Saint Peter’s Dome is one of the most visible landmarks in Rome. It was designed by Michelangelo, but it was Giacomo della Porta who finished its construction in 1593, after Michelangelo‘s death. At 136 m high, Michelangelo’s dome is the tallest in the world. The total number of steps to climb is 551 and even if you take the lift, you will still have 320 steps to go.
Continue reading “Saint Peter’s Dome Rome”Vatican City
Together with the Colosseum, the Vatican City is the most important tourist attraction in Rome. Due to the abundance of must-see attractions here, it is recommended to spend at least one day exploring this top tourist sight. The main highlights are St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens.
Vatican City Rome
Useful information
There are some things you might want to know before visiting the Vatican City. Not all of its attractions have the same opening times, or even days. We created a special page for the opening times and ticket price of St. Peter’s Basilica, and another one for the Vatican Museums. The Omnia Vatican & Roma Pass does give you fast track access, but it is also expensive. Read about the pros and cons of the Omnia Pass before you purchase it. Once a week, the Pope gives an audience, for which a (free) ticket is mandatory.
St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) is the only part of the Vatican that is not protected by the city walls. The most striking aspects are Bernini’s welcoming Colonnade and the two symmetrical fountains.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but the lines are sometimes very long. Once you are through security, you will enter the atrium and then the church itself. Highlights are many and include the Baldachin, the Pietà and the Cupola. Once you are inside, you can also visit the latter. Remember that there is a dress code.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
There is separate entrance for the Vatican Museums, of which the Sistine Chapel is the uncontested highlight. It is recommended (and, during the Covid-crisis, obligatory) to book in advance. Read up first, so that you know which parts you might be most interested in, because there is so much to see that one day is not even enough. The Pinacoteca and Raphael’s Rooms are a must for everyone, though.
Vatican Gardens, Necropolis and St. Peter’s Tomb
The Vatican Gardens take up the biggest part of the grounds inside the Vatican. Reservations are obligatory. It is also possible to visit the Necropolis underneath the basilica and to see St. Peter’s Tomb.
Baldachin St. Peter’s Basilica Rome
The baldachin between the four pillars right underneath the cupola of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is one of the most famous works of art inside the church. Continue reading “Baldachin St. Peter’s Basilica Rome”
Columns St. Peter’s Basilica Rome
The four columns in the middle of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome support the enormous cupola, which is located directly above the tomb of Saint Peter himself. Continue reading “Columns St. Peter’s Basilica Rome”
Vatican Necropolis Rome
The necropolis underneath the central nave of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome contains the tombs of Saint Peter, plus another 11 Popes. It consists of a dirt road, lined with monuments an ending in the small square where Saint Peter’s tomb is located. This necropolis can only be visited by making a reservation through the website of the Vatican itself.
Continue reading “Vatican Necropolis Rome”FAQ Vatican City
The FAQ most often asked by tourists about to visit the Vatican City in Rome are the following. Is there a dress code for the church and/or the museums? If so, what is it? Do we need to take our passport to the Vatican City? Is it possible to avoid the queue at the Vatican Museums? If I don’t want to pay extra for a reservation, when is the best time to go (avoiding the queues). How can I get an audience with the Pope?
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