Vatican in Rome: important travel tips. Where is the Vatican and how to get to the Vatican on your own by train

A state in the center of Rome, the Vatican keeps a lot of mysteries, mysteries and secrets. Here you can easily speak Latin and receive the Pope's blessing. St. Peter's Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel, gardens and museums, attractions and excursions - everything about the Vatican.

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The navel of the Earth for Catholics around the world, one of the few city-states and the only country where the official language is Latin, the Vatican is located in the heart of Rome, and a significant part of the attractions of the Italian capital is located on its tiny territory. Here you can climb onto the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral and see historical Rome from a bird's eye view, walk through the famous Vatican Gardens, and also see the Pope with your own eyes and even receive his blessing. Let us remind you that there is no place for the naked tourist community in the Vatican - the city is famous for its strict dress code, and visitors who are not fully covered may easily not be allowed into its territory at all.

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How to get to the Vatican

The Vatican is surrounded on all sides by Rome, and to cross its border, it is enough to use one of the city's means of transport: taxi, bus, metro or even on foot. From the center of Rome (Stazione Termini) to south side The Vatican is served by buses No. 40 and No. 64 (in which you need to be extremely vigilant about pickpockets). To get there by metro, take line A trains to Ottavio - San Pietro (to St. Peter's Basilica) or Cipro (to the Vatican Museums). Popular (and very beautiful) walking route from Rome to the Vatican - from Piazza Venezia along Via Plebescita, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via della Concigliazione; another option is from the above-mentioned Termini along Via Nazionale.

Visa

Since the Vatican is located in Italy, to visit it you need a valid Schengen visa and an insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip.

Currency of the Vatican

The country's currency is the Euro (EUR), 1 euro equals 100 euro cents. Current rate: 1 EUR = 68.81 RUB.

Geography

The area of ​​the Vatican is 0.44 square meters. km, which can be easily walked up and down (taking into account the fact that a significant part of the city is closed to tourists). The length of the state border is 3.2 km. Most of the territory is occupied by the Vatican Gardens, laid out on a gentle hillside with a height of 19 to 75 m. A few hundred meters west of the city flows the Tiber River, on the opposite bank of which is located historical Center Rome.

Another 28 cathedrals and landmarks in Rome and its suburbs are considered the territory of the Vatican - the so-called non-border territories.

Vatican Maps

Transport

The Vatican has one helipad and an 852-meter Railway, connecting the railway station at St. Peter's Basilica with the main Italian network.

History of the Vatican

The beginning of the activity of the Roman popes, naturally, is most directly connected with the beginning of the spread of the Christian religion in the world. Thus, when faith began to spread quickly enough to require a representative of God on earth, the Romans laid the first stone for the construction of the Vatican.

The name itself, meanwhile, has a somewhat pagan connotation, since ager vaticanus is translated as “place of fortune telling.”

Thus, in 326, the Vatican began its existence as a special sacred place for the practice of Catholic worship. In fact, the city-state grew out of the burial place of St. Peter, to whom the main building in the country is dedicated.

However, the Vatican was officially recognized as a sovereign autonomy only in 1929, when Benito Mussolini decided once and for all to clarify the issue regarding the status of this public education.

It is worth noting that due to the specifics of the entire public education, the Vatican sometimes breaks records. The main trend in the country is serious problems with demographics. Because birth here is more surprising than death.

Rules for visiting the Vatican

At the entrance to the Vatican, a standard security check is carried out - guests pass through a frame, their belongings are sent to a security checkpoint. Those who are found with weapons, knives, sharp, piercing metal objects (they can even find fault with a nail file), as well as alcohol, psychotropic, narcotic substances, and medications are not allowed into the territory. large quantities, pungent smelling, dyeing, toxic substances, pornography and materials that help incite any kind of conflict.

You cannot enter the Vatican wearing clothes that do not cover your shoulders, knees, or stomach. Guests of any gender wearing shorts, tank tops, above-the-knee skirts, short T-shirts, transparent or torn clothing are not allowed in. Women may wear trousers and bare their heads.

