In 2020, I had the chance to visit the Vatican City in Rome while we were on a three-week van camping holiday in South Italy. It was a dream that came true for me.
The Vatican is a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy. The general headquarters of the Roman Catholic and the smallest country in the world. Visiting the Vatican can be a life-changing experience, at the same time overwhelming. The city offers plenty of things to do, see, or experience and that being said, you should plan and take time to explore the Vatican.
St. Peter’s Square
Also known as Piazza San Pietro, St. Peter’s Square is probably one of the most famous squares in the world. It housed up to 300,000 people and was exceptionally designed by Bernini during the 17 century.
Whether you’re short or have enough time, St. Peter’s Square is something that is not to be missed. Besides, no queue to go through, be amused by the many impressive parts of the square. At the center of it stand two magnificent fountains that are sure to catch your attention.
St. Peter’s Square is usually open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Depending on the event, such as masses and audiences, reserved areas are only accessible with tickets. Generally, a visit to St. Peter’s Square is free of charge.
Interestingly enough, once you have entered St. Peter’s Square, you’re no longer in Rome. Technically, you’re already in another state! The Vatican City has its telephone system, post office, beautiful gardens, astronomical observatory, radio station, banking system, and a pharmacy, as well as a contingent of Swiss Guards responsible for the personal safety of the Pope since 1506.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Delight in the hidden wonders of the Renaissance in the most unforgettable Vatican State experience. The St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic Church in the world. And luckily, all visitors are welcome. As you enter the church, you will recognize that its interior is vast and spectacular compared to other churches. I felt different upon stepping inside the beautifully designed floors and gazing at the great ceilings of the church. All the composition, the outline, and everything about its interior is genuinely luxurious and mind-blowing.
Before entering the St. Peter’s Basilica, there is a security check. Dangerous items such as knives, scissors, and metal bottles are prohibited. However, you can transfer your water to a plastic one.
It’s the best time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica before 8:30 a.m. as the queue isn’t that long yet. Moreover, as a rule, St. Peter’s Basilica is not accessible on Wednesday mornings, when the Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square and Pope’s Masses.
Vatican museums
With more than six million visitors per year, the Vatican Museums are fifth in the world’s most visited attractions. The Vatican Museum does not only provide a look into the Christian or Vatican history; it also houses a collection of the world’s most historical treasures and contains thousands of old artifacts of Roman, Greek, Christian eras and many more.
Typically, the queues to the ticket reception are also jam-packed with interested tourists. However, the ticket areas have been closed due to the pandemic; therefore, you can purchase your ticket online in advance. Children of six years and under are free of charge.
There are plenty of fascinating things to see in the Vatican museums, including the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is a consecrated site; you can feel an unexplainable, yet very special atmosphere in its confines, an experience of a lifetime. Moreover, a trip to Rome’s Vatican City would not be complete without stepping into its mesmerizing hall and indulging in the world-class artworks.
St. Peter’s Dome
Designed by Michelangelo, the dome is one pursuit that is a must in your itinerary once visiting the Vatican. Admire the phenomenal views of Rome on top of St. Peter’s Dome. Upon reaching the top level, there are two possible options. One, is taking half of the way via the elevator, which means the other half involves climbing your way to the top and will cost you €10 (P588). Two, climbing the entire route on foot is quite a challenge and will cost you €8 (P470).
Be forewarned though that the climb to St. Peter’s Dome is very steep, and there’s no backing out as the staircase only fits an individual. The moment you begin the climb you can do nothing but complete it because there would always be people behind you. It is also important to remember that if you’re claustrophobic, you better avoid the climb at all costs. However, once you reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with a priceless view of the city of Rome. As a bonus, you’ll also get a glimpse of the Pope’s garden, too.
The best time to the Vatican is all-year round. But if you prefer a low season and not having the flocks of the crowd carrying out the same visit as you, plan your trip from November to February. During August, the peak season, expect the number of tourists to be vast despite the pandemic. Nevertheless, the city is still worth the trip.
Before leaving the Vatican, don’t miss out the opportunity to send a postcard to a family member or to friend like I have done since the post office is nearby and accessible. It may be a small gesture, but it’s something fun and a memorable way to mark your visit that affords you to share a bit of your experience with someone close to you. Lastly, visiting the Vatican is not only a travel wish list that I could finally tick off, but more importantly, a lifetime goal that I’ve happily accomplished.
Images courtesy of Catherine Kaiser and Christoph Kaiser
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