Spread over only 0.44 square kilometers, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world famous all over the world for its beauty. It shares its borders with Rome and is known to be the holiest place in all of Europe. It has many religious and cultural sites, especially pertaining to the Catholic Community and is the home of the Pope, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. Exploring the many architectural wonders and catholic centers in the Vatican City shall instill a sense of calm and peace in your soul. Which is why we have listed some of the best places to visit in Vatican City here so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
10 Places To Visit In Vatican City
Here are the 10 most popular tourist sites in the Vatican City that you must not miss out on during your trip to Europe. All these places in Vatican City are located at a walking distance from each other.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
In Italian, the place is known as ‘Basilica di San Pietro in the Vatican’. According to the Catholic tradition, this large church is believed to be the place where Saint Peter was buried. He was among one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. St. Peter’s Basilica has about 100 tombs within its campus. This place is especially famous as a pilgrimage place. The design of the church is worth a visit along with its history. And that is the reason why it tops the list of famous places to visit in Vatican City.
Best time to visit: April to September
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
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2. Sistine Chapel
Second on the list of best places to visit in Vatican city, Sistine Chapel was constructed between 1473 to 1481. It is a rectangular shaped brick building which is famous for the paintings on its ceiling. This place is the official residence of the Pope. And, is also used for the election of a new Pope by the Sacred College of Cardinals. The place is worth a visit for those who are fond of art and travelling. This place is favourite among the list of famous places to visit in Vatican City.
Best time to visit: May to October
Entry fee: 16€ (adults) | 8€ (children and students)
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3. Vatican Garden
Vatican Gardens are considered as one of the most beautiful gardens in Rome. Here is an amalgamation of bushes, flowers and trees which makes this place worth a visit. Due to acceptance of a few reservations a day, the garden is not that crowded. One can explore the place for 1-2 hour. This place lies between Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, so, it is just a walking distance away.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: 30€
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4. Vatican Necropolis
The place is one of the best tourist places to visit in Vatican City. This place is situated under the Vatican City. It is located on a depth of 5-12 metres below the St. Peter’s Basilica. It was found in an archaeological excavation in the year 1940-1949. Necropolis does not allow more than 250 people to visit the place so the history lovers are advised to go at prime time to get the maximum out of it. It is located adjacent to Vatican Museum so a walk of a few minutes is required to reach.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
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5. Museo Chiaramonti
Museo Chiaramonti was inaugurated in 1807 by a sculptor named Canova. The museum is given this name after pope Pius VII Chiaramonti. It joins the Palace of Belvedere to the Vatican Palaces. It has about 1000 antique sculptures of the Roman portrait. Art lovers often visit this place as they find it full of art and ancient culture. And thus, it joins the list of top places to visit in Vatican City. You simply have to walk by the streets of Vatican Museum to reach Museo Chiaramonti.
Open till: 4 PM
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6. Vatican Library
It is one of the oldest libraries in the whole world and it contains a collection of historical texts. About 1.1 million printed books along with 75,000 codices are present in the library. It is a type of research library for history, philosophy, law and science. So, the place is especially for readers and researchers. This place can be visited to boost up the knowledge.
Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM
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7. Pinacoteca
This place is a construction of architect Luca Beltrami for Pius XI. This place was inaugurated on 27 October 1932. It is famous for the sculptures it has on its walls. It contains the painting which is said to be the central area of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. The beautiful paintings here attract tourists to visit it at least once. The place is inside the Vatican Museum so it is just a walking distance from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
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8. Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum was founded by Pope Gregory XI in 1839, and that is the reason why it is also known as the Gregorian Egyptian Museum. The museum has nine different rooms having different sculptures which are dedicated to various personalities or events. It has sculptures showing reliefs of ancient Assyria. The place is worth a visit for those who love to see art and culture. It is located at a walking distance from St. Peter’s Square.
Timings: 9 AM – 11 PM
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9. Saint Peter’s Square
This is one of the top rated destinations from the table of places to visit in Vatican City. This place is said to be the heart of the Vatican City. Saint Peter’s Square was designed by Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This place can hold about 4,00,000 people at a time. And that is the reason why the Pope artanes his Papal audience at this place. It is the most visited place in Vatican City as everyone goes to visit this place and to capture its beauty in their memories.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
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10. The Colosseum
The colosseum or the ‘Flavian Amphitheatre’ is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world and only this is enough for the place to attract tourists. The Colosseum is the beauty of ancient Roman architecture and masonry. It is perhaps the largest amphitheatre ever constructed. It has seen both the rise and destruction of the Roman Empire. It is just a 15 minutes taxi ride from Vatican City.
Best time to visit: After 3 PM
Entry fee: 12€
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What are you still waiting for? Pack your bags and fly away to Europe to witness all these fascinating places to visit in Vatican City. Dive into the ocean of knowledge and history at this holy center of Catholicism in the world and tell us all about your holiday experience once you’re back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Vatican City
How to reach Vatican City?
The metro and buses in Rome are the best ways to reach Vatican City.
Is one allowed to click photos in Sistine Chapel?
No, tourists are not allowed to click pictures inside the Sistine Chapel.
What is the climate of Vatican City?
The average temperature in Vatican City varies from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. It mostly has a pleasant weather that will allow you to step out and see all these charming places with ease.
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Ekta believes that unless you are not riding on a wave you are not living at all. She is a foodie and loves binge-watching Game of Thrones. When she’s not living her dream you can find her in the kitchen cooking.