Large bags, suitcases, backpacks, cane umbrellas, and tripods will be forced to be placed in a storage room. You should not take water and other liquids in glass bottles with you; most likely you will be asked to leave them at the entrance.

In the Vatican you are not only allowed to smoke, but also to light a cigarette. For violation - a fine of 30 EUR.

You can take photographs on the Vatican grounds with or without a tripod, but there are restrictions inside the museums. Photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel. In St. Peter's Basilica and other museums you can take photos, but without flash or a tripod.

Shopping and shops

The Vatican is a rare state from which you need to bring local money rather than souvenirs purchased with it. As in neighboring European countries, the currency of the Vatican is the euro; the state independently mints coins with local symbols (the reverse of Euro coins is the same everywhere, but each country issues its own obverse), thanks to which Vatican coins are the rarest in the EUR circulation area.

Among other rarities, the Vatican produces postage stamps, its own tourist guides and albums dedicated to the sights and history of the state. Let's also mention the usual tourist souvenirs - postcards, keychains and magnets.

When withdrawing cash from a Vatican ATM, be prepared to see Latin among the interface languages ​​offered.

Cuisine and restaurants

You can have a snack on the territory of the city-state in the cafeteria at the Vatican Museums (open during the same hours as the museums, and often grab an hour after they close). There is also a bar with soft drinks and a pizzeria. For a more substantial meal, go to Rome, since the distances are ridiculous.

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St. Peter's Cathedral

St. Peter's Basilica is the main attraction not only of the Vatican, but also of the surrounding Rome. It received its name from the grave of the Apostle Peter, presumably located on this site. This is a grandiose cathedral, inside which the largest temples in Europe can fit - to make sure of this, look for special marks on the floor marking their sizes. The height of the dome of the cathedral is 136 m, and the length of the central nave is 211 m. Outside and inside its walls you can see numerous masterpieces - from marble statues of Christ and the apostles to monuments to statesmen and majestic tombstones, including the resting place of Pope John Paul II. Also check out Michelangelo's stunning Pietà. You can climb to the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica (a little cheaper on your own or a little more expensive by elevator). Expect 1 hour round trip.

Such great artists as Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli and Bernini lived and worked in the Vatican.

St. Peter's Basilica is open from 9:00 to 19:00 in summer and until 18:00 in winter. On Wednesday morning the cathedral is closed for papal audiences. Photography is only permitted without flash.

Oval St. Peter's Square is located directly in front of the cathedral of the same name. The central obelisk was moved here by Emperor Caligula from Egypt in 37 in honor of the construction of the Circus of Nero (where thirty years later the Apostle Peter met his martyrdom). Also pay attention to the picturesque and very “fluffy” fountains.

If you stand on any of the two stones located on either side of St. Peter's Square, the four columns on the opposite side of the colonnade will merge into one.

Guides in the Vatican

Entertainment and attractions of the Vatican

Fans of massive structures, as well as opera fans, will be delighted with Sant'Angelo, one of the most majestic and outstanding historical buildings Rome. It dates back to 135 and was originally the Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. After numerous medieval extensions and superstructures, the castle gained modern look, including the famous balcony with a colonnade, from where the inconsolable Tosca rushed. Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:30, closed on Mondays. An audio guide is offered.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are among the most remarkable and extensive in the world, famous primarily for the magnificent halls with paintings by Raphael and Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. To understand the halls and not miss anything interesting, we recommend purchasing a map guide or using an audio guide upon entry. Due to long queues, it is recommended to book your visit in advance. To get to the Sistine Chapel, you need to go through all the halls of the museums (about 1 hour). Photographing its interior is prohibited, either with or without a flash. Well, when leaving the Vatican Museums, another masterpiece awaits you - a luxurious spiral marble staircase.

It is impossible not to pay attention to the cheerfully dressed soldiers of the Swiss Guard, who have been protecting the peace and security of the Vatican since 1506. The colorful striped form also comes in summer and winter colors. By the way, this is the smallest and oldest army in the world.

Even though the Vatican is a separate state, you still don’t need a special visa to enter the papal domain - an ordinary Schengen visa is enough. To do this, you need to submit documents to one of the visa centers, which are located not only in and, but also in other cities.

