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
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
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
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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.
