The Vatican City is the Catholic world’s ornate centrepiece, a microstate replete with ancient history, enchanting artworks and stunning architecture.
But you don’t have to be pious to enjoy this serene escape from Rome’s hustle, as its glorious designs and masterpieces could inspire even the biggest non-believer’s senses!
The Vatican City is free to enter, allowing you to meander the likes of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square without dropping a dime.
However, if you want to see the Vatican’s starring attractions: the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, you will have to pay around 15 Euros. This is obviously worth it, of course, as why on Earth would you visit the Vatican City and not marvel upon the likes of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement or the Vatican Museum’s masterpieces?
These are the joys that await you in the ever-impressive Vatican City:
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, apart from being one of the most luxuriously-constructed cathedrals in the world, is full of fascinating exhibits inside its hallowed walls.
To begin with, the basilica is home to Bernini’s Baldachin, a miraculously intricate work that marks the location of the eponymous St. Peter’s tomb below. Below where, exactly? In the Vatican necropolis, of course!
This is where many of the Catholic Church’s important figures were buried over time, including Peter, who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Nero. All this makes for fascinating wandering, as you make your way through the catacombs and back up into the vibrant basilica!
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is famous for its wondrous ceiling, which features the unbelievably gorgeous The Last Judgement. Craning your neck and gazing up to the ceiling, you will see the remnants of a time where masters perfected their craft to the most finite point and dedicated their lives to outstanding beauty.
There is no other masterpiece in the world like The Last Judgement – we implore you to challenge this!
The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, of which the Sistine Chapel is adjoined, is home to some 70,000 masterpieces from the Renaissance’s greats. The likes of the aforementioned Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael and Carravagio all feature in the collection, making it completely worthwhile for any art lover!
Vatican Gardens
Finish the day off with a stroll through the lush Vatican Gardens, the perfect place to refresh after so much beauty has perhaps overwhelmed your senses.
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