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Visiting Vatican City in Rome!

by Nadeen
June 27, 2018
A A
Visiting Vatican City in Rome! Take a look inside the Vatican Walls & get tourist tips for visiting Vatican City, St.Peter's Basilica & the Sistine Chapel.
This post contains affiliate links. However, all opinions expressed here are original. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll receive a slight commission which helps me keep this information available to you. Thanks!

Have you ever wondered what it is like visiting Vatican City in Rome? Yes, Vatican tours can include crowds and long lines but there is also the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica, the awe inspiring ceiling of the Sistine chapel and people from all walks of life gathered in one place to peacefully take it all in. I have had the good fortune of visiting Vatican City twice and since it is Easter time I would like to share my experiences with you.

vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,

Before I begin, here are a few facts you should know before visiting Vatican City in Rome.

  • Vatican City is an independent walled off city within Rome that is about 110 acres and has a population in the 800s.
  • It is an “ecclesiastical” state ruled by the head of the Catholic Church-The Pope.
  • The points of interest within Vatican City are St. Peter’s square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel.
  • Vatican City’s economy is supported by the sale of tourist items and fees for admission.
  • There is a dress code for entering the Basilica and the museums. Wear long pants or ladies medium length skirts/dresses and cover your shoulders.

(fyi-my first time visiting Vatican City in Rome was ten years ago so please excuse the quality of some of the photographs)

vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
Waiting outside the Vatican Walls.

My first opportunity for visiting Vatican City in Rome came in 2005 when my friends and I planned an 8 day multi-city tour of Italy which included visiting Vatican City through Vatican tours. We were fortunate in that our Vatican tours guide had arranged our tickets in advance. I remember the wait outside the Vatican walls still being long but we were filled with anticipation and excitement! Once inside we saw massive crowds of people in St. Peter’s square. There were several other Vatican tours, the guides leading groups while holding different colored umbrellas. Visiting Vatican City tip: pay attention to Vatican tours and stick with your group and guide or you will have a very difficult them finding them in Vatican City!

St. Peter’s square is a large common area filled with gift shops, food vendors and yes tourists! I was also struck by the Obelisk at the center of the square. It was transported to Rome from Egypt in 37 A.D.! It is the location of the crucifixion of St. Peter and the ball on the top of the obelisk is said to contain pieces of the True Cross and ashes of Julius Caesar.

vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
The Egyptian Obelisk in St.Peter’s Square.

Once inside Vatican City we were escorted into St. Peter’s Basilica. Most (if not all) Vatican tours include a stop at the Basilica. The Basilica is filled with religious sculptures and works of art. My favorite was the “Pieta” by Michelangelo. The Renaissance sculpture who is also responsible for the “David” statue found in Florence. He was also responsible for the design of the dome of the basilica. The Pieta is made of marble and depicts Jesus Christ lying in the lap of the Virgin Mary after the crucifixion.

vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
The dome of St.Peter’s Basilica
vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
Michelangelo’s Pieta inside St.Peter’s Basilica.

While visiting Vatican City we were led down elaborated decorated hallways and stairwells of the Vatican museums before finally entering the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling was painted by Michelangelo and I wish I had pictures to show you but they were not allowed! (see below). The ceiling contains scenes depicting God’s creation of the World, God’s relationship with Mankind and Mankind’s Fall from God’s Grace.

vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
View of a ceiling in the Vatican museum
vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
A hallway ceiling on the way to the Sistine Chapel

Last fall I had the opportunity to visit Rome again while on a Mediterranean Cruise. Visiting Vatican City was an excursion option (this is a different way to find Vatican tours) and I was so happy to return almost 10 years later. Although we did not have advance tickets to enter St. Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel (and the line to enter was very long!), I did enjoy the Vatican tours’ reminding me of the incredible history of St. Peter’s square and the buildings that are included within. Be sure to visit the gift shops, eat some gelato and bask in all its glory.

vatican tours, vatican city information, visiting the vatican,
In St.Peter’s Square last fall!

