The itinerary to visit the Vatican City, between cult and immense museums and unique works of art inherited over the centuries.
The Vatican is the smallest sovereign state in the world, but it boasts immense museums with unique works of art, the inheritance of the greatest artists the world has known. The City boasts the highest concentration of works of art in the world.
The flag of Vatican City, together with that of Switzerland, is unique in the world for being square. On it is a golden key, symbolizing spiritual power, and a silver key, symbolizing earthly power.
A visit to the Vatican allows you to get lost among artistic works unique in the world, produced by the great painters, architects and artists of history.
What to visit in Vatican City
National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is connected to the Vatican through the “Passetto“, an elevated pathway about 800 meters long. Its function was to allow the Pope to take refuge here in case of danger.
The building was founded in the second century AD at the behest of Emperor Hadrian to become a majestic mausoleum. Later the structure was annexed in the Aurelian walls and became part of the defensive walls of the city of Rome.
The current name of Castel dell’Angelo derives from the episode in which the Pope, during a penitential procession during the pestilential period, had a vision of the archangel Michael sheathing his sword, a sign of the end of the pestilence. For this reason, on top of the Castle there is still a statue of the archangel Michael in this gesture.
St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Pieta
St. Peter’s Square is baroque architecture and is bordered by an immense colonnade. At its center is the Egyptian obelisk. Its structure has been rethought over the centuries, but Bernini gave it an incisive touch.
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the largest church in the world and is the center of Catholicism. Some of the greatest artists in history such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Bernini, Raphael and Bramante participated in its construction and enrichment.
The interior is impressively rich in art and history. Centuries of rulers and events that have changed history have passed here. Iconic is certainly the dome of Michelangelo. Inside is kept the famous statue of the Pieta by Michelangelo.
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums are the largest museums in the world and collect the works of art preserved by the popes over the centuries. Among the must-see works are definitely the Sistine Chapel and the papal apartments frescoed by Michelangelo and Raphael. Also impressive are the gallery of maps and the countless richly decorated rooms, as well as the more modern spiral staircase.
The Sistine Chapel is where the Pope’s official ceremonies are held. It is decorated with unique works of art including Michelangelo’s frescoes covering the vault and the wall above the altar depicting the Last Judgment.
A journey immersed in art
Vatican City has an artistic and cultural heritage that is unique in the world. Centuries of history and world-changing events have passed here. Art has left its mark in buildings and museums.
Some of the greatest artists in Italian history have left some of their greatest works here. Visiting Vatican City is not just a trip to the center of Catholicism, but a journey to immerse yourself in the art that has spanned centuries of history.
Suggested Itinerary extension
If you visit Vatican City, you can’t miss a stop in the magnificent city of Rome, among its artistic wonders, archaeological finds and excellent Italian cuisine: