During my visit to Rome, I am, of course, going to visit the Vatican. Indeed this small country, is an enclave in the city of Rome.
The Vatican in a nutshell
As many of you know, the Vatican is the smallest country in the world. Indeed its area is only 0,44 square km for 900 inhabitants. The Vatican is the seat of the papacy and the most important place of Christianity in the world. It is also the place of life of the Pope, at present it is Pope Francis who resides there since March 13, 2013.
What to see in the Vatican?
Saint-Pierre square
St. Peter's Square is the main square in the Vatican. This huge square, just in front of St. Peter's Basilica is quite spectacular. Surrounded by 4 rows of 284 columns, this square can hold nearly 200 people. In the middle of this square is an obelisk 000 meters high, and two majestic fountains.
Saint Peter's basilica
The imposing basilica, built in the 16th century, is located on Saint-Pierre square. St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the Christian world. It is 219 meters long and 136 wide and can accommodate nearly 60 people. This basilica is definitely worth a look, the interior is spectacular. You will discover a majestic dome, as well as a magnificent nave. For my part, what impressed me the most is the canopy, indeed it overlooks the altar and is nearly 000 meters high. The bells are also impressive, they are 30 in number, even if only 6 are visible from the square.
Canopy, St. Peter's Basilica
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the jewels of the Vatican. For the record, the chapel was created in 1473, under Pope Sixtus IV, from which it takes its name. This chapel is known worldwide, in particular due to its many artistic riches, such as its paintings by big names such as Botticelli, Pinturicchio, the Ghirlandaio or the best known of them, Michelangelo having painted the vault of the chapel.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican has many museums. There is indeed the Christian museum, the Gregorian Etruscan museum, the profane Gregorian museum or the coach museum.
Know that you can visit these museums without waiting by buying your tickets in advance and booking. You can find all the useful information on the website of the museums of Rome by clicking HERE.
You can also participate in guided tours as well as night tours.
Vatican Garden
The Vatican Garden is an urban garden covering nearly half of the area of the Vatican. This garden has many fountains and a very varied flora.
