the one of the worlds most famous chapels and for many the most beautiful. The Chapel origins date back to 1368 was known as the Cappella Magna. In 1477 it was restored by Pope Sixtus 1V which is where it’s present name is derived from. Its architecture includes contributions from the Renaissance greatest artists – Bernini Botticelli Raphael Sandro and Michelangelo. The latter was commissioned in 1508 by Pope Julius 11 to paint the chapel’s 1,100 square metre ceiling a project which took four years to complete. The outcome is widely acclaimed as Michelangelo’s greatest work . The Chapel also contain Frescoe panels showing the life of Moses and Christ painted by Botticelli Domenico Ghirlandaio Pietro Perugino and Sandro. Works include: the Creation of Sun, Moon and Planets, the Creation of Adam, the Creation of Eve, the Temptation, the Expulsion from Paradise and the Last Judgment.
Officially it is the residence of the Pope, and the conclave in which the College of Cardinals gather to select each successive Pope. In the roof of the chapel their is a chimney at the foot of which ballot papers are burnt. If after voting no candidate has the necessary two thirds support to become the new Pope the ballot papers are burnt in a way that sends up black smoke signaling the election process is continuing. If a candidate is successful chemicals are added to the ballot papers to turn the smoke white to let outsiders know a pope has been chosen. For more information on this Chapel see the Vatican Museums.
The Raphael Rooms Stanze di Raffaello, Loggia di Raffaello & Cappella di Niccolò V
The four Raphael Rooms as they are known began life as part of Pope Nicholas V’s palace. He commissioned the young Raphael at 26 years to decorate them as he wished. The first room the Study (Stanza della Segnatura) represented Raphaels interest in all things philosophical namely – the triumph of Truth, Good and Beauty. The most famous work here is the School of Athens fresco, which features amongst others Plato as Leonardo, Heraclitus as Michelangelo. with Raphael’s appearing as himself!
His next entrance was in the Stanza di Eliodoro where he frescoed with The Expulsion of Heliodorus depicting God saving the temple in Jerusalem from the thieving hands of Heliodorus. This work was used to illustrate the care and love of God for his Popes.
The third call was the Dining Room (Stanza dell’Incendio), The room commemorates for the Fire in the Borgo, which Pope Leo IV is said to have extinguished by making the the sign of the cross. In this work also is an image of the first church of St Peter.
Finally in 1517 Raphael began work on The Reception Room (Sala di Constantino) which was to represent the Catholic Church’s victory over paganism. Raphael died in 1520 but the room was completed four years later by Giulio Romano using Raphael’s sketched designs. Those that know better than us recommend viewing the rooms in the order they were painted.
Pinacoteca. A Gallery inspired by by Pius VI which proudly displays pictures once stolen from the Church by Napoleon. Notable works from the 18th & 19th centuries include Giotto’s Stefaneschi Triptych, Caravaggio’s Entombment, St Jerome by Leonardo da Vinci and The Transfiguration the last ever work of Raphael. It also has a number of works from the early days of the Byzantine School complimented by some French and Dutch masters.
Appartamento Borgia commonly called ‘ Borgia Rooms’ after the late 15th century Pope of the same name offers a series of fresco’s many depicting biblical themes by Pinturicchio.
Galleria Chiaramonte features work by the 19th century sculptor Canova who replicated many original Roman statues – the most famous here being the Resting Satyr Praxiteles.
Gallerie dei Candelabri & degli Arazzi Marble Roman statutes, a sea of candelabra and ten magnificent (and very large) tapestries by Pieter van Aelst based on Raphael’s cartoons.
Galleria delle Carte Geographic Bored and anti-sedent children may find Pope Gregory XIII’s fascination for astronomy intriguing in this long gallery representing Italy’s geography.
Museo Egiziano The 19th century rooms of Pope Gregory XV1 dedicated to Egyptian Art might also appeal to the kids – the mummies might bring their interest to life – scary.
Museo Pio-Clementino Two 18th century popes Clement XIV & Pius VI are responsible for the worlds biggest statue collection including the Belvedere Torso from the 1st century BC.
Also worthy of a visit is the Pio Cristiano Museum which houses an intriguing collection of early Christian antiques. The exhibits are mainly sarcophagi carvings of biblical scenes.
Vatican Museums (Musei vaticani) Additional Information
Address Viale del Vaticano Telephone 06 6988 3333 Nearest Metro stations Cipro–Musei Vaticani or Ottaviano. Buses us 23, 32, 34, 49, 81, 492 or Tram 19. Opening Hours Mar to – Oct 10am – 4.45pm Monday -Friday & Saturdays 10am -2.45pm Sat. Nov-Feb .10am-1.45pm Monday – Saturday. Note Last entry one hour and a quarter before the closing time. Free Admission: On the last Sunday of each month throughout the year between 9am-1.45pm. Closed on all Catholic holidays. Daily Admission Charges Circa €13; €8 students under 26 years.Vatican Museums (Musei vaticani) website
Papal Audiences At St Peters Rome
On Wednesdays, usually at 10am, if he is in Rome beginning the Pope gives public audiences. The audience with the Pope normally takes place in the Paul VI Hall of Audiences. These audiences are open to anyone provided they obtain a free ticket in advance. These tickets can be obtained from
The Papal Household, access via the Bronze Door in St. Peter’s Square by the Bronze Door, The door is at the beginning of the right hand colonnade on the right when you face the basilica. The office opens from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm, but tickets may not always be available on Wednesdays. On rare occasions if there is space available you may be allowed into the audience without a ticket.
Alternatively you may obtain tickets in advance of your visit by writing to the ‘Prefecture of the Papal Household, 00120 Città del Vaticano Rome (Telephone. 06 69883114). In your letter give the dates of your visit, the number of people with you and your preferred language. Also include the details of your hotel where possible as the tickets are normally sent there the day before your visit.
American Catholics are asked to apply to the North American College, Via dell’Umiltà 30, 00187 Roma (Telephone.06 690011) – and include a introductory letter from their Priest.