The list of documents is standard: international passport, proof of booking tickets and hotel rooms, bank account statement - for a trip of up to 5 days an amount of at least 269 euros is required ( ~18,510 rub. ). Since 2015, biometric data (fingerprints) have been added to this list. Detailed instructions on obtaining a Schengen visa you can read.

As for customs, the rules are also standard - almost any souvenirs are allowed to be transported across the border, except those that are antiques or valuable works of art. Currency can also be brought in and out of the country, but amounts over 10,329 euros ( ~710,738 rub. ) for Russians and citizens of countries outside the European Union are subject to declaration.

Money

There were two periods in the history of the Vatican when this tiny state had its own currency - the first time from 1866 to 1870, and the second time in the 20th century after the recognition of its sovereignty under the Lateran Treaty. True, along with the papal lire, the ordinary Italian lire also circulated freely here, so there were never any problems with payments.

In 2002, the Vatican switched to payments in euros, but this time too unique country I didn’t want to lose my uniqueness. The original euros are minted here - with the image of the Pope on one side. By the way, this money is freely accepted for payment not only in the papal dominions, but also outside them. And, of course, they are an excellent souvenir that every tourist is sure to have.

Is it possible to pay by card? Of course you can. In 2013, during the investigation into the illegal circulation of money in the Vatican Bank, this possibility was closed, but now everything is in order.

Interesting fact: in the Vatican there are two separate budgets - that of the state itself and that of the Holy See, and neither of them involves the deduction of taxes. However, this tax-free city-state is partly financed by Italy - every Italian pays 0.8% income tax to the state treasury or the church.

How to get to the Vatican

The mini-state of the Vatican is located in the western part of Rome - on a hill called Vaticanus. As you might guess, this place is popular among tourists and many routes go here public transport.

How to get there from Termini Station:

• Option 1

  Bus: Route no. 64 to the Cavalleggeri/fornaci stop.

  On foot: the journey from the stop to will take no more than 5 minutes.

• Option 2

  Bus: Routes no. 32, 81 or 982 to the Piazza del Risorgimento stop.

• Option 3

  Bus: route no. 49 to V.le Vaticano/pisani near the entrance to .

• Option 4

  Metro: take the red line to Cipro Musei Vaticani or San Pietro station.

• Option 5

  Tram: Route no. 19 to the Cavalleggeri/fornaci stop.

How to get there from Fiumicino Airport:

• Option 1

  Train: You need to go to the train station located right at Fiumicino airport, take the Leonardo express (runs every half hour) and go to Roma Termini. Then you can transfer to the metro or bus.

• Option 2

  Train: At the railway station at the airport you need to take the train going along the FM1 Sabina-Fiumicino line and get to Trastevere.

  Metro: At Trastevere station you need to change to the red metro line and get to Roma San Pietro station.

• Option 3

  Bus: on the Sitbusshuttle route from terminal no. 3, get to the Via Crescenzio stop, and from there walk a short distance.

From Piazza della Repubblica in the center of Rome:

• Option 1

  Bus: Route no. 64 from the Nazionale/quattro Fontane stop to Cavalleggeri/fornaci.

You can also get to the Vatican by rented car or taxi. In the latter case, it is recommended not to take a taxi directly at the airport, but to order it in advance via the Internet.

IMPORTANT: if you are traveling to Italy to visit the Vatican, you do not have to fly to Rome; you can choose a flight to Milan (usually this is more convenient and cheaper). And from Milan you can get there in 3 hours by train from the station Milano Centrale, in 8.5 hours by night bus Ouibus or in 5-6 hours by car.

Vatican on the map

Main attractions

The Vatican can easily be considered the leader among all states in the number of attractions per square kilometer. The very foundation of this country is associated with the landmark, under the altar of which there is the tomb of the apostle. Following the cathedral, palaces, administrative buildings, gardens, fountains and galleries grew here.

