The vatican city

The Vatican has only 800 inhabitants and covers an area of ​​0.44 square kilometers. The Vatican is home to the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church, and is the undisputed center of the Catholic faith, so expect large crowds when you arrive. Especially during the Easter holidays. Don’t worry though. Although the Vatican is a sovereign state, a passport is not required to enter. The passport has no stamp or “border” between Rome and the Vatican.

Do you need a Vatican visa? No! When visiting the Vatican, remember the following: Should you book a Vatican tour? The golden question. And the short answer is yes, absolutely. And you must 100% book in advance online.

There are three main things you cannot miss in the Vatican:

• Church of St. Peter:

This is the Vatican Church. It’s the biggest in Italy and once you’ve been here, you won’t feel the need to visit too many churches in your life, at least not as a tourist! It is the center of the Roman Catholic Church and an icon of Catholicism. Ticket price in Peter’s church: Best of all, it’s FREE! Practical works by Michelangelo (not the turtle) are everywhere. I recommend that you download the audio guides to your smartphone so that you can distinguish between the tracks.

• Saint Petersburg dome:

If you don’t want to see the “key figure” in which the Pope’s balcony famously opens, you have to climb up to the dome of St. Peter’s. Ticket price from St. Peter’s Dome: The stairs cost €5 ($6) or the elevator €7 ($8.50) (which however only goes halfway). The views of Rome from the top are amazing. And you have a good look at the famous Vatican courtyard, Saint Peter’s Square

• Sistine Chapel:

Wow, just wow. World famous and rightly so. It doesn’t quite make it to the list of new wonders of the world, but it can’t be far off. Unfortunately photography is not allowed, although I managed to sneak in with an iPhone (no flash). This place takes your breath away. It is housed in the Vatican Museums, and while the whole complex is full of interesting works of art, the big attraction is clearly the chapel. Sistine

Chapel ticket price: Admission costs 16 euros/20 USD (half price for students). It might be steep, but these guys aren’t, they’re stuck with a real winner. Enjoy Michelangelo at his best.

• The bonus stops:

You can also visit the Vatican Gardens (12 euros). But it MUST be booked in advance. And the Vatican Museums are on site and open every day as well (€17 / $20). TIPS FOR VISIT VATICAN CITY A visit to the Vatican is not a full day. In fact, it can even be done in less than half a day. So book your visit to the Vatican either in the morning or in the afternoon. If you want to avoid long lines, try to arrive before 10:00 or after 15:00. Earlier is usually better. At lunchtime, high season, you have to wait over an hour to get through security and there is very little shade, be warned! Take an (empty) water bottle with you, there are fountains everywhere.

• Interesting facts about the Vatican:

Did you know that the Vatican has the highest crime rate in the world? However, this is somewhat misleading, as crime per capita is at an all-time high due to the low population and high number of pickpockets. Honestly, it’s more of a statistical thing. I don’t think you will claim anything from your travel insurance, don’t worry! The Vatican is the only country in the world where ATMs can be used in Latin. Vatican Euros are worth more than their real value because of their rarity (do you know what I mean?). Save them!

Where is the Vatican? The Vatican (also known as the Holy See) is a city-state. It is an independent state in Rome, Italy. It is the temporary seat of the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. The Vatican is also officially the smallest country in the world (not to be confused with Nauru, which is the LEAST VISITED country in the world). The country was officially formed in 1929 by the new Kingdom of Italy.

What is the population of the Vatican? The population of the Vatican is only 821! Even with staff etc there are about 3000 people there every day.

How big is the Vatican? The smallest country in the world, remember? Its area is only 0.44 square kilometers, which is smaller than some modern shopping malls! Is the Vatican part of the EU or part of Italy? The Vatican is NOT part of the EU. As an independent country, it is also not part of Italy, although it is surrounded by Italy. Italy’s border is open and it works as part of Schengen. No visa required. Opening hours of the Vatican The Vatican is not actually closed as a country. However, tourist attractions do the following: Peter’s Church and Cathedral: from 7:00 am until 7:00 p.m. Vatican Museums: 7:00 am until 4:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

How to get from Rome to the Vatican? Since you are in the center of Rome, it is very easy to get there. I personally like to walk around cities when I arrive, so that’s exactly what I do. The promenade of Piazza Venezia is particularly beautiful. However, taxis, buses and the metro lead directly to the Vatican. Hop on metro line A to Ottaviano, S. Pietro and Musei Vatican, which will take you to the museums and St. Peter’s. Or take tram number 19 to Piazza del Risorgimento Or by bus no. 64 from the center of Rome NOTE. The best, easiest and cheapest way is definitely by subway. You can enter the Vatican from one of two places, either the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica, both are fine. don’t worry

Can I see the Pope when I visit the Vatican? It could be If you are lucky. Or if you plan well. He offers a blessing from his residence in the Vatican every Sunday at noon (expect crowds). Although in the summer he does the same, but not in the Vatican. It is located at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo (20 minutes outside Rome). He also does something similar on Wednesdays at 10:30. However, you need a (free) ticket for that. Bookable either the day before in Saint Peter (Tuesdays) or ask for help from your hotel. Best time to visit the Vatican? It is good all year round. Summer is peak season in Europe, so expect SERIOUS crowds, especially on days when the Pope is around. The best you can do is get up at 5:30 and be at the Vatican gates before 7 when they open. How much does it cost to enter the Vatican? Entry to the Vatican is free. And also FREE entrance to St. Peter’s Church.

But there is a fee to enter the Sistine Chapel ($20) and the dome ($6). The same goes for museums (€17/$20) and gardens. For longer guided tours (30 euros). Total price for one person to visit the Vatican to see the Sistine Chapel, climb the House and visit the museums WITHOUT a guided tour? About $50. How much time should you spend in the Vatican? I have a short attention span, so about 2 hours without a guide was enough for me. Some people, much more than me, can spend a full day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. I’m not the museum type. Sorry, not sorry. Do I need to book a Vatican City Tour? You don’t have to, no. But honestly, it’s better. And you can skip the queue! If you go alone, you can participate, buy a ticket to the top event and take pictures. However, you can take a short free guided tour or pay for a longer guided tour.

Does the Pope live in the Vatican? Yes, he has an apartment here. But often absent from state visits. And in the summer at another place outside Rome. Can I spend the night in the Vatican? No. Easy enough, right?!