Why travel to
Vatican City is an incredible destination for anyone looking to explore the history and culture of one of the world's most important religious sites. Those who travel to Vatican City will be able to see some of the most famous works of art in the world, visit landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, and explore the Vatican library. Those who seek spiritual or deep religious reflection will also find plenty to do in Vatican City, with its beautiful gardens, sweeping views of Rome, and the many churches and religious sites in the area.
Cost of living
Living in Vatican City is free for those who are employed by the Vatican or reside there for religious purposes. For others, it may be possible to rent or buy accommodation in the city, although prices are not publicly disclosed.
Safety
Yes, it is safe to travel to Vatican City, as long as you follow the local guidelines and laws. Visitors should note that the Vatican is, in essence, a city-state and so is not under Italian jurisdiction. Therefore, you must follow all local laws and regulations, and be aware that police presence is present for order. As with any destination, basic safety precautions should be taken, such as not leaving personal belongings unattended, not accepting unsolicited offers of assistance, and staying aware of your surroundings. Additionally, as the Vatican is a city of particular religious significance, there are dress codes in place to ensure appropriate respect at certain points of interest.
Places to visit
- St. Peter's Basilica: This magnificent church, located in the heart of Vatican City, is one of the largest churches in the world and was built over the site of the grave of St. Peter. Its impressive mosaic ceilings and artworks make it a must-see.
- Sistine Chapel: This chapel is probably best recognised as the home of Michelangelo’s frescoes, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement. It is a place of remarkable artistic beauty.
- Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums are a vast complex of museums, art galleries, and historical sites, housing a wealth of artwork and artefacts collected by the Popes throughout the centuries.
- Vatican Gardens: The beautiful gardens of the Vatican are a must-see, covering some 50 acres inside Vatican City. The gardens are full of sculptures and fountains and are a great spot for a relaxing stroll.
- Vatican Necropolis: Located beneath St. Peter’s Cathedral, this necropolis was a burial site for early Christian and pagan Romans. The site also includes the Scavi, a small excavated area which includes the grave of St. Peter.
- Castel Sant'Angelo: This imposing castle, was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, and was later converted into a military fortress. It’s a great spot for spectacular views of Rome.
Food to try
- Supplì al Telefono: This is a deep-fried ball of cooked rice filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. The name of the dish comes from the string cheese that stretches between the two halves of the ball, resembling a telephone wire.
- Supplì al Ragù: This is another type of deep-fried ball of cooked rice filled with a beef and pork ragù.
- Rigatoni alla Carbonara: This dish is made with rigatoni pasta, pancetta, and egg yolk, blended together with grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese and usually served with a side of spinach.
- Ciambella al Cioccolato: This is a sweet, chocolate-filled pastry, that is made with two layers of pastry dough and filled with a dark chocolate ganache. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Porchetta: This traditional Italian dish is made by slow-roasting a whole pig, and then slicing it up and serving it with a side of potatoes or a salad. It is usually served with a spicy pork sauce.
Souvenirs
- Vatican Artifacts—various souvenirs featuring Vatican-specific designs, such as coins, stamps, postcards, and other mementoes.
- Vatican City Commemorative Coins—gold, silver, and bronze coins issued by the Vatican as souvenirs.
- Pope Francis Portraits—photographic or handpainted portraits of the current Pope or portraits of previous Popes.
- Vatican Souvenir Plates—plates featuring the Vatican City skyline or the seal of the Vatican City or the Vatican coat of arms.
- Rome Souvenirs—souvenirs that feature iconic tourist attractions from Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, or any of the historic churches in Rome.
- Vatican Jewelry—necklaces, rings, and other pieces of jewellery that show the Vatican City seal, such as the pectoral cross worn by Popes.
- Religious Art – wooden or marble sculptures, statues, and other pieces of religious art that are found in the Vatican shops.
- Papal Audience Tickets—tickets to attend a public Papal audience.
- Vatican City Tour Packages—special packages that include tour guides, entrance to museums, and other activities to experience the city.
- Vatican City Souvenirs—souvenirs featuring the overall design of Vatican City, such as keychains, flags, and mugs.