However, for a long time the Vatican was located behind the fortress wall of Rome and was not protected from predatory raids. Therefore, from 848 to 852, the defensive Leonine Wall was erected around it, which was originally the Vatican border. Today, the papal possessions extend beyond these limits, for example, they include the Basilica of San Giovanni, Castel Gandolfo and several educational institutions.

St. Peter's Square and Basilica

The main cathedral of Rome, dating back to 326, was built on the site of the ancient Roman necropolis in which the Apostle Peter was buried. According to legend, Peter’s grave should be directly under the altar, and as a result of excavations carried out already in the 20th century, it turned out that it was indeed located there.

Tomb of the Apostle Peter under the altar Tomb of the Apostle Peter under the altar

For centuries, the best craftsmen in Italy worked on the cathedral, and here everyone will find something to see. The building was designed by Bramante, Michelangelo worked on the dome, Carlo Maderna worked on the facade, and inside you can see frescoes by Giotto, statues by Arnolfo di Cambio, Bernini and, again, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Today this temple is under the protection of UNESCO (as, indeed, the entire territory of the Vatican), and is also considered one of the most striking masterpieces of world architecture.

In front of the cathedral in 1667, a round square was laid out, bounded on both sides by a snow-white colonnade. In its center is the Egyptian obelisk, which was brought to Rome in 37 by Emperor Caligula. Previously, the obelisk was installed 300 meters further from the cathedral, but in 1585 Sixtus V decided to move it to the center of the future square - this enormous task took almost six months.

Vatican Museums

There are 26 museums open on the territory of the Vatican, including the famous Sistine Chapel (which is worth mentioning separately). Among them there is the Pinakothek art gallery, collections of ancient Roman and ancient greek sculptures, the Vatican library with rare copies of books, and much more.

Each museum has its own unique exhibits:

• The Pius Clement Museum is full of ancient busts and statues.

Tomb of Helen - wife of Constantine I - in the hall of the Greek cross

• The Missionary Ethnological Museum offers to see ancient cult objects of Oceania, South and North America, Asia and African countries.

• The Gregorian Museum of the Etruscans includes 22 halls with dishes, statues, and items of Etruscan life.

Archaeological finds from the 9th-1st centuries BC. e.

• The Gregorian Museum of Egypt, with mummies and sarcophagi, contains artifacts dating back more than 4,000 years.

• The Pius Christian Museum will tell you about the history of the birth of Christianity in Rome.

• The Borgia Apartments in the Apostolic Palace will amaze the imagination with unique frescoes.

Image of the prophets in the Hall of Sibyls "Arithmetic" in the Hall of Arts Hall of Wonders of Faith

• Raphael's Stanzas and Raphael's Loggia will demonstrate the best examples of the great artist's work.

Also on the territory of the museum complex, which includes the Apostolic Palace, the Belvedere Palace and the two wings connecting these buildings, there are a couple of interesting spiral staircases. One of them was built by Donato Bramante, and the second by Giuseppe Momo. Today, movement is only allowed along the Momo stairs.

IMPORTANT: All Vatican Museums can be visited with a single ticket, which costs from 17 euros ( ~1,170 rub. ) and higher; They also have a common work schedule - from 09:00 to 18:00. And on the last Sunday of the month - free entry!

The Sistine Chapel

Built in the 15th century, it has been considered one of the most important rooms of the Vatican for several centuries. And not only because Michelangelo himself painted its walls and ceiling. This chapel is where the election of the new Pope takes place.

As is known, government system The Vatican assumes that the position of pontiff is for life. After his death, a specially authorized cardinal - camerlengo or chamberlain - must verify the death by calling the Pope by his name three times. If the death is confirmed, the cardinals prepare for the funeral and nine days of mourning, and then convene a conclave to elect a new Pope. Gathered in the Sistine Chapel, the conclave members take the oath and lock themselves in for the duration of the vote.

The appearance of black smoke above the chapel means that the voting round was in vain, and if white smoke billows, it means that the conclave has reached an agreement and a new pontiff has been chosen. Thus, the Sistine Chapel is not only a work of art, it has played an important role in maintaining the institution of the papacy for many years.

