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
The Borgia Apartments, located within the Apostolic Palace, are a suite of rooms decorated for Pope Alexander VI Borgia. They were painted in the late 15th century by the Early Renaissance artist Pinturicchio and his assistants. The rooms are lavishl... more
The Borgia Apartments, located within the Apostolic Palace, are a suite of rooms decorated for Pope Alexander VI Borgia. They were painted in the late 15th century by the Early Renaissance artist Pinturicchio and his assistants. The rooms are lavishly decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and classical mythology, as well as more secular subjects. Some of the more notable frescoes include The Resurrection, The Mystical Nativity, and The Ascension. The rooms also feature a richly decorated ceiling with the Borgia coat of arms. Today, the Borgia Apartments house part of the Collection of Modern Religious Art of the Vatican Museums. Despite their association with one of history`s more notorious popes, the rooms are a masterpiece of Renaissance decoration. less
The Vatican Grottoes, located beneath St. Peter`s Basilica, are a series of chapels and tombs where many popes have been laid to rest since the 10th century. The grottoes also contain monuments and pieces of earlier structures dating back to the time... more
The Vatican Grottoes, located beneath St. Peter`s Basilica, are a series of chapels and tombs where many popes have been laid to rest since the 10th century. The grottoes also contain monuments and pieces of earlier structures dating back to the time of Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome. The quiet and dimly lit grottoes provide a stark contrast to the grandeur of the basilica above. Visitors can pay their respects to past popes and admire the intricate sculptures and mosaics that adorn many of the tombs. Walking through the grottoes offers a journey through centuries of papal history and a profound sense of the continuity of the Catholic Church. less
The Vatican Mosaic Studio, established in 1727, is a workshop within the Vatican City where artisans create and restore mosaics. The Studio was initially created to decorate St. Peter`s Basilica and other churches but is now renowned worldwide for it... more
The Vatican Mosaic Studio, established in 1727, is a workshop within the Vatican City where artisans create and restore mosaics. The Studio was initially created to decorate St. Peter`s Basilica and other churches but is now renowned worldwide for its craftsmanship. Their work can be seen in the stunning mosaics that decorate St. Peter`s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. The Studio also creates mosaics for sale, ranging from small pieces to large custom works. It`s not generally open to the public, but there are occasional guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into this ancient craft. The Studio is a testament to the Vatican`s commitment to preserving and promoting the arts. less
The Vatican Necropolis, or Scavi, lies beneath St. Peter`s Basilica and is believed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter, one of Jesus` twelve apostles. The ancient cemetery, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is a complex system of mausoleum... more
The Vatican Necropolis, or Scavi, lies beneath St. Peter`s Basilica and is believed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter, one of Jesus` twelve apostles. The ancient cemetery, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is a complex system of mausoleums, corridors, and tombs. This archaeological site gives a fascinating glimpse into early Christianity and the Roman tradition of burial. Visits to the necropolis are possible but need to be arranged in advance, as the number of daily visitors is limited. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Christian history. less
The Vatican Pinacoteca, or Art Gallery, is often overshadowed by the Vatican`s more famous museums, but it`s a treasure in its own right. The Pinacoteca was established in 1932 to house a collection of paintings and other works of art that had been s... more
The Vatican Pinacoteca, or Art Gallery, is often overshadowed by the Vatican`s more famous museums, but it`s a treasure in its own right. The Pinacoteca was established in 1932 to house a collection of paintings and other works of art that had been scattered around the Vatican. Today, it holds about 460 works, arranged chronologically in 18 rooms. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to 1800 and includes masterpieces by Giotto, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. Despite being less known, the Pinacoteca offers a more peaceful viewing experience than the often crowded Sistine Chapel. less
The Vatican Gardens are a tranquil oasis covering more than half of the Vatican`s 44-hectare territory. These beautifully manicured gardens are adorned with fountains, grottoes, sculptures, and a variety of flora. Established during the Renaissance a... more
The Vatican Gardens are a tranquil oasis covering more than half of the Vatican`s 44-hectare territory. These beautifully manicured gardens are adorned with fountains, grottoes, sculptures, and a variety of flora. Established during the Renaissance and Baroque era, the design of the gardens reflects the stylistic influences of those periods. The gardens are a place for meditation and prayer for popes, but they are also open to the public for guided tours. A tour of the gardens offers a respite from the bustling city of Rome and an opportunity to admire the artistry of the landscaped grounds. less
The Vatican Library, also known as the Vatican Apostolic Library, is one of the oldest libraries in the world and contains one of the most significant collections of historic texts. It was formally established in 1475, but it is much older—it holds m... more
The Vatican Library, also known as the Vatican Apostolic Library, is one of the oldest libraries in the world and contains one of the most significant collections of historic texts. It was formally established in 1475, but it is much older—it holds many of the Catholic Church`s most important documents, some dating back to the first century. The library has over 1.1 million books, 75,000 manuscripts, and a significant collection of coins and medals, among other items. While access to the collection is limited to scholars, tours of the library offer a glimpse into its grandeur and a unique perspective on the intellectual history of the Western world. less
The Vatican Museums are home to an immense collection of artworks and historical artifacts amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries. The museums, with their 54 galleries, host a vast array of objects including ancient Roman sculptures, Etr... more
The Vatican Museums are home to an immense collection of artworks and historical artifacts amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries. The museums, with their 54 galleries, host a vast array of objects including ancient Roman sculptures, Etruscan bronzes, and Egyptian mummies. However, it`s the Renaissance art that is most celebrated, with works from masters like Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio. The most famous of all is the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling and The Last Judgment painted by Michelangelo. The Vatican Museums are an essential visit for any art lover, offering a wealth of treasures that offer a deep dive into Western art history. less
The Vatican Obelisk stands at the center of St. Peter`s Square, a silent witness to the history of Rome. The obelisk, made of red granite, stands about 25.5 meters high or 41 meters including the pedestal. It was originally erected in Egypt more than... more
The Vatican Obelisk stands at the center of St. Peter`s Square, a silent witness to the history of Rome. The obelisk, made of red granite, stands about 25.5 meters high or 41 meters including the pedestal. It was originally erected in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago and was moved to Rome in 37 AD by the Emperor Caligula. It was moved again in 1586 to its current location by Pope Sixtus V. The obelisk is notable as it`s the only obelisk in Rome that has not toppled since ancient Roman times. It was also once a turning post for chariot races in the Circus of Nero. Today, it serves as a monumental sundial that marks midday. less
