7 Unique Things to Do in Vatican City: A Tiny Country with Big Secrets

What if we told you that one of the most powerful places on Earth fit inside a city block? Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, overflows with art, history, and astonishing secrets. With a population of fewer than 800 people, including the Pope himself, this independent city-state in the heart of Rome has no GDP—it produces no goods for trade. Its entire territory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and even its ATMs display messages in Latin. Curious about what to see first? Here are the most fascinating things to do in Vatican City that will make your visit unforgettable.

 The Vatican isn’t just a quirky microstate; it’s the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church and a treasure chest of human achievement. Though it became independent less than a century ago, its history stretches back to the rise of Christianity in the 4th century AD.

 

Whether you visit for faith, history, or pure curiosity, the Holy See offers experiences like no other. Did you know this tiny nation has its own currency, post office, banks, and judicial system? It even has a small army – the Swiss Guards – wearing uniforms straight out of the Renaissance. While the Pope rules here, the true stars are its masterpieces: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the priceless artefacts in the Vatican Museums. Millions visit each year to see its wealth of art and culture, and many follow the footsteps of Dan Brown’s Rober Langdon from Angels and Demons.

 

9 Unmissable things to do in Vatican City

If you want to make a grand entrance, stroll down Via della Conciliazione, the grand avenue leading from Castel Sant’Angelo. This wide street acts like a royal red carpet leading you straight to the iconic St. Peter’s Square.

 

1. St Peter’s Square

 

Nobody can deny that St Peter’s Square is one of the best places to visit. It’s not just a giant plaza – it’s the living heartbeat of Catholicism and one of the world’s largest squares. It’s 320 m (1050 ft) long and 240 m (787 ft) wide, big enough to hold over 300,000 faithful for a Papal blessing. But here’s the shocker: before it became a symbol of faith, this sacred site was a Roman racetrack known as Nero’s Circus, chariots raced here where crowds now gather. Beneath today’s cobblestones lies the very site of Saint Peter’s crucifixion.

Saint Peter, Jesus’s apostle and the first Pope, lends his name to the square and the nearby basilica. His legacy makes this place one of the holiest in the world.

 

MIND-BLOWING ARCHITECTURE:

In the 1660s, Pope Alexander VII wanted a grand space that could match the power of St. Peter’s Basilica. He called on Baroque genius Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who turned this vision into reality between 1656 and 1667. The result? A grand yet welcoming space that amazes everyone who visits.

Bernini’s design is a masterpiece of symmetry and style. The square features 284 columns and 88 pilasters arranged in four rows, creating a sweeping curve around the square. These rows create a stunning visual effect – a giant hug made of stone. Above them, 140 statues of saints stand proudly on top, each adding a touch of divine authority. And the fountains? They are equally impressive. Bernini designed one, and Maderno crafted the other. Together, they bring harmony and movement to the space. No wonder experts say St. Peter’s Square is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the most photographed places.

 

THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK:

The obelisk in the centre is no ordinary stone pillar. It’s over 4,500 years old and Emperor Caligula brought it from ancient Egypt to Rome in 40 AD. Originally placed in the Circus of Nero, it witnessed Saint Peter’s crucifixion. Forgotten for centuries, it was moved almost 243 m (800 ft) to the centre of the new square in 1586.

Pope Sixtus V ordered the obelisk’s relocation to its current spot, but it wasn’t easy. Architect Domenico Fontana needed 800 workers, 160 horses, and 45 winches to move the 300-ton giant. The operation took months of preparation and one intense day to complete. What else makes this obelisk unique? It’s the only obelisk in Rome that has never fallen and the only ancient one without hieroglyphs.

 

A HIDDEN OPTICAL ILLUSION

Did you know St. Peter’s Square holds a secret that will blow your mind? Look for two white circles on the square’s ground – this is where the magic happens. Stand on one circle, and the colonnade appears as a single row of columns. Move to the opposite circle, and suddenly all 4 rows of columns come into view. This optical trick is no accident—it’s Bernini’s genius at work. His vision wasn’t just about architecture but about creating moments of wonder. This playful yet profound trick of perspective reminds us that nothing here is as simple as it seems.

