Tourists on the Pont Sant'Angelo make their way past the angels by Bernini and his pupils through to the heavily fortified Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.

Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

The Vatican, the world’s smallest sovereign state, sits over the river from Rome's historic centre. Radiating out from the domed grandeur of St Peter’s Basilica, it boasts some of Italy’s most revered artworks, many housed in the vast Vatican Museums (home of the Sistine Chapel), as well as batteries of overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops. Nearby, the landmark Castel Sant’Angelo looms over the Borgo district and upmarket Prati offers excellent accommodation, eating and shopping.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Rome Lazio Italy. The Vatican Museums in Vatican City. Raphael rooms frescoes

    Vatican Museums

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs, the Vatican Museums boast one of the world's greatest art…

  • Basilica di San Pietro. Rome. Italy. 160245212 ancient, architecture, basilica, building, capital, cathedral, catholic, church, city, day, dome, egyptian, europe, exterior, facade, famous, front, heritage, historical, history, italian, italy, landmark, monument, obelisk, old, outdoor, peter, piazza, religion, roma, roman, rome, saint, san pietro, sightseeing, sky, square, st peter, street, touristic, travel, urban, vatican, view

    St Peter's Basilica

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    In the city of outstanding churches, none can hold a candle to St Peter's, Italy’s largest, richest and most spectacular basilica. Built atop a 4th…

  • Castel Sant Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome.

    Castel Sant'Angelo

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    This castle is an instantly recognizable landmark now home to the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo.

  • View of Vatican gardens on a sunny summer day. The square garden with green lawn, benches and trees

    Vatican Gardens

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    The Vatican stands atop the low-lying Vatican hill, just west of the Tiber. Much of its 109 acres are covered by the perfectly manicured Vatican Gardens.

  • The beautiful art on the ceilings of Sistine Chapel, Vatican Rome...This a HDR of 3 shots, corrected for perspective and cropped to get a symmetrical look...Press H+M for best view

    Sistine Chapel

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    The Sistine Chapel is the one part of the Vatican Museums that everyone wants to see, and for good reason.

  • 500px Photo ID: 87791381 - Vue de la basilique Saint-Pierre depuis le pont Umberto I sur le Tibre, prise en avril 2014...Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano, Roma.

    St Peter’s Basilica Dome

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    Entry to the dome is to the far right of the basilica's main portico, where you also buy your ticket. A small lift can take you halfway up, but it’s still…

  • Colonnades at Piazza San Pietro leading to St Peter's Basilica.

    St Peter's Square

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    Overlooked by St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican’s central square was laid out between 1656 and 1667 to a design by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Seen from above,…

  • Pont Sant'Angelo.

    Ponte Sant’Angelo

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    The emperor Hadrian built the Ponte Sant’Angelo in 136 to provide an approach to his mausoleum, but it was Bernini who brought it to life, designing the…

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Articles

Latest stories from Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

Kevin Raub

Tours

How to see the Sistine Chapel all by yourself ⁠— or explore the Vatican Museums on the cheap

Jun 15, 2022 • 6 min read

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