Visiting Vatican City Rome & St. Peter’s Basilica

Travelling is always an invigorating experience, but some places end up being more special than others. Visiting Vatican City made us realize that this little township in the heart of Rome will always be more memorable to us than others.

For anyone who enjoys places that have a vibrant cultural history, Vatican City is an absolute wonderland. Knowing about the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica is one thing; having seen pictures and videos, another.

Yet nothing compares to the experience of walking down the aisles of these historic marvels, just taking in the wonders of another land.

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Florence Italy

Jam Packed Vatican City in Rome

Harsh is easily dumbfounded by the majesty of the Vatican City

What to See in The Vatican City Rome?

The architecture of this church can leave you speechless

Beauty of Saint Peter Basilica

It is one of the holiest catholic shrines in the world and it was well evident! With timeless, unique and exceptional architecture, we were stunned at every site!

We have often heard – “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and its metaphorically as well as literally true because there are thousands of churches in Rome and all of them have over-the-top paintings, sculptures, underground excavations, baroque facades and incredible places that you feel like stepping into every church you pass by!

But this magnificent Church – Saint peter’s Basilica has to be in every tourist’s itinerary.

Saint peter’s Basilica – Stunning architecture

Indeed we were awestruck at the beauty of Vatican City

The stunning dome

When I say it is a place worth going to then I also need to mention and remind you of the old-age saying ‘no pain, no gain!’ Yes, to bring delight to your eyes you need to bear the pain in your legs! The tour up the Basilica is a cumbersome task – one has to climb a lot of steps to reach there.

First level having 320 steps and the other one with 231 stairs. There is an elevator option for the level one but eventually you have to walk in the level two.

The Vatican dome gets narrower as you proceed ahead and one has to climb this part single file, with the roof slanting over your head. But it is acceptable in front of the splendor of this dome.

Inside the St Peters Church Rome

The Dome of St Peter Church

Vatican Architecture

Climbed so many stair to reach to this view

Visiting Vatican City Rome – When to Go?

‘The best time is NOW’

Yes, there is no best day or month for visiting Vatican City because there is no such day when there are less people. It is the most popular destination in Rome! Although you can prefer going on mid-week days like Tuesday or Thursday (definitely not Wednesday).

Weekend tends to be busier [Closed on Sundays] and on Wednesdays there is Papal audience which means you will see a throng! And, same goes for the last Sundays of the month when the entry is free.

On Wednesday (except for late July and August, at this time pope is not in town and holds the audience in Castle Gandolfo) you will see tens of thousands of people rushing to saint Peters to attend the audience in Saint Peter’s Square.

Most of the tour groups reach the place in the morning to beat the crowd which actually turns up to be the time when it is even more pervaded with people. So, you can go in the afternoon and expect a slight lesser number of people!

Such places are more crowded in Summers because of people from foreign countries also come up. Same goes for the Christmas days i.e. from December 25^th to January 6^th. These are specific times of the year when you will notice sheer congestion.

It can be hot – but its worth every step you take towards this church

Not to Forget There’s a Dress Code

Inappropriate clothing and insensible dressing is completely forbidden here! DO NOT wear shorts, skirts, off-shouldered tops, low-cut sleeves or midriffs.

Sandals and jeans are acceptable. There are a lot of vendors also outside the church that sell t-shirts and scarves to the people who are unaware of the dressing code.

You may bring sarong or wear shorts with attachable legs because bare knees are a complete ‘No’!

The Roman Guards

Some Other Facts

•  To take the elevator up the domes, you have to spend €7, otherwise it costs €5. Do not forget elevator option is only for the first level, eventually you have to climb the last steps.
•  If crowds trigger your anxiety then better take a guided tour or prefer going on a day with lesser people.
• Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with the smallest population. Isn’t it ironical?
• The museums contain largest art collection in the world.

In all, Vatican City with its majestic monuments and awe-inspiring locations is a must go place in Rome, Italy. All you have to do is brace yourself and carry all the requisite things, and then enjoy the unique shows and exotic sceneries!

What we loved even more than the city’s monuments and museums was St. Peter’s Square – a thriving local hub full of souvenir shops and places to eat. We could roam about it endlessly, enjoying all hustle bustle and activity.

Visiting Vatican City Rome did not just cross of another thing on our travel check-list; it rejuvenated our mind, body and soul too. Having said that, I would have to admit the city locales are usually very crowded and entry lines fairly long. To us, it was worth the wait. What about you?

*****

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Author: Prerna