 

 

2. Peter’s Basilica

If you see only one thing, make sure it is St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

What makes St. Peter’s Basilica so special? Everything. It’s a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture and the largest church in the world (interior). It measures a colossal 218 m (715 ft) in length. Larger than two football fields, it can hold up to 60,000 people inside. That’s about the population of a small town in one place! St. Peter’s Basilica is also one of the holiest sites in Christianity, built over the burial place of Saint Peter himself. No wonder it’s one of the four major basilicas in the world.

Construction took over a century (120 years to be precise) and involved 20 popes. Some of the brightest minds of the Renaissance, including Bramante, Raphael, Bernini, and Michelangelo, worked on this masterpiece. 

 

WHAT TO SEE INSIDE:

Prepare to be blown away by what you’ll find inside:

 

• Baldacchino: Bernini’s massive bronze canopy towers over the papal altar, marking the tomb of Saint Peter below.
• Michelangelo’s Pieta: This marble sculpture captures Mary holding Jesus after the crucifixion. Look closely, and you’ll see his name on Mary’s sash – it’s the only piece Michelangelo signed. And here’s the kicker: Michelangelo was only 24 when he carved it.
• Floor Markings on the Nave Floor: Ever wonder how St. Peter’s compares to other famous churches? Spoiler alert: The nave’s floor has the answer.

 

Here’s a fun fact: St Peter’s Basilica has no paintings. Look closely at the artwork on the walls. There are no paintings here—only stunning mosaics of tiny squares of glass and ceramic. Get close and admire this incredible craftsmanship.

 

THE DOME THAT STOLE THE SHOW

Did you know that Michelangelo designed the magnificent Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica? He took on this project in his 70s after he created the Sistine Chapel. The Pope wanted it bigger than the Pantheon, but Michelangelo kept it just half a meter smaller out of respect. Luckily for him, the pope never checked it with a tape measure. Michelangelo didn’t live to see it completed but the work he left behind is pure genius.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

• DRESS CODE: Cover your shoulders and knees, even in summer (no short skirts, or shorts)
• COST: Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but there’s a fee to climb the dome (as of November 2024).
• OPENING TIMES: Open daily from 7 am to 7:10 pm

 

TIP:

Did you know there’s a secret door connecting the Vatican Museums to St. Peter’s Basilica? If you’ve visited the museums on a guided tour, you can use this shortcut to avoid waiting in long lines.

 

READ MORE:

 

3. Climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

A climb worth every step

 

What’s better than visiting St. Peter’s Basilica? Climbing its iconic dome! Michelangelo designed this masterpiece to soar 130 m (426 ft) into the heavens, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. Towering over the Vatican City, Michelangelo’s dome stands as one of the largest in the world. With a design inspired by the Pantheon, this dome isn’t just grand—it’s groundbreaking. It has an internal diameter of 41.5 m (136 ft) and an external diameter of 58.9 m (193 ft).

 

ENGINEERING MARVEL:

This incredible dome didn’t just appear overnight. It took 22 months to build, and the plans were groundbreaking for their time. After Michelangelo’s death, Pope Pius V ensured future architects followed his design exactly. Its double-shell structure supports a staggering 14,000 tons, resting safely on the drum and piers below. Climb to the top and discover why this is one of the best things to do in Vatican City. From the summit, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the papal state, St. Peter’s Square, and even the rooftops of Rome.

 

TIP:

Don’t miss the rooftop café for a well-earned coffee. It’s the Vatican’s highest coffee spot, serving snacks in a hidden and exclusive setting.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

Want to enjoy this marvel up close? You have two options to reach the top of St. Peter’s Basilica:

 

• Climb 551 steps for €17 (adults over 11 years old)
• Take an elevator and climb the remaining 320 steps for €22 (prices as of November 2024).
• The stairways become steep and narrow, so we don’t recommend it for claustrophobics.
• Arrive early, around 7 AM, to avoid long lines.
• Don’t forget to prebook your tickets to the dome in advance as they often sell out.
• Bring cash for tickets, as credit cards aren’t accepted.
• Avoid visiting on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience, which attracts larger crowds.

 

No time to read now? Save the unique things to do in Vatican City so you don’t lose it!

