St. Peter's Basilica - The Symbolic Dominion of the Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world, with its breathtaking dome, designed by Michelangelo himself, rising high above the square. This building is not only an architectural gem, but also the heart of the Vatican. Inside, you'll find countless works of art, including Michelangelo's Pieta, a beautifully detailed marble sculpture that is breathtaking in its delicacy and detail. Equally impressive is the canopy over the papal altar, designed by the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Climbing to the top of the dome is also a unique experience. After climbing more than 500 steps (for the more adventurous), the panorama of Rome opens up before you and literally takes your breath away. The view of the ancient city from above is a real gift for any visitor.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are one of the richest art collections in the world and hold gems that can only be seen here. They include several separate museums and galleries, each dedicated to a different type of art or historical period. Standing out among them are the Raffaello Halls, where you can admire the frescoes of this famous Renaissance painter, as well as objects from ancient Egypt and Greece that take you back to times long past.
But the biggest attraction is the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's fresco of the Last Judgement, which covers the entire ceiling, is a work of incalculable value and its details fascinate not only art lovers. A lesser known fact is that Michelangelo painted this fresco while lying down and the entire work took him four years of constant effort.
Another interesting feature is the spiral staircase in the Vatican Museums, also known as the Bramante Staircase.it is one of the most photographed and iconic elements of the entire complex. This staircase is made up of two separate spirals: one used for ascent and the other for descent. Thanks to this ingenious design, people move smoothly without getting in each other's way. The two ramps wrap around a central opening, creating an impressive visual illusion of infinity.
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square. The St. Peter's Square, located directly in front of the Basilica, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and a symbolic meeting place for the faithful from all over the world. The monumental colonnade around the square, also by Bernini, forms a kind of "embracing arms" that symbolise the open arms of the Church to everyone. It is here that papal audiences and ceremonies take place, which are also open to tourists.
Vatican Gardens
At the heart of the Vatican are beautiful gardens that are not normally open to the public. The Vatican Gardens offer the opportunity to see the places where the Pope spends moments of peace and meditation. Filled with statues, fountains and exotic plants, the gardens create a harmonious space worth seeing. However, access is only possible with a special permit or during organised tours.
Vatican Post Office and Coins
The Vatican Post Office is one of the oldest and most trusted postal services in the world, and many visitors come to send postcards from here. Stamps and coins issued by the Vatican are sought-after collector's items. Tourists have the opportunity to purchase original Vatican coins as an unusual souvenir that also has symbolic value.
Hidden secrets
The Apostolic Archives are one of the most mysterious places in the Vatican, hiding documents dating back to the early Middle Ages. The archives contain a vast amount of historical documents and manuscripts that remain inaccessible to the public to this day. These are fascinating places linked to the stories of ancient popes, monarchs and important figures who have influenced the course of world history.
Practical tips
To visit the Vatican, we recommend arriving early in the morning as the crowds can be considerable, especially in the summer months. It is ideal to purchase tickets for the Vatican Museums online in advance to avoid long queues. If you want to have an unforgettable experience visiting the Sistine Chapel, it is advisable to book a morning tour before the official opening to the public.
