The Best Things to See and Do in the Vatican
As you probably already know, the Vatican is a must-see attraction when visiting Rome for more reasons than one. Whether you’re there to pray, see beautiful art, learn about its extensive history, or anything in-between, you will not be disappointed.
First, there is St. Peter’s Basilica in the key-shaped Piazza San Pietro. Inside the Basilica, the astonishing attention to detail and dedication to beauty in design is a direct reflection of what religious passion can do. Named after Jesus’s disciple Saint Peter, who was buried where the Basilica stands, the Basilica was created by artists like Bramate, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Carlo Maderno.
It’s a given that you need to see the stunning art located on the ground level of the church, but one of the best views over Rome can only be found by going up to the Dome of the Basilica; but be warned, this is not for the faint of heart since it involves many stairs and narrow hallways.
Then, there are the Vatican Museums where you can find exquisite art that has been collected or commissioned by Popes over the centuries. Walking through the museums is like reading an eclectic book about religion, art, history, and humanity. From ornate statues, to walls decorated entirely in frescos, to mosaics covering every floor, the Vatican Museums are a roller coaster for the eyes. Some of my favorite rooms include the Room of the Animals in Museum Pio-Clementino, decorated with an assortment of statues paying homage to animals, and the Gallery of Maps, whose walls are completely decorated in maps from floor to ceiling, not to mention the amazing images on the ceiling itself.
At the end of the museums, you are truly blessed with the extraordinary sight of the Sistine Chapel. Named after Pope Sixtus IV who commissioned the building, the magnificent frescoes seen throughout the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are possible by the collaborative work of Botticelli, Perugino, Luca, and Michelangelo.
Lastly, after seeing all the beauty that man has created, feast your eyes on what nature has to offer at the Vatican Courtyards. Although many come and go from Vatican City without taking the time to see the gardens, this is something that shouldn’t be missed. Among all the beautiful parks that Rome has to offer, the Vatican Courtyards are by far the most ornate and charming. So, make sure to take a breather from all the tourist trips and grab a seat at the courtyards.