 

4. Visit the Vatican Necropolis (Scavi)

Only a few tourists know what lies beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Hidden deep underground is the Vatican Necropolis, a burial site where popes and saints find eternal rest. This ancient burial ground, just 5 -12 m (16.4 – 39 ft) below the city’s streets, holds the grave of St. Peter, the first pope and an apostle of Jesus. This sacred space, discovered during 1940s excavations, is one of the most spiritually significant places in the world. Known as the ‘City of the Dead’ this unique attraction in Vatican City offers a rare glimpse into early Christian history and Roman traditions.

 

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

• ANCIENT ORIGINS: Built along the Via Cornelia outside the ancient city walls, the necropolis dates back to the Roman times (1st to 4th centuries).
• SACRED TOMBS: See intricately decorated mausoleums and tombs of early Christians, including St. Peter himself.
• ARTISTIC TREASURES: Admire mosaics, precious sculptures and other decorations that reveal the craftsmanship of ancient Rome

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

• EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: Only about 250 visitors can enter daily, and tours must be booked months in advance through the Excavation Office.
• AGE RESTRICTIONS: Guests must be 15 or older to join the guided tour with no more than 12 people

• NOT FOR EVERYONE: Be prepared for warm, humid underground conditions; not ideal for those with health issues.

 

5. Vatican Museums

 

The Vatican Museums hold one of the largest art collections in the world. Did you know it would take four years to see every piece of art if you spent just one minute on each one? With over 70,000 works in its collections and 20,000 on display, this museum is one of the best things to see in Vatican City.

Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs through the centuries, the Vatican Museums are one of the most famous art collections. Walking through its 54 galleries feels like exploring a time capsule of human history, from ancient Egypt to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Renaissance. Here’s what makes these galleries truly unforgettable:

 

GREGORIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

This gallery, founded by Pope Gregory XVI, holds a vast collection of treasures from ancient Egypt, brought to Rome to showcase the empire’s power. Highlights include:

• Sarcophagi from the 3rd century BC: These intricately carved burial cases once held Egyptian nobles.
• A Book of the Dead: A fascinating 30-page papyrus with spells for the afterlife.
• Egyptian Statues: Many of these pieces were originally in Roman villas, symbolizing Rome’s fascination with Egypt.

 

PIO-CLEMENTINO MUSEUM

Named after Popes Pius VI and Clement XIV, this museum showcases some of the finest Greek and Roman sculptures in history. See ancient sculptures like Laocoön and His Sons, alongside Roman opulence. Don’t miss the Bath of Nero in the round hall – the enormous purple porphyry bathtub is a marvel of Roman engineering. This bathtub’s stone was the single largest piece of porphyry ever extracted from a remote mine in Roman Egypt. It’s so rare it was once valued at over $2 billion.

 

THE RAPHAEL ROOMS

The renowned Renaissance artist Raphael and his pupils created four stunning rooms in Pope Julius II’s private apartments. Each room has its own story:

 

• Hall of Constantine (Sala di Constantino): This room celebrates Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity.
• Room of Heliodorus (Stanza di Eliodoro) depicts vibrant scenes of biblical and historical events.
• Room of the Fire in the Borgo (Stanza dell’Incendio del Borgo) illustrates a dramatic fire in the Borgo district of Rome.
• Room of the Segnatura (Stanza della Segnatura): This room houses The School of Athens, Raphael’s tribute to philosophy. You’ll see figures like Plato, Aristotle, and even Raphael himself. Look closely at the marble-like figures; the colours are more vibrant than Raphael typically used. This was Raphael’s nod to Michelangelo’s genius.

 

THE GALLERY OF MAPS:

Walk through this corridor to see Italy through the eyes of 16th-century cartographers. The detailed frescoes show towns, mountains, and rivers with incredible precision. The walls showcase 40 topographical frescoes of Italy, created by Ignazio Danti. These maps are so detailed that Renaissance travellers used them to navigate. It’s like stepping into a giant, hand-painted atlas from the past.

 

THE PINACOTECA – A RENAISSANCE WONDERLAND:

This semi-modern gallery is home to 18 rooms and 460 masterpieces by the greatest artists of all time. Masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giotto make this gallery one of the highlights for art lovers. Here are the most remarkable rooms:

• Room VII with works by Perugino;

• Room VIII with works by Raphael;
• Room IX with works by Leonardo;
• Room X with Venetian paintings;
• Room XII with works by Caravaggio.

