The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope, located in the northeast corner of the Vatican City. It`s a complex of buildings featuring the Papal Apartments, various government offices of the Catholic Church, the Vatican Museums, and t... more
The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope, located in the northeast corner of the Vatican City. It`s a complex of buildings featuring the Papal Apartments, various government offices of the Catholic Church, the Vatican Museums, and the Vatican Library. The Apostolic Palace is notable for its grand architecture and the stunning frescoes that adorn many of its rooms. Many of the rooms, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, are open to the public as part of the Vatican Museums. The Palace is not just an architectural marvel but also the administrative and spiritual heart of the Vatican. less
Castel Gandolfo, located about 15 miles southeast of Rome, is the site of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope`s summer residence. The palace and its adjacent Villa Barberini sprawl over 55 hectares, larger than Vatican City itself. Its... more
Castel Gandolfo, located about 15 miles southeast of Rome, is the site of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope`s summer residence. The palace and its adjacent Villa Barberini sprawl over 55 hectares, larger than Vatican City itself. Its serene setting overlooking Lake Albano offers a respite from Rome`s summer heat. The palace gardens are open for tours, and in recent years, parts of the palace itself have also been opened to the public. The small town of Castel Gandolfo is charming, with its narrow lanes, panoramic views, and local cuisine, adding to the appeal of a visit. less
The Pio-Clementino Museum is part of the Vatican Museums and was founded by Pope Clement XIV in 1771. It houses the Vatican`s collection of Greek and Roman art, including statues, inscriptions, sarcophagi, and jewelry. Highlights include the Apollo B... more
The Pio-Clementino Museum is part of the Vatican Museums and was founded by Pope Clement XIV in 1771. It houses the Vatican`s collection of Greek and Roman art, including statues, inscriptions, sarcophagi, and jewelry. Highlights include the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso, works that have been admired and studied by artists for centuries. The museum is arranged into several grand halls and galleries, each a work of art in its own right. A visit to the Pio-Clementino is a journey into the heart of classical antiquity and its enduring influence on Western art. less
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, known for their colorful Renaissance-era uniforms and halberds, is the small force responsible for the safety of the Pope. Established in 1506, it is one of the world`s oldest military units in continuous operation. The gu... more
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, known for their colorful Renaissance-era uniforms and halberds, is the small force responsible for the safety of the Pope. Established in 1506, it is one of the world`s oldest military units in continuous operation. The guard`s role includes protecting the Apostolic Palace, providing security for the Vatican, and ceremonial duties during papal masses and audiences. The Changing of the Guard at the Swiss Guard`s barracks, located just beyond Saint Peter`s Square, is a popular event for visitors. Despite their colorful appearance, the Swiss Guard are highly trained and devoted to their role as the Pope`s protectors. less
The Raphael Rooms, or Stanze di Raffaello, are four rooms in the Apostolic Palace that were painted by Raphael and his workshop. The frescoes in these rooms represent some of the finest examples of High Renaissance art. Among the most famous scenes a... more
The Raphael Rooms, or Stanze di Raffaello, are four rooms in the Apostolic Palace that were painted by Raphael and his workshop. The frescoes in these rooms represent some of the finest examples of High Renaissance art. Among the most famous scenes are the School of Athens, the Parnassus, and the Disputation of the Holy Sacrament. Each room served a different function, and the frescoes are themed accordingly. The rooms are part of the Vatican Museums and are a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The beauty and complexity of the frescoes offer an immersive experience into the world of Renaissance art and thought. less
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, is one of the most renowned chapels in the world. It`s globally recognized for its frescoes that decorate the interior, and most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment by... more
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, is one of the most renowned chapels in the world. It`s globally recognized for its frescoes that decorate the interior, and most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. The chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it between 1473 and 1481. Despite its relatively modest size, the chapel holds an outsized importance in the Catholic Church, as it is the site of the Papal conclave, the process through which a new Pope is selected. For many visitors, gazing up at Michelangelo`s masterpieces is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that speaks to the enduring power of human creativity. less
St. Peter`s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and a central work of Renaissance architecture. As one of the holiest Catholic shrines, it`s visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. It stands on the traditional site w... more
St. Peter`s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and a central work of Renaissance architecture. As one of the holiest Catholic shrines, it`s visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. It stands on the traditional site where Peter - the apostle who is considered the first pope - was crucified and buried. The basilica`s lavish interior contains many masterpieces, including Michelangelo`s Pietà and Bernini`s Baldachin. Visitors can climb up to the dome (designed by Michelangelo) for a panoramic view of Rome. The basilica, with its immense proportions and intricate detail, showcases the grandeur of the Catholic Church and stands as a testament to the mastery of Renaissance architects and artists. less
St. Peter`s Square, or Piazza San Pietro, is a large plaza located in front of St. Peter`s Basilica in the Vatican City. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the square is an architectural masterpiece that embraces visitors with its... more
St. Peter`s Square, or Piazza San Pietro, is a large plaza located in front of St. Peter`s Basilica in the Vatican City. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the square is an architectural masterpiece that embraces visitors with its imposing colonnades. At the center stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, and a beautiful fountain can be found on either side of the obelisk. St. Peter`s Square is also where the Pope addresses the public either from a window of the nearby Apostolic Palace or from a platform in front of the basilica. The vast square, capable of holding hundreds of thousands of people, is a testament to the grandeur of the Vatican. less
| Month | Temperature | Sunshine hours | Raindays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 °C | 6 | 6 |
| February | 13 °C | 8 | 9 |
| March | 16 °C | 9 | 6 |
| April | 20 °C | 11 | 6 |
| May | 23 °C | 12 | 6 |
| June | 28 °C | 13 | 2 |
| July | 31 °C | 13 | 3 |
| August | 32 °C | 12 | 1 |
| September | 27 °C | 10 | 7 |
| October | 22 °C | 9 | 7 |
| November | 17 °C | 7 | 8 |
| December | 13 °C | 6 | 6 |
| Language |
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|---|---|
| Currency | Euro |
| Population | 800 |
| Tourists per year | 5 |
| Tourists per resident | 0.00625 |
| Foundation | 1929 |
