The Vatican, the smallest country in the world, has around 1000 permanent residents squeezed into an area of 44 hectares (108 acres) surrounded by Rome. It became an independent country through a treaty with Italy in 1929. There are two main reasons people visit the Vatican: to see St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, and the incredible collections in the Vatican Museums. Beneath the surface, there’s also a hidden Vatican waiting to be explored.
Our first glimpse of the Vatican was unforgettable. St. Peter’s Square, the grand entrance to Vatican City, is an amazing urban attraction. In December, it features a massive Christmas tree and a Nativity scene. We were fortunate to witness the unveiling of that year’s scene during our visit.
St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is a standout example of Baroque art and architecture in Rome. The square, constructed from 1656 to 1667, sits in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and features a 40-meter tall Egyptian obelisk and a fountain by Carlo Maderno. The impressive colonnades, lined with marble pillars and statues of religious saints, add to its grandeur.
Within Vatican City, we encountered the Pontifical Swiss Guard in their colorful, Renaissance-inspired uniforms. Contrary to popular belief, these uniforms were not designed by Michelangelo but were typical of that era.
We avoided long lines for the museums by booking a tour through the Omnia Pass, which included a fantastic English-speaking guide. After reserving our time online, we secured our guide at the Omnia office in St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican Museums, among the world’s most significant museums, have a strict dress code. These museums house incredible artworks commissioned and protected by Popes. Given their vastness, our guide focused on the highlights. In the Octagonal Courtyard, we saw famous statues like Apollo Belvedere, the Laocoön group, and Perseus with the head of Medusa by Antonio Canova.
For those who love history and geography, the Gallery of Maps, leading to the Sistine Chapel, is one of the most fascinating parts of the Vatican Museums. Named after maps commissioned by Pope Gregorius XIII and painted by Egnazio Danti, the gallery features detailed maps of Italy showing regions divided by the Apennine Mountains, with views of 16th-century Italian ports completing the series.
Our museum route took us to the Sistine Chapel, where the Conclave elects the new Pope. The Chapel, named after Pope Sixtus IV, showcases Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling, painted between 1508 and 1512, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis and other biblical stories. Murals by Sandro Botticelli also adorn the walls.
In 1533, Michelangelo painted the Last Judgement, positioned above the altar. The fresco focuses on the figure of Christ, with all action centered around him. Photography is not allowed in the Chapel, and visitors must remain silent out of respect.
St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the tomb of St. Peter around 320 by Emperor Constantine, is Rome’s largest and most famous church. It features sculptures, architecture, and mosaics but no paintings. Access to the Dome gives spectacular views of Vatican City and Rome, especially as day turns to night. The Dome, the tallest in the world at 136.57 meters high, was designed by great artists like Donato Bramante and Michelangelo.
As a crucial site for the Roman Catholic faith, St. Peter’s is central to Rome’s history and culture, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Its dome, gilt and marble interior, and art and architecture make it a remarkable sight.
Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, you can visit the tombs of former popes and dignitaries, including the Tomb of St. Peter, the foundation of the Basilica. Excavations begun in 1940 revealed parts of a Roman-era Necropolis, adding more historical layers to explore.
This preserved Necropolis, lying 5 to 12 meters below the Basilica, is like a “City of the Dead,” showing the ancient structures beneath the present Basilica. The tour ends at the supposed grave of Apostle Peter. Due to limited space and conservation efforts, visitor numbers are restricted, and tours must be booked in advance. Photography is also not permitted.
Saul Schwartz lives in Alexandria, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. He enjoys traveling throughout Europe with his family, engaging with locals, and learning about their cultures. He has visited numerous European cities and shared his experiences through various contributions.
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