Is the Vatican allowing visitors?
The Vatican City is a marvellous city-state situated right in the heart of Rome.
The global centrepoint of the Catholic Church, the Vatican is chockablock with stunning religious architecture, artefacts and artwork, all within about half a square kilometre!
Whether you’re admiring the magical frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the ornate grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, the glorious Vatican Museums or the eerie Necropolis, the Vatican has plenty to offer whether you’re an art adorer, pious pilgrim or an excited excursionist.
If you are any one of these things and soon headed to Italy, you will be glad to hear that yes, the Vatican is well-and-truly open! Italy and the Vatican began easing their COVID restrictions earlier in 2021 and now anyone who can enter Italy can enter the Vatican, subject to typical COVID safety measures, of course…
So, now that you know that you can well-and-truly visit this spectacular testament to Roman Catholicism, here is what makes the Vatican such a memorable place to visit when on your Roman holiday…
The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is synonymous with the fine art and detail of the Renaissance, with Michelangelo himself having painted its unmistakable ceiling. This unparalleled series of masterpieces depict various religious settings and stories from the Bible, endowing even the great non-believer with a sense of miraculous awe.
Central to the incredible collection is The Last Judgement, easily one of history’s most iconic works and perhaps the very reason alone that thousands of people flock to the Vatican every day.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is a stunningly ornate cathedral situated in the very heart of the Vatican. The biggest church in the world by interior measure, St. Peter’s Basilica is renowned not only for its vital place in Christianity, but also for its grand Renaissance architecture and detailed sculptures.
Take, for example, Bernini’s Baldacchino, an incredible canopy that could be the largest bronze sculpture in the world!
The Vatican Museums
The public museums of the Vatican, the museums provide an amazing insight into the dedication of Italian artists to Catholicism. Housing approximately 70,000 works from the likes of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio, the museums are full of beautiful works throughout.
Take your time to wander around and marvel at the pieces – you’re bound to come across a few you like in such an epic collection!
Related article: What is the best time of day to visit the Vatican?
