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Sharing Travel Experiences in Vatican City – The World's Tiniest Nation
Nestled within the heart of Italy with a border perimeter of just 2 miles, Vatican City is a sovereign state led by the Pope. The Pope serves as the sole absolute monarch in Europe, as of the current times.
Enveloped in ancient architecture, vast museums, and meticulously manicured gardens, Vatican City is an unmissable destination for independent travelers exploring Italy. There are myriad intriguing spots for art aficionados, from St. Peter's Square to the Sistine Chapel. With the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica entry pass, visitors can leisurely stroll through renowned Italian landmarks, bypassing long queues with professional guides.
Embark on a journey with Klook to uncover the top 10 attractions in Vatican City, perfect for planning your European and Italian adventures!
Guide: Getting from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to Vatican City
There are multiple ways to get from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to Vatican City, here are some noteworthy options:
1. Taking a Taxi to Vatican City
It takes approximately 40 minutes to travel from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to Vatican City by taxi. Taxi services at Fiumicino Airport operate 24/7 so you don't need to worry if you have late-night flights. Depending on the provider, the cost for this mode of transportation ranges from €50 to €60 (approximately ₫1,300,000 - ₫1,540,000).
2. Using the Bus to Reach Vatican City
There is no direct bus route from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to Vatican City, but you can catch bus numbers 64 and 40 from the Termini station within the city to reach Vatican City. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes. The total cost for this transportation is €7 (€6.5 to Termini station and €1.5 to Vatican City) – equivalent to ₫180,000.
3. Opting for the Train to Vatican City
Similar to the bus, there are no direct train routes from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to Vatican City. You'll need to take a train to Roma Trastevere Station; then, transfer to another train to reach Vatican City. This journey, lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes, will cost you around €14 (equivalent to ₫360,000). Note that trains in Italy only operate from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM!
Exploring the Top 10 Unmissable Tourist Destinations in Vatican City
1. St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica stands as the largest building in the heart of Rome. As one of the holiest sites in Catholicism, this location boasts intricate architecture with solemn domes and lavish interiors. Witness artistry as you glide past colossal frescoes and behold Stacher's Baldachin, a masterful work crafted entirely in bronze by Baroque sculptor Bernini.
Note: Shorts or short skirts are prohibited here. Guards will not allow entry if dress code regulations are not followed!
For a smoother Vatican tour experience, book the Tour of St. Peter's Basilica with Klook. Guides will help you delve deeper into the many intriguing facets of this famous European tourist destination.
2. Apostolic Palace
Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace, serves as the official residence of the Pope. The Apostolic Palace features extensive living and visiting quarters, including the Pope's own chambers. While some areas may be closed, visitors can still explore many famous Italian attractions within, such as Vatican Library and Vatican Museums. Keep an eye out for the Swiss Guards, the Pope's personal army, who still don medieval-style uniforms of striped tunics, white plumes, and ripe plum-colored hats.
3. Sistine Chapel
Located within the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, established in the 15th century, stands as an enduring monument in Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel serves as the sacred seat of the Papal Conclave, where Cardinals gather to elect a new Pope. Adorning its walls and ceiling is the renowned fresco titled 'The Last Judgement.' This masterpiece, featuring over 300 figures and intricate Catholic-inspired details, is the spiritual offspring of Michelangelo, the Renaissance art genius.
Each year, the Sistine Chapel welcomes over five million visitors. It's advisable to pre-book tickets to skip the line and spend ample time admiring Italy's most artistic landmark.
4. Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums resemble a colossal exhibition, with 54 display rooms, housing over 70,000 artworks. While only a fraction of these are open to the public for viewing, the staggering number of 20,000 independent artworks still makes the art collection at Vatican Museums one of the largest in Italy.
OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card allows you to explore this 500-year-old structure and 30 other museums in Rome. The card is valid for 72 hours, so if you don't fully explore on your first visit, you can always return the next day.
5. St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square is an iconic landmark, situated outside St. Peter's Basilica. St. Peter's Square often graces Instagram feeds, with prominent European elements such as towering whitewashed buildings, monumental columns, and most notably, the colossal Egyptian granite obelisk dating back to 37 AD.
With the I Love Rome bus pass, hop-on-hop-off buses will swiftly, conveniently, and economically transport you to these famous Italian landmarks.
6. Vatican City Walls
Dare to venture into the city beneath the ground, dubbed the 'realm of the macabre'. Just beneath St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Necropolis is a labyrinthine crypt, adorned and embellished with paintings, wooden furnishings, sculptures... Vatican Necropolis is said to house the remains of the Apostle St. Peter!
You'll need a reservation to visit, so while you wait for your tour slot, you can spend a few hours exploring Rome. Glide around the sights on a segway tour and return just in time for your adventure into the cemetery.
7. Etruscan Museum
Ever heard of the Etruscans? Dating back to 900 BC, this civilization remains quite mysterious but the National Etruscan Museum helps travelers delve deeper into this ancient culture. You'll be mesmerized by the collection of ivory, bronze, and glass artifacts displayed here. Conveniently located, it's a great place to conclude your trip to Italy, don't forget to utilize luggage storage services in Rome and enjoy your Vatican tour!
8. Pinacoteca
Pinacoteca is part of the Vatican Museums; however, this place deserves to be known as a standalone destination in the Vatican with its remarkable art collection it preserves. If you're a fan of Leonardo da Vinci, this is the place for you. You'll get to admire his unfinished masterpiece, Saint Jerome in the Wilderness, followed by numerous other internationally renowned works by Caravaggio and Giotto.
The Angels and Demons-themed tour will take you through the famous locations in the novel by Dan Brown. So much to look forward to, isn't it?
9. Egyptian Museum
With 9 captivating exhibition rooms at the Egyptian Museum, each room holds artifacts that will astound anyone. Visitors will witness intricately carved stone statues, wooden sarcophagi, and even chilling mummified heads. Additionally, you can explore the ancient Rome-Cairo relationship as you immerse yourself in the Egyptian ambiance of this 19th-century museum.
It's time to 'reverse history' with the Vatican and Rome combined tour!
10. Vatican Gardens
If you admire the diverse architecture of Vatican City, then you must explore the Vatican Gardens which are extraordinarily beautiful. Planning ahead is essential as the gardens have limited space and require advance booking. It's best to visit the Vatican Gardens in the morning, to fully appreciate the fountains, lush greenery, and vibrant flower beds under the morning sunlight.
Feeling the heat while exploring outdoors? Join the refreshing Gelato ice cream tour in Italy with Klook now!
Explore Vatican & Italy Independently with Klook
Traveling in Europe in general and Italy or Vatican in particular has never been simpler. To make your European journey more convenient, Klook offers a wide range of day tours, entrance tickets to attractions, fun activities, entertainment, and dining options in Vatican and Rome, Italy at discounted prices. Discover now with Klook.
What do you think about the travel experience in Vatican, the tiny yet 'gigantic' country in terms of culture and religion? Share your thoughts with Klook!