Here are a few other tips for visiting Vatican City in Rome on your own Vatican tours.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings for papal audiences.
  • To catch a glimpse of the Pope be there at noon on Sundays or go to the Wednesday service. Be sure to get a ticket at least one day before. Papal appearances may vary during the winter and summer months.
  • The Vatican museums are closed on Sundays and holidays. It is open and free on the last Sunday of the month.
  • You do not need to be part of a guided tour to enter the museums or St. Peter’s Basilica. However, expect to wait long hours during busy tourism months.
  • You are not supposed to speak while in the Sistine Chapel. Taking photos are also not allowed. The guards are watching you! Take the time you have to stare up at this ceiling in complete awe and amazement at Michelangelo’s work!

I hope you have enjoyed visiting Vatican City in Rome via Vatican tours! Have you been there? Are you planning a trip there? If so click here for more information and share your thoughts with us below!

Before you go, enjoy my other post this week in honor of Easter- “Cathedrals in the World Worth Traveling To” AND stay tuned for the Good Friday post on “Easter in Rome: A Cross, the Coliseum and the Vatican”



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Tags: italyRomesistine chapelst.peter's basilicavatican cityvatican city informationvatican toursvisiting the vatican
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Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

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Comments 19

  1. LaShawn says:
    8 years ago

    I’ve been to the Vatican once, when I was 14. Even though it was 25 years ago, i still remember how beautiful it all was! I can’t wait to go back some day!

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      LaShawn I agree! Few places like it!

  2. Michelle says:
    8 years ago

    Wonderful post. I am inspired to return to Vatican City. I cannot believe it has been 10 years since my last visit.

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Thanks Michelle! I hope you make it back soon!

  3. Holly says:
    8 years ago

    I loved Vatican City! I actually went on the Wednesday and got some great pictures and videos of the Pope. He is certainly the Pope of the people. People were taking pictures in the Sistine Chapel and getting scolded. I could have got a picture, but my mom said if I did and they found out, she doesn’t know me lol. So I refrained. I also bought some rosaries from the nuns.

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Holly that must have been amaziing to see and take pics of the Pope! I didnt risk it in the chapel! lol

  4. [email protected] says:
    8 years ago

    How cool for you to be able to return to such a historic site a decade later. I have always wanted to see the Sistene Chapel. side note: With technology being the way that it is, I am sure people are finding ways to photograph it but its nice to know they are trying to keep it somewhat “sacred”

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Jaye I am sure you are right. Taking pics will lessen the paintings on this precious gem so I hope they are able to preserve it!

  5. caroline says:
    8 years ago

    The photos are great! I’ve always wanted to visit the Vatican. Love your write up.
    xo
    styleontheside.com

    • NADEEN WHITE says:
      8 years ago

      Thank you Caroline! I hope you get there soon!

  6. [email protected] says:
    8 years ago

    Thanks for a lovely travelogue post – I really enjoyed it : )

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Thank you Anna! I am glad you enjoyed it!

  7. RobRob says:
    8 years ago

    Great post! We absolutely loved the Vatican when we visited last summer. We did a tour to get into the Sistine Chapel before the museums open, and it was just amazing! Totally worth the price – especially since we also got to skip the lines to get in! The one tip I’d give people is to plan more time than you think you’ll need, especially if you like museums – there is SO much to see! Thanks for sharing your visit.

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Than k you Rob Rob! Great advice about giving yourself a lot of time and being able to skip the lines!

  8. Scarlett says:
    6 years ago

    Hii
    Great Post!
    It is absolutely true that Vatican is the best place to visit.It has,its history.Pictures,that are displayed on the ceiling of Vatican museum are amazing.

    Thanks ,for sharing this valuable information with us.

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      Your welcome Scarlett! I am glad you found it helpful!

  9. Agness of Etramping says:
    5 years ago

    Vatican City is truly charming and definitely worth exploring. Your guide and tips are so practical and useful, Nadeen! Plus, your pictures left me speechless. Do you have any tips on how to avoid the crowds or that’s not even possible? 🙂

    • Nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Thank you! I am thinking wintertime would be less busy and also early morning.

  10. Ron says:
    5 years ago

    Thank you, Madam !

    “Rome, thou art a whole world, it is true, and yet without love this
    World would not be the world, Rome would cease to be Rome….”

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