 

SPIRAL STAIRCASE

The museum’s famous double spiral staircase, inspired by Bramante’s design, allows visitors to move up and down without crossing paths. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the museum.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

• TICKETS: Entry tickets for adults to the Vatican Museum start from €20, as of November 2024. Book skip-the-line tickets from €26 or you’ll face hours of waiting.
• TIMING MATTERS: Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
• FREE ENTRY: The last Sunday of the month is free to enter but also the busiest day (expect long waits).
• No photos allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

 

6. Sistine Chapel

the Creation of Adam

 

Step inside the Sistine Chapel, and you’ll see Michelangelo’s ceiling, which changed art forever. It isn’t just an art gallery but the heart of Catholic tradition and the crown jewel of the Vatican Museums. Built by Pope Sixtus IV in the late 15th century, it’s named after him and has been a centrepiece of Vatican life ever since. This iconic space serves as the site for the papal conclave and remains a sacred place of worship. But for many, it is best known for its extraordinary frescoes, painted by Michelangelo, Raphael, and other Renaissance masters.

 

MICHELANGELO’S CEILING: THE PEAK OF THE RENAISSANCE:

Michelangelo didn’t want to paint the ceiling. He saw himself as a sculptor, not a painter. But Pope Julius II wouldn’t take no for an answer. The result? The almost 500-square-metre masterpiece that tells the story of Genesis. His frescoes cover the 20-meter-high ceiling, telling nine stories from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic Creation of Adam. The ceiling is so high that Michelangelo spent years painting while lying on his back, battling exhaustion and neck pain.

 

THE LAST JUDGEMENT

Years after finishing the ceiling, Michelangelo returned to the Sistine Chapel to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall. This powerful painting depicts Christ’s second coming as described in the Book of Revelation. Saints gather around Him, while demons drag the condemned into hell. This vivid and unsettling scene, painted between 1535 and 1541, shocked viewers in Michelangelo’s time—and still does today.

 

MORE THAN MICHELANGELO:

While Michelangelo dominates the ceiling and altar, the walls are no less impressive. Earlier Renaissance masters painted the walls with frescoes of Moses’s and Christ’s lives. The frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino, and others, framed by papal portraits and decorative drapery, provide a rich backdrop to Michelangelo’s later work.

 

GOOD TO KNOW :

• Be Silent: Speaking is forbidden inside, adding to the chapel’s reverence.
• No Photos Allowed: Photography is strictly prohibited.
• Skip-the-Line Tips: Early morning skip-the-line tours let you enjoy the chapel with fewer crowds.

 

7. Castel Sant’ Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo started as Emperor Hadrian’s grand tomb, built between 123 and 135 AD. This massive cylindrical structure was designed to house the ashes of Hadrian and his family. In ancient Rome, it was the tallest building in the city and a statement of power. Over time, it transformed from a mausoleum into one of the most versatile buildings in Roman history. It served as a fortress, a prison, and even as a papal residence. Castel Sant’Angelo has seen centuries of transformations, making it one of the most fascinating things to do in Vatican City.

 

THE ANGEL AT THE TOP

The statue of the Archangel Michael atop the castle tells a story of legend. In 590 AD, the Archangel is said to have appeared here, ending a deadly plague in Rome. Since that moment, the castle earned its name: Castle of the Holy Angel.

 

THE PAPAL HIDEOUT

In the 14th century, the Popes transformed the castle into a fortress, making it their ultimate hideout during times of danger. Nicholas III even built the Passetto di Borgo, a secret fortified corridor, which allowed them to escape to safety during the attacks. During the Sack of Rome in 1527, Pope Clement VII used it to escape invading forces, proving Castel Sant’ Angelo’s strategic value.  

 

WHY VISIT TODAY?

Today, Castel Sant’ Angelo is a museum with stunning collections of paintings, sculptures, and ancient weapons. Climb the terrace for some of the best views of Rome, including the Vatican and the River Tiber. Don’t miss the chance to uncover its rich history while enjoying the breathtaking panorama.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

• OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry at 6 PM). Closed Mondays, December 25, 2024, and May 1, 2025.
• ADMISSION FEE: €26 for skip-the-line tickets with an online audio guide, as of November 2024. Combined tickets are also available.
• EVENING TOURS OF THE PASSETTO DI BORGO: Currently closed for restoration. Scheduled hours: Thursday to Sunday, 7.30 PM – midnight (last entry at 11 PM).