Despite the many buildings, about half of the Vatican area is dedicated to beautiful park. It was founded back in the 13th century, however, for the most part not for beauty, but for the sake of growing useful plants. Now gardens serve only an aesthetic function.

Cypress trees, palm trees, pine trees, many ornamental shrubs and neatly trimmed lawns grow here. For local residents paths are laid out for guests, and in the thickets live squirrels, lizards, rabbits and the most different types birds, including parrots. There is even one artificial cave, Grota di Lourde. However, you can only visit these gardens accompanied by a guide and pre-book a tour.

Interesting fact: in the depths of the park, in its western part, there is a papal helioport - a small helipad that provides air traffic between the Vatican and Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Today, this small church is considered the oldest in the Vatican of all those that have survived to this day. This title could be given to St. Peter's Cathedral, but in its design almost nothing remains from the basilica of 326.

Like the famous cathedral, Santo Stefano degli Abyssini stands above an ancient Roman necropolis. The first building on this site dates back to around the 5th century - it was the church of the monastery of St. Stephen. However, the first building was destroyed, and the second appeared here in 1159 by decree of Pontiff Alexander III. Afterwards a major reconstruction took place in 1479, as a result of which the temple acquired almost modern look. The façade was renovated in the 18th century, but retains the medieval portal. Inside you can see ancient Roman columns and a 15th-century fresco of the Virgin and Child.

Archaeological Sites

For many years, the Vatican has held archaeological excavations, a special papal commission has even been created on this occasion. Today, two archaeological zones are open to tourists:

• The necropolis on Via Triumphalis is a complex of ancient Roman burials from the time of Emperor Augustus (about 23 BC) discovered in 2003. There are paths for visitors here from which they can explore the area of ​​the ancient necropolis.

• Excavations under the Basilica of Saint Giovanni on the Lateran Hill - here you can see the remains of ancient houses from the time of Emperor Nero.

Of course, these are not all the attractions of the Vatican - there are a huge number of interesting objects on its territory. If you have free time, a walk in these places can take up to 8 hours, and this is far from the limit.

Interesting: at St. Anne's Gate is the oldest pharmacy in the world, dating back to 1277. There are rare drugs on sale here that are difficult to find in other pharmacies in Rome. True, access here for tourists is very limited.

Weather

As you might guess, the weather in the Vatican is about the same as throughout Rome. But there is one caveat: due to the location of this mini-state, as well as the abundance of fountains, fogs occur here a little more often.

The optimal time for a trip is late spring and early summer or early autumn. However, winter is also suitable for excursions, because it is quite warm here, with temperatures from 0 to +15 degrees. But the height of summer is suitable only for the most heat-loving people - it is very hot at this time, you cannot do without sunscreen and hats.

Traveling around the country

Inside the Vatican, most tourists travel on foot. There are a lot of attractions concentrated here in a relatively small area, and they are all located so close to each other that it simply doesn’t make sense to use transport.

However, there is a transport network here, and it is well developed. On the periphery of the Vatican domains there are Roman buses, trams, and even its own railway line (although it is used mainly for transporting goods). As a rule, tourists travel by bus, tram or metro to the entrance to or to St. Peter's Square.

You should know: Rome has day and night buses, the latter designated by the letter N. Tickets can be bought at a tobacconist or newsstand and are valid for 90 minutes (but there are also tickets for a day or more).

It is also possible to rent a car, but for getting around the papal domain, renting a car makes little sense. Firstly, the area of ​​the mini-state is small, and secondly, in many places the movement of vehicles is limited. To this should be added very expensive parking lots and gas stations that are not open on Sundays. But if you still want to drive a rented car, you will need an international license and a credit card.

Mobile communications and Internet

There are no separate mobile operators in the Vatican; everyone here uses the services of Italian providers. And in this regard, there is only one problem - far from cheap tariffs.

The largest operators in Italy:

• Vodafone;
• Wind;
• 3 Italia (smartphones only).

IMPORTANT: When activating a SIM card, about 7-10 euros will be charged from it ( ~688 rub. ), and the process itself can take up to a day or more in some cases.

