Vatican City, Italy

Vatican City guide

As you walk along Via della Concillazione towards Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter's Square) you will begin to see a huge building that appears to be covered in a haze of mist. The enormity is breathtaking; as you get closer the buildings start to become focused and you realise that you have arrived at the Vatican City. Once at Piazza San Pietro take a few moments to take it all in; in the square is the Basilica di San Pietro (Saint Peter's Chapel), Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel), Musei Vaticani (Vatican museum) and behind is Giardini Vaticani (Vatican gardens). To the right of the square you will find a multilingual tourist information centre.

The first christian basilica was built here in 324 AD and has grown enormously over the years; this was consecrated in 1626. Opposite the main doors is part of a 13th century mosaic by Giotto which is the only remaining part of the original Basilica. Inside the basilica is beautiful; take time to silently walk round. There is a statue of Saint Peter whos marble foot has worn away through years of touching. If you are feeling fit and energetic you can walk the staircase to the top of the Basilica and stand in the dome; just follow the guides. You also have a good view of the gardens from here.

Pope Julius II began the collection at Musei Vaticani in 1506. Giuseppe Momo produced a beautiful staircase within the musei that spirals. There is a gallery (Pinacoteca) with works by Bellini, Caravaggio, Titian, Giotto, Fra Angelico, Raphael. Eventually the musei leads onto Cappella Sistina. Pope Julius in 1508 commissioned Michangelo to paint the ceiling of a Vatican Chapel. He painted the story of Genesis on the ceiling flat on his back over the next four years. Later on he was again commissioned but this time to paint 'the last judgement' on the altar wall. When you finally arrive at the altar you must remain in silence whilst in the room. It takes a while to look at the details of the paintings and follow the story.

Women ensure that your arms and legs are covered whilst visiting the Vatican City otherwise you will be refused entry.

You may want to visit the Musei Vaticani and Cappella Sistina early as queues can be long.

Currency - Euro.

Flights to Rome

Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) is around 30 km from the centre.

Aeroporto Ciampino is around 15 km south of the city (mainly budget and charter airlines).

To and from Rome's airports

Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci/ Fiumicino (FCO)

Train - Leonardo Express runs to Termini mainline station; every 30 minutes; 5.50 am - 10.50 pm; around 30 minutes; 9 euro. Slow train; Fara Sabina; around 40 minutes; 5 euro. Buy tickets from the newsagents (tabacchi) or automated machines. N.B. you must validate them before stepping onto a train by punching them in the machine on the platform otherwise you may incur a fine.

Bus - night bus; every hour from Flumicino Terminal C to Tiburtina; euro 3.62.

Taxi - outside arrivals halls; around euro 45.

Aeroporto Ciampino (CIA)

Bus - COTRAL to Anagnina metro station then line A to Stazione Termini; euro 1.

Taxi - around euro 30. There are plenty of yellow and white cabs around the city or the transport system is called ATAC (orange buses).

Activities and sightseeing in Rome

The Vatican City, Fontana di Trevi (Piazza di Trevi), Foro Romano (Centre of the Roman republic, Piazza del Colosseo), Domus Aurea (Palace, Viale della Domus), Colosseo (Piazza del Colosseo), Circo Massimo (chariot racing venue, Via del Circo Massimo), Campidoglio (viewing area on top of Capitoline Hill), Musei Capitololini (art museum, Piazza del Campidoglio), Pantheon (dome-shaped temple, Piazza della Rotanda), Piazza Navona (square with beautiful fountains, Piazza Navona), Piazza de Spagna (famous artists hangout with fontana del Barcaccia and the spanish steps), San Pietro in Vincoli (church, Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli), Santa Maria del Popolo (church, Piazza del popolo), Santa Maria Maggiore (christian Basilica, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore), Terme di Caracalla (Roman bathing complex, Viale delle Terme), Meseo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia ( Julius III's summer villa now housing art, Piazzale di Villa Giulia), Museo Keats-Shelley (Romantic literature, Piazza di Spagna), Museo Nazionale Romano (ancient art, Via delle Botteghe Oscure), Mercati di Traiano (ancient shopping mall, Via IV Novembre), Mausoleo di Augusto (graves of the imperial family, Piazza del Augusto Imperatore), Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (national collection of modern art, Viale delle Belle), Galleria Borghese (art gallery, Piazzale Scipione Borghese), Galleria Colonna (art of the Colonna family, Via della Pilotta), Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica di Palazzo Barberini (priceless collection of 13th - 18th century paintings, Via della Lungara), Chiesa Nuova (church, Piazza della Chiesa Nuova), Castel Sant'Angelo (fortress, Lungotevere Castello).

Eating and drinking in Rome

There are many places to eat alfresco in Rome and Spaghetti is a traditional Roman dish but remember many italians wouldn't dream of eating out before 10 pm. Italians like to take a long time over their meals so do not expect 'fast food' anywhere. They are not big on breakfast and usually have just a cappuccino or a latte (they would normally not drink these after midday). Piazza Nuvona has some beautiful places to eat where you can also admire the fountains. However you will pay extra for the view; if you do not want to then Via della Croce has friendly and reasonably priced restaurants and bars for afterwards.