Are you on holiday in Rome and are you planning to visit the Pope’s city? Here are all the tips on what to see in the Vatican! Although Vatican City is, in fact, the smallest sovereign state in the world, on its 0.44 km², there are some of the most beautiful attractions and monuments of Rome, Italy, and, we can well say, the world!
This is why it is worth spending a whole day between St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. In fact, if you intend to see everything the Vatican offers, one day will likely not be enough, and you should consider dedicating at least two days to it. Below, then, we will recommend what to visit in the Vatican, hoping to help you better organize your visit.
St. Peter’s Square
Majestic and imposing, St. Peter’s Square welcomes you to the Vatican City. It is the real beating heart of this corner of Rome and is one of those places that should be seen at least once in a lifetime. Walking around here will give you the feeling of being really tiny and insignificant in the face of so much beauty and solemnity.
St. Peter’s Square is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture and town planning. The square comprises two distinct parts (one in the shape of an inverted trapezoid and one with a round ovate) for a total area of over 47,000 square meters. Just think that 300,000 people can be hosted on its surface together!
The two spaces are joined together through four colonnades of 284 columns and 88 pillars, supporting an architrave with 96 marble statues. No description can do justice to the charm of this place, and only once there will you be able to truly understand that feeling of wonder anyone in St. Peter’s Square talks about.
The history of what is one of the most famous squares in Rome and Italy is long and complex; you just need to know, however, that what we see now is the result of Bernini’s project that built it between 1656 and 1667.
The Vatican Grottoes
Inside the Basilica, just below the central nave, are the Vatican Grottoes. This place is located about 3 meters below the main pavement of the church and has a barely visible entrance. This means that, unfortunately, many visitors do not notice its existence and do not visit it.
In reality, it is one of the most important places to visit in the Vatican: here, there are the tombs of the popes and even the Tomb of St. Peter. During your visit, if you do not find the entrance to the Vatican Grottoes, ask an employee inside the Basilica to point it out.
If you think you might be interested in a guided Vatican tour, take a look at this one which includes the tour of the Vatican Grottoes and the ascent to the Dome: it is one of the most popular tours of the Vatican.
The Dome
“Er Cupolone,” as St. Peter’s Dome is called in Rome, is another of the places that must be included in the advice on what to see in the Vatican! It is, in fact, one of the symbols of the city of Rome and our entire country.
The Dome of St. Peter is one of the most impressive masonry roofs ever built: it has an internal diameter of about 42 meters. It brings the overall height of the Basilica, from the base to the top, to over 130 meters!
The original design of the “Cupolone” was by Michelangelo, who worked on it until the year of his death in 1564.
From inside the Basilica, you can admire the Dome and its frescoes from below, but our suggestion is to climb to the top to enjoy one of the best views of the Eternal City. Believe us, the effort of the climb will be absolutely worth it!
There are two possibilities to reach the Dome:
- Go on foot (about 550 steps).
- Take the lift for a while.
- Take the last steps on foot (about 320).
Indeed the first choice is the most tiring, and we recommend it only if you feel fit!
Conclusion
Suppose you plan on getting a Vatican tour to see the aesthetic buildings or experience the best Rome food tour. In that case, getting a tour guide will help you ease all the events you plan to have. Carpe Diem Rome is the best bet to help you get the experience of a lifetime.
