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…
Must-see attractions in Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
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…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
This castle is an instantly recognizable landmark now home to the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo.
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.
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
The Sistine Chapel is the one part of the Vatican Museums that everyone wants to see, and for good reason.
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…
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,…
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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Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
Excavations beneath St Peter's Basilica have uncovered part of the original church and a necropolis with what is held to be the Tomb of St Peter. In 1942,…
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Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
Accessed from the left nave of St Peter's Basilica, the Museo Storico Artistico (Tesoro; Treasury) sparkles with sacred relics and priceless artefacts,…
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Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
Extending beneath St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes contain the tombs and sarcophagi of numerous popes, as well as several huge columns from the…
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Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
Not to be confused with the Tomb of St Peter, this ancient Roman cemetery extends beneath the Vatican hill. Guided tours, which must be pre-booked, take…
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Complesso Monumentale Santo Spirito in Sassia
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
Originally an 8th-century lodging for Saxon pilgrims, this ancient hospital complex was established by Pope Innocent III in the late 12th century. Three…
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Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
This vast landmark palazzo, built to a neo-baroque style between 1888 and 1911, is the seat of Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation.
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