 

8. Vatican Gardens

The Pope’s Hidden Garden of Eden

 

Did you know that more than half of this tiny state is a garden? Hidden behind ancient walls, the Vatican Gardens have served as the Pope’s retreat for prayer and relaxation since medieval times. These gardens, spanning 57 acres, feature ancient fortifications, fountains, statues, vibrant flowers, and centuries-old monuments.

Pope Nicholas III first enclosed this sacred space in the 13th century, but the gardens we see today are a result of Renaissance and Baroque landscaping. The public gained access only in 2014, only through guided tours, making it one of the newest things to do in Vatican City. Explore fountains, topiary, and grottos dedicated to the Virgin Mary. You might discover a forested area or find the Governor’s Palace tucked into the greenery.

 

LEGEND OF THE SACRED SOIL

Legend says the gardens rest on sacred soil brought from Mount Calvary by Empress Saint Helena. This sacred tradition symbolizes a bond between the blood of Christ and the sacrifices of early Christian martyrs, blending beauty with deep meaning.

 

In the Vatican Gardens, you’ll notice something fascinating: the clear line where this micro-state ends and Rome begins. It’s a reminder that the Vatican wasn’t always just a peaceful place for prayer. Massive fortified walls guarded the Pope’s city, and watchtowers stood tall with Swiss Guards keeping watch. This wasn’t just about keeping enemies out; it was about protecting a country within a city. Today, the gardens offer peace, but the towering walls remind us of a more turbulent past.

 

9. Swiss Guards

The Pope’s smallest, strongest army.

 

What connects Switzerland and the Vatican? The Swiss Guards. For over 500 years, this elite force has protected the Pope and its city-state. Dressed in striking red, blue, and yellow uniforms, they look like they’ve stepped out of a Renaissance painting. But don’t let their historic attire fool you—these guards are highly trained modern soldiers.

Since 1506, the Swiss Guards have defended the Pope, the Apostolic Palace, and the entrances to Vatican City. Their recruitment process is just as elite as their duties. Guards must be Catholic, Swiss, and unmarried. They need military experience, a diploma, and a height of at least 1.74 meters. It’s not just about looking the part; these soldiers undergo intense training in modern firearms, combat, and counterterrorism. Their role became even more critical after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.

Today, 135 guards protect this tiny state. They maintain an imposing presence during the ceremonies and ensure the Pope’s safety in public and private. Seeing the Swiss Guards up close is one of the most fascinating things to do in Vatican City. They bring history and modernity together in a way that no other army can.

 

Your Survival Guide – Tips for visiting the Vatican

BEAT THE CROWDS

The Vatican attracts 25,000 visitors daily. Avoid the chaos by coming on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Don’t plan to visit on weekends, Mondays, or Wednesdays (Papal Audience days). The off-season (November-February) is perfect, except for holidays. Arrive at opening (9 AM) or late afternoon (3 PM onwards) for the best experience. Sundays? Museums are closed, except on the last Sunday of the month.

 

SKIP THE LINES

Hate long lines? Lines at the Vatican can last hours. Buy skip-the-line tickets online, pay a small fee and print your reservation for scanning at the entrance. After security, head to the counter to pick up your tickets. Easy and stress-free.

 

FREE DAYS = BUSY DAYS

The Vatican Museums are free to visit on the last Sunday of each month and World Tourism Day (September 27). But here’s the catch: the crowds are overwhelming. Arrive early or visit near closing time. Hours 9 AM to 2 PM (last entry 1.30 PM).

 

DRESS RIGHT

Did you know that this micro-state has a strict dress code? Cover your knees, shoulders, and neckline if planning to visit the museums and the St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t dress for a beach day unless you want to buy an on-site cloak. It’s not stylish, but it works.

 

A SECRET SHORTCUT

Here’s a hack: avoid the crowds outside St. Peter’s Basilica, use a hidden passage from the Vatican Museums. It’s for tour groups, but blend it and save yourself a wait. Sneaky, right?

 

Now you know what the best things to do in Vatican City are!

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Last updated: 06/12/2024 by Martina Kokesova