Food and drink

In the Vatican, as throughout Italy, you can try the famous national dishes - pizza and pasta. Both are prepared in a huge variety. For example, pasta can be made from long spaghetti or short bucatini, from thin capellini or banal maccheroni, and all this with dozens of sauces. Cheese, seafood and fresh vegetables also occupy a huge place.

As for desserts, you should definitely try gelato (gelato or gelato) - a unique Italian ice cream. The national fast food specialty will be suppli - fried rice balls with tomato and mozzarella. And from drinks - of course, coffee. They say that in Italy it is not customary to drink cappuccino during the day (only in the morning), but, firstly, you can ignore this custom, and secondly, the Americano here is also very, very tasty.

Where and what to eat inside the Vatican:

• Breakfast or lunch at the museum at the Ristorante - this option is included in the price of some tickets, it includes admission to the attractions and a table reserved for a certain time (food is included in the package price). Read more in .
• Bistro Caffè-Bistrot La Pigna, located in the Pigna courtyard (Pine cone courtyard) - there is a buffet breakfast here in the mornings.
• Caffè Le Carrozze, a cafe overlooking the Pinacoteca, located near the Carriage Department, offers coffee, pastries and snacks with tables on the summer terrace or inside the building.
• A pizzeria with the simple name Pizzeria, which is easy to find just outside the Sistine Chapel - in addition to pizza, they offer delicious pancakes.

Interesting fact: food for the Pope is prepared by five nuns who create a special menu - not necessarily Italian. For example, Pontiff John Paul II preferred Polish cuisine.

Shopping

Of course, in a state like the Vatican, you won’t find branded perfumes or expensive clothing stores, although there are still retail outlets here. Moreover, in the “papal” pharmacy and in the supermarket the prices are slightly lower than in Rome. And everything would be fine if not for one “but”: shopping in these places is available only to local residents. Even the Italians themselves cannot go shopping in the Vatican anywhere other than the souvenir shop and a few cafes.

Souvenir shop on the roof of St. Peter's Basilica

However, this does not mean that you will have to leave here without shopping. There is a souvenir shop at St. Peter's Basilica, as well as a bookstore and a post office.

What to bring from the Vatican:

• Replicas of antique crucifixes and rosaries or jewelry from the cathedral gift shop.
• Unique postcards and postage stamps that are not sold anywhere else in the world.
• A disc with a recording of the Lord's Prayer said by the Pope himself.
• An original bottle for holy water - for example, in the shape of a figurine of the Mother of God.

Also, crosses, icons, and “non-religious” souvenirs are often brought from the Vatican as gifts - colorful magnets with an image of St. Peter’s Basilica or one of Raphael’s frescoes.

Holidays and Events

Since the Vatican is a stronghold of Catholicism, church holidays are of particular importance here - Christmas, Easter, Epiphany Day (January 6), Peter and Paul Day (June 29), Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (December 8) and others. These dates are celebrated with solemn services, which many residents of Rome strive to attend.

There is another important date that is not a religious holiday, but is widely celebrated here - this is February 11, the day of the founding of the Vatican City State. Thus, in winter this place can also be very interesting.

The largest celebrations are, of course, dedicated to Christmas and New Year. A Christmas tree and nativity scene are usually installed in St. Peter's Square, and processions and parades are held. But keep in mind that in holidays There is always an influx of tourists here, and it is unlikely that you will be able to examine the sights in detail.

Mentality of the population

The peculiarities of the Vatican mentality were formed during centuries-old history catholic church. The emergence of the Vatican itself dates back to 1929, when the Lateran Agreement was signed, but the institution of the papacy has existed much longer, and all this time it has sought to dominate the world. Practical, ambitious people with excellent organizational skills rose to the top of power here.

Thus, the main features of the Vatican mentality can be considered the desire for leadership, practicality, and conservatism. However, the current 266th Pope Francis has done a lot to make the stronghold of the Catholic Church more open, sincere and merciful.

