What is the first thing that crosses your mind when someone mentions Italy’s wonderful capital, Rome?
Some of you will say Colosseum, then there are those who will immediately think of Fontana di Trevi and many other landmarks.
But if you ask us, Vatican City will be the first thing that will come to our mind. Although it’s the smallest country in the world, it’s most definitely one of the most popular places, not only in Italy but the entire world.
And if you do not believe us, then just browse the web to see the pictures of millions and millions of tourists all across the globe waiting in line to see it.
Planning to visit too? We’re sharing the top Vatican city landmarks that you shouldn’t miss!
Let’s Start With Mesmerizing Vatican Gardens
If you ask us how we imagine heaven to look like, this would be our answer.
Vatican Gardens, also known as the Gardens of Vatican City represent a bunch of parks and gardens that cover half of the state.
Shockingly, they cover more than twenty hectares and consist of various, sensational monuments, medieval fortifications, and buildings, which date from the 9th century.
If you dig a bit deeper, you will run into sumptuous fountains, marvelous flowers, and oaks.
Aside from that, you will also get the opportunity to lay your eyes on the phenomenal sculptures, along with artificial grottoes that are dedicated to Madonna.
Nothing Without St. Peter’s Basilica
Without a doubt, one of the most famous and visited attractions in the eternal city is St. Peter’s Basilica.
You simply cannot go to this capital, without visiting this spectacular landmark. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in God, or what your religion is, this work of art is certainly worth your time.
In this church, you will come across some of the most legendary works of art, including the only work that comes with Michelangelo’s signature. Besides that, you will run into a bronze baldachin that was made by Bernini and is very large.
It’s situated in the south part of the city, and it is so large that you will surely notice it. Speaking of Saint Peter’s Basilica, we would like to remind you that it’s one of the most visited landmarks in the Vatican City.
This means that it can frequently (if not always) be very crowded. However, if you opt for private Vatican tours, you just might be able to avoid huge crowds.
Not to mention the fact that in these instances, you’ll have your own professional guide, who’s going to provide you with the most important and useful information concerning this church, and every other place that’s part of this city.
The Vatican Mosaic Studio
Back in the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII decided to bring some of the most talented Venetian mosaic artists to the city with the goal of helping the Roman craftsmen hone their skills. In addition, these people decorated some parts of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
And then, in 1727, the Vatican Mosaic Studio was officially blasted off in Vatican City, and ever since that happened, various gifted artists have focused on restoring over ten thousand square meters of mosaics in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Apart from that, they were also trying to create something original as well.
If you would like to have a souvenir that will remind you of this place, then you should know that you can purchase it in a store on-site. However, we would like to add that these mosaics are not very cost-effective.
Moving On To the Sistine Chapel
Those who have seen the Sistine Chapel will probably tell you that this is the place that everybody must see, at some point in their lives.
This comes as no surprise since it is considered to be one of the most crucial attractions of Vatican City.
Breathtaking frescoes are here to embellish its ceilings and walls. In case you didn’t know, these widely-known spectacular frescoes that you’ll notice in the Sistine Chapel were painted by one of the most renowned sculptures in the world, Michelangelo.
It took him roughly four years to finish them, and today, they are considered to be the foundation of High Renaissance art.
Apart from all these above-mentioned things, it’s worth mentioning that the chapel also has some of the most eminent works of art, like Botticelli’s Temptation of Christ, Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, etc.
The Heart Of The City – St. Peter’s Square
According to a lot of people, this is undoubtedly the heart of this city and one of the most essential landmarks in Italy.
It covers a vast area of the land and contains mesmerizing statues, a limitless line of Doric colonnades, and various other sensational buildings that make this place one of the most phenomenal squares, not only in this country but the entire world.
As previously mentioned, this is the heart of the Vatican City and a place where Peter the Apostle (who was the first Pope) was murdered. Both Saint Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica were named after him.
Furthermore, this phenomenal place hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, including a very popular one, the Papal Audience.
These events are normally dedicated to religion and attract millions of people from different parts of the world.
Don’t Forget The Vatican Museums
Another landmark that cannot be missed, is for sure the Vatican Museums, which consist of fifty-four separate collections.
Those who decide to pay them a visit will get the chance to see the famous works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, etc.
We were shocked (in the most positive way, of course) when we heard that the total value of this collection is more than $15 billion. So if this fact doesn’t stimulate you to come and explore these museums, we highly doubt that anything else will.
Lots of travelers from all over the world love seeing the Gallery of the Statues, the Gallery of the Maps, the Raphael Rooms, and the Vatican Historical Museum. These are the museums that must be part of your tour.
However, if by any chance, you have enough free time on your hands to visit all of them, then do not hesitate to do so. We promise you, you won’t regret it.
Unforgettable Raphael Rooms
Although you can pay a visit to them when going to the Sistine Chapel, for unknown reasons, a lot of tourists have a tendency to overlook them. That’s precisely one of the reasons why we decided to mention them today.
If you ask us (and we are sure that many people will share our opinion) these are included in the Vatican’s most important landmarks and something that shouldn’t be ignored.
So what do we know about the Raphael Rooms?
Namely, Pope Julius lived in them (from 1503 to 1513) because he simply didn’t want to live in the Borgia Apartments. How come? Well, that’s because one of his biggest rivals, Pope Alexander VI lived out there, and he wasn’t very fond of him (to say the least).
Moreover, these rooms were painted by Raphael, along with some of his most talented students somewhere between 1508 and 1524.
They are the Room of Heliodorus, the Room of Constantine, the Room of the Fire in the Borgo, and the Room of the Segnatura. So be sure to visit all of them whenever you decide to see the Raphael Rooms.
Be Blown Away By The Saint Peter’s Tomb
We assume that you have figured out by now that Vatican City is packed with various incredible landmarks. However, if you ask us, among the most pivotal ones, is by far this one.
St. Peter’s tomb is also known as the Tomb of the Dead, and the Vatican City Necropolis.
So what can we tell you about it? As the name suggests, it is the final resting place of the famous Peter, who passed away somewhere between 64 to 67 AD.
Over eighty years ago, the bones of an old man were uncovered in a box that was placed behind the wall.
Even though no one from the Vatican has ever stated that these are the bones of St. Peter, Pope Paul VI said that the entire identification process was pretty convincing.
Vibrant And Spectacular Prati
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different from anything that we previously mentioned, and a place that’s actually in the nearest vicinity of the Vatican, then you should definitely give Prati a go.
Even though this area is mostly residential, for those of you who are looking to have some fun, and visit some phenomenal nightclubs, this is a place to be.
What we generally love about this neighborhood, is the fact that it’s full of life and very vivid, yet, still pretty far away from the frequently tiresome hustle and bustle.
Who would have ever thought that the smallest country in the universe has so much to offer? As you can see, Vatican City is loaded with attractions that will make your entire trip to Italy even more memorable.