Vatican City is a small city-state located in the heart of Rome, ruled by the Pope and the center of authority over the Roman Catholic Church. Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to see and do within its walls. Here are some of the top things to see in Vatican City:
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St. Peters Basilica: This is one of the most famous churches in the world and the largest in Vatican City. It is home to many works of art, including Michelangelos Pieta.
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Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums contain the worlds largest private art collection, including the famous Sistine Chapel.
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Sistine Chapel: The Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museums and is famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
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St. Peters Square: This is a large plaza located in front of St. Peters Basilica and is surrounded by colonnades designed by Bernini.
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Castel SantAngelo: This is a fortress located near the Vatican that was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It later became a papal residence and a prison.
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Vatican Gardens: These gardens are located within the walls of Vatican City and are home to many fountains, sculptures, and rare plants. They can be visited by booking a full-day tour of the Vatican Museums, gardens, and Castle Gandolfo.
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Papal Audience: Visitors can attend a Papal Audience with the Pope, which takes place on Wednesdays in St. Peters Square.
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Vatican Necropolis: This is an underground burial site located beneath St. Peters Basilica that contains tombs dating back to the Roman Empire. Visits are limited and must be booked in advance.
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Vatican Post Office: Visitors can send postcards from the Vatican Post Office as a memento of their trip.
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Climb the St. Peters Basilica Dome: Visitors can climb to the top of the dome of St. Peters Basilica for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
To make the most of your visit to Vatican City, it is recommended to spend at least a whole morning there. Visitors can also book guided tours to learn more about the history and art of Vatican City.
