Visiting The Vatican City
About the Vatican City
Visiting the Vatican City is a “must do” when visiting the Rome Area of Italy. As the smallest country in the world in both land area and population, The Vatican serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and is the main attraction of The Vatican City. The original St. Peter’s Basilica was built during the 4th Century A.D. The present version of the Basilica was completed in 1626.
The Vatican City - Table of Contents
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Visiting The Vatican City's Museum
Next to the church is the Vatican Museum which contains artwork that has been collected by the various Popes throughout the Vatican’s history. The museum is open to the public and admission is free. Between touring the Basilica and the museum, I spent about six hours in the Vatican. Much of that time was spent waiting in the queue as there are various security checkpoints to clear. For most people visiting the Vatican City, the museum is a “must see” stop. I felt rushed going through the museum as I had very little time to see all of the exhibits.
Before visiting the Vatican City’s Museum I had not done much research to what I would see. I walked reasonably quickly through the various halls looking at the historic paints, sculptures, and artifacts. After spending a few hours in the museum, I went outside and walked around the Vatican Gardens.
Visiting St. Peter's Basilica
Following my time inside the museum, I had to leave the walls of the Vatican and return to Rome. To get into the Basilica, I had to walk around the walls until I arrived at a second checkpoint which would allow access to the actual Basilica. This line took over an hour to queue, but while I was waiting, I was able to take pictures of St. Peter’s Square. This was the highlight of my time visiting the Vatican City.
One of the highlights of waiting in line was to be able to look at the statues on the Facade of St. Peter’s. These statues include Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, St. Andrew, St. Matthew, and others. While I waited in line, I took out my zoom lens and tried to get the best pictures I could.
As I got closer to the security checkpoint, I was able to get a good view of the Swiss Guards. The Swiss guards due to their countries neutrality serve as the de facto military of the Vatican. They are easily recognizable by their Red, Blue and Gold striped uniforms. Anyone visiting the Vatican City will be able to spot at least a few Swiss Guards.
Once I entered the Basilica, I first went up to the top of the dome. The dome’s closing hours were before the Basilica itself, and I wanted to make sure I could take in the fantastic view of St. Peter’s Square and the suburbs of Rome. On the way to the top, there were stops along the way where I could see the entire worship level of the Basilica from various viewpoints. The Rotunda did involve walking up quite a few stairs, and there were a few tight fits. When I made it to the top, I was able to get a bird’s eye view of the entire Vatican City. If you plan on visiting the Vatican City must be sure to take in the view from the Rotunda.
Once I had finished walking around the upper level and taking in the views from the dome I returned down the stairs to the worship level of the Basilica. There was amazing artwork, altars, statues, and it was a surreal feeling to be in the world’s largest and best-known church.
After I had walked around the worship level of the Basilica, I decided that I had seen everything that I had hoped to and I left the Vatican. On my way out, I walked past another Swiss Guard. The lighting was better than earlier in the day when I was waiting in line, so I took a few additional pictures outside in St. Peter’s Square. There was no entry fee to go into any of the museums or the Basilica itself. If you plan on visiting the Vatican, do be ready for long lines and lots of security. It is definitely a place that is worth the wait.
Vatican City Tours and Papal Audience
Anyone outside the Vatican City Museum or St. Peter’s Square offering you a tour probably isn’t a licensed tour guide, and I would be extremely untrusting of anyone who claims they can help you “skip the line.” I did not take a tour of the Vatican but did see some tours that caught my eye. For those interesting in being led by a guide, I have linked the tours below. In addition, I have linked a ticket to be in the Papal Audience.
I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
Prices are accurate as of June 2023.
 Papal Audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City - $38.36 Experience an emotional and intense moment with this once-in-a-lifetime chance to join Pope Francis during his papal audience in the Vatican City. |
 Vatican City Walking Tour in Rome - $63.10 Our most popular tour of Rome includes the top attractions of the Vatican such as the Vatican museum, the Sistine chapel and the Saint Peter's Basilica. And you’ll have more time to enjoy your visit when you skip the line with our Fast Track entry. |
 Vatican City Tour: Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica - $50.30 First, enjoy the luxury of skip-the-line tickets and bypass the stressful queues. Enter the Vatican and start your tour with a visit to the Vatican Museum, a true spectacle for everyone who visits. Your tour itinerary through the museum is specialized to focus on the most important parts of the site. |
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