The Vatican is a place covered with dozens of legends, and it is not surprising that its museums are among the five most visited in the world. Few people, being in Rome, would not want to find out what the ancient fortress wall hides, behind which this miniature state lies. You don’t have to be a Catholic to be interested in its history, because it is connected with the emergence of Christianity and with the most important events in world culture. Its palaces, archaeological excavations, and works of great Renaissance masters make ancient events close and real. If somewhere the words “ living history” and find meaning, it is here.

Italy’s capital has long been a stalwart on the travel circuit. The Eternal City celebrates its long and rich history with monuments that take you back in time to the powerful Roman Empire. Immerse yourself in history by revelling in the magnificence of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and other ancient ruins. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the Spanish Steps, before indulging in some of the best gelato, pasta, pizza and prosecco in the world!

Things to do in Rome

• Vatican City

  Vatican City, officially Vatican City State or the State of Vatican City (Italian: Stato della Città del Vaticano; Latin: Status Civitatis Vaticanae), is a country located within the city of Rome. With an area of ​​approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of 1,000, it is the smallest country in the world by both area and population. However, formally it is not sovereign, with sovereignty being held by the Holy See.

• St. Peter's Basilica

  The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano), or simply St. Peter's Basilica (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), is an Italian Renaissance church in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome.

• Colosseum

  The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheater ever built. The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheater was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

• Pantheon

  The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, in Rome, Italy, on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD). The present building was completed by the emperor Hadrian and probably dedicated about 126 AD. He retained Agrippa's original description, which has confused its date of construction as the original Pantheon burnt down so it is not certain when the present one was built.

If you find yourself in Rome, take a day to visit the Vatican, even if you are far from any religion. It’s worth doing this if only to admire the world-famous frescoes, architecture of extraordinary beauty, and watch the changing of the guard of the Swiss Guards. Moreover, this is easy to do, without even contacting tour operators.

How to prepare?

• You do not need a visa to enter the Vatican. The Schengen card you opened for your trip to Italy is enough. The Vatican has an open border with this country.
• To visit the Vatican, you should choose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Short shorts and T-shirts or sundresses may not be allowed in. If you plan to climb to the observation decks, take care of comfortable shoes, as most of the stairs are metal spiral ones.
• Take a small amount of cash (the official currency is Euro). Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is free, and for the climb observation deck on the dome you will have to pay 5-7 euros. You can enter the Vatican Museum for 16 euros, but once a month (last Sunday) it receives tourists for free.

When?

There are always long queues at the Vatican Museums, so it is better to arrive to the “city within a city” before 8 o’clock in the morning. Guides assure that the fewest visitors are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the most on Wednesdays, when the Pope gives audiences and makes an address in St. Peter's Square. Sunday is a day off in the Vatican, all museums are closed. You can enter the museums until 16.30 and leave at 18.00. To avoid waiting in long lines, buy tickets to museums on websites in advance and print them out. With this ticket you can skip the line. On “free” days there are especially many people, and you will have to spend several hours before entering the museum.

How to get there?

You can get there by metro line A (red), get off at the Ottaviano-San Pietro station and walk 10 minutes to St. Peter's Square. From almost anywhere in Rome you can get to the Vatican by bus:

• No. 64 - you can board it at the Rome train station (Stazione Termini), in Piazza Venezia or Argentina,
• No. 60 – from the Republic Square (Repubblica), Venice and Argentina, from the Spanish Steps,
• No. 40 is an express bus to the Vatican with limited stops from the station.

Buses 62 and 40 stop between Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Square, and bus number 64 stops south of the square and the cathedral. If you're not sure where to get off, ask the bus driver: "Vaticano?"

You can also take a pleasant walk from the station along Via Nazionale or from Piazza Venezia along Via Plebescita, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via della Concigliazione. The closest place to St. Peter's Square is Navona Square on the other side of the Tiber. Driving around the Vatican without special permission is prohibited.

If your goal is not Rome and Italy, but specifically the Vatican, it makes sense to stay in one of the Roman hotels nearby (there are no secular hotels in the Vatican itself).

What should you be prepared for?

