How many days are enough for Vatican City?
Vatican City is inside Rome and is the smallest country in the world.
When you’re staying in Rome, it’s worth making a trip to see Vatican City. You will only need about a day to see the attractions at Vatican City. You can even see the main attractions in just half a day if you can’t set aside a day!
St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is a remarkable large plaza in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
As you walk down the road towards the square, you’ll see the basilica up ahead. As you get closer, the road opens up in a circle, closing in on the basilica.
On the outer parts of the circle, there are lines of impressive tall columns. You’ll notice in the middle of St. Peter’s Square sits an Egyptian obelisk, designed by Bernini.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world. About 10 million people visiting inside the basilica every year!
Inside the basilica, there is artwork, St. Peter’s Tomb, the Dome, and the Baldacchino. In fact, Michelangelo designed the basilica’s dome, and you can climb it at an extra cost.
It is free to enter the basilica, but everyone needs clothing covering their knees and upper arms.
Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums has one of the world’s largest art collections. There is a range of fascinating art throughout the museum where you can spend two to three hours walking around.
The Vatican Museums has some important standouts that are a must see when visiting.
One of the main attractions in the museum is the four Raphael Rooms. These rooms were once part of
Pope Julius II’s apartment where Raphael painted beautiful frescoes.
A fascinating attraction and one that you see as you exit the museum is the Bramante Staircase. But the one you will see is the modern one, built in 1932, replicating the original from 1505. The original Bramante Staircase is still around but there is only limited viewing for an exclusive number of visitors.
The Vatican Museums have a dress code where you’ll need to cover your knees and shoulders.
Sistine Chapel
The only way to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel is to go through the Vatican Museums’ entrance.
The Sistine Chapel was once a space where ceremonies for electing and inaugurating new popes happened. Now the Sistine Chapel displays a range of incredible art from Michelangelo, Rosselli, and Botticelli.
One of the most famous frescoes is painted on the ceiling of the chapel which is Michelangelo’s The Creation of Man.
As you only need a day to see Vatican City, make sure you grab some food and check out the Vatican Gardens. You also can book a tour and have a tour guide take you around Vatican City and the highlights.
