St. Peter's Basilica
The largest Christian church in the world, famous for its dome designed by Michelangelo and his sculpted Pietà.
The Vatican
The world's smallest sovereign state, enclosed within Rome, the Vatican packs St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and some of the world's most visited museums into just a few hectares, for a unique artistic and spiritual immersion.
Why visit the Vatican?
The Vatican holds some of the world's most celebrated artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world. Seat of the Catholic Church, it draws both pilgrims and lovers of art and history.
What to discover in the Vatican?
The Vatican is mainly visited around two major sites: St. Peter's Basilica, whose dome designed by Michelangelo overlooks the eponymous square encircled by its famous colonnade, and the Vatican Museums, which hold one of the richest art collections in the world before leading to the Sistine Chapel and its monumental frescoes.
St. Peter's Square, open and freely accessible, regularly hosts papal audiences and remains an essential stop for anyone visiting Rome, the city that surrounds it entirely. The Vatican Gardens, visible by reservation, offer a more intimate perspective on this tiny territory. Due to high visitor numbers, especially in peak season, it is advisable to book tickets for the museums and the Sistine Chapel in advance to avoid long queues. A modest dress code, with shoulders and knees covered, is also required to enter the basilica and the museum galleries, regardless of the season or time of day, and this rule is enforced strictly at every entrance.
Cities to visit in Vatican
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Vatican in pictures
Highlights
A few emblematic experiences that capture the spirit of the Vatican.
Sistine Chapel
A Renaissance masterpiece adorned with Michelangelo's frescoes, including the famous ceiling depicting Genesis.
Vatican Museums
One of the richest art collections in the world, bringing together ancient works, sculptures and paintings by Italian masters.
St. Peter's Square
A vast esplanade surrounded by a monumental colonnade, the site of major ceremonies and papal audiences.
Vatican Gardens
Green spaces open by reservation, offering a rare view of the architecture and calm of the world's smallest state.
Vatican Necropolis
An underground archaeological site accessible by reservation, located beneath the basilica and linked to the tradition of Saint Peter's tomb.
Practical information
- Capital
- Vatican City
- Area
- About 0.49 km²
- Population
- About 800
- Language
- Italian and Latin (official)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (Central European Time)
- Climate
- Mediterranean, warm summers and mild winters
- Best season
- April-May and September-October
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit the Vatican?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and slightly smaller crowds than midsummer for visiting the museums and the basilica.
Do I need a visa to visit the Vatican?
No specific visa is required to visit the Vatican, which is typically part of a visit to Rome; standard Italian entry requirements apply.
Do I need to book in advance to visit the Vatican Museums?
Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially in peak season, to avoid long queues at the entrance.
Is entry to St. Peter's Basilica free?
Access to St. Peter's Basilica is free, while climbing the dome and entry to the museums and the Sistine Chapel require paid tickets.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Vatican?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the basilica and the museums, for both men and women.
How much time should I plan for visiting the Vatican?
Half a day is enough to see the basilica and St. Peter's Square, while a full day is recommended to include the museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Plan your trip to Vatican
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