• The entrance to the Vatican is guarded by Swiss Guards. They have the right to check your documents and the contents of your pockets and bags. This needs to be treated with understanding, since we are talking about everyone’s safety. You should not take a backpack with you, as it is guaranteed to be checked at the entrance to each museum.
• On some holidays and during official visits, parts of the Vatican area are closed to tourists.

The Vatican conceals within its walls many secrets and mysteries, which many “bright minds” of all times and peoples have not been able to solve. Therefore, visiting the tiny state, which is located in the very heart of the Italian capital, is worth visiting for all lovers of history, religion and simply quality attractions.

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Of course, getting to the birthplace of European religion will not be the slightest difficulty, because at the same time it is both part of Rome and separate from it. What you need to know when going to the heart of religious Europe, what rules apply on the territory of the city-state and how to get from Rome to the Vatican - all this will be discussed in our review.

The most in our article.

Calling the Vatican a “tidbit” for numerous travelers is unlikely to happen. First of all, it will be of interest to admirers of religious canons, connoisseurs of antiquities and history. But for an ordinary tourist, getting to know this unique city also promises a lot of interesting and memorable things. For example, who would refuse to stroll through the world-famous Vatican Gardens or witness the election of the next Pope? So in a tiny area you can spend a day or two with great benefit and significantly expand your horizons.

For those who have never been to this place, it will be extremely useful to know about the existing restrictions that all pilgrims and tourists who decide to look beyond the walls of the religious citadel must observe. For example, Latin is officially recognized as the official language, so you should at least know a little about it in order to be able to read about all the prohibitions and restrictions that are posted on numerous signs.

Also, tourists and visitors wearing clothes that can hardly be called modest are highly discouraged here. A strict dress code can become an insurmountable obstacle on the way to local attractions. You can easily not be allowed into the city if your dress code is considered to be beyond the bounds of decency.

But if all the requirements are met, you can not only enjoy local unique artifacts and attractions, but also receive a real blessing from the pontiff.

How to get there

Since the Vatican is located in the center of Rome, you will have to get to it by one of the types of public transport. Private taxis, buses, and metro are available to tourists. If you are staying at one of the hotels located near the holy place, you can walk to the Pope’s residence. This is very convenient and allows you to save a little on the road. Although, if your budget allows, you can easily take a taxi and get to the Vatican in comfort and in a matter of minutes.

If you prefer to travel by city buses, then look for transport with numbers 40 and 64, the route of which runs through the religious center of Italy that interests you. As a rule, this type of transport will appeal to those who travel from the center. At the same time, be vigilant, because cases of theft on buses have become more frequent. Pickpockets, it seems, are not at all against improving their financial situation at the expense of tourists and believers and are not at all afraid that heavenly punishment will befall their souls. One trip will cost 1.5 euros, but for a pass for the whole day you will have to pay only 6 euros.

An alternative transport that will take you to the religious center in no time is the metro. You need to get on one of the trains that run on line A and stop at stations such as Ottavio - San Pietro and Cipro. If you want to visit St. Peter's Basilica first, then get off at the first station, and the second is located just opposite the Vatican Museums and will be the final stop for all lovers of history and art.

For those who decide to take a walk around Rome and get to the religious center on foot, we advise you to pay attention to the scenic routes from Piazza Venezia along Via Plebeschita or from Termini station along Via Nazionale. You will have a great time and will be able to enjoy many unique attractions, works of architecture and art that permeate the entire image Eternal City. It is these routes that are especially popular among visitors and those Romans who decided to once again stroll along the streets of their beloved city and look beyond the gates of the cathedral city.

Do I need a visa

This question plagues many tourists who are not yet accustomed to the procedure for processing a huge number of permits every time they go abroad. On this moment Anyone who has a Schengen visa can stay on the territory of the Vatican. This document is also necessary for you to be able to enter Italy at all. Therefore, take care of its registration in advance.

What to see

Mandatory excursion program should include such sites as Sant'Angelo, which is considered one of the most outstanding buildings in Rome, the Vatican Gardens, as well as several galleries housing unique works by Raphael and Michelangelo. Well, don’t forget to appreciate the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel, about which so much has been said and films made. Also check out the Vatican Library. But, as they say, it’s better to see once...