Visiting the Vatican City: what’s inside, the best way to visit it, history and hidden facts

  • 9 min read

In this article, you will find essential information about Vatican City, including its history, unique facts, and fascinating curiosities. Learn what’s inside, whether the Vatican Museums are the same as Vatican, if St. Peter’s Basilica is separate from the Museums, and what unique items you can buy, as well as insights into the secret archives and hidden treasures of the world’s smallest state.

Visiting the Vatican

Visiting the Vatican City: history, facts and Legal Status

Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but it carries immense importance. What is Vatican City and why is it important? It is the residence of the Pope, the administrative heart of the Catholic Church, and home to some of the most important art and architecture on the planet. Visitors often wonder how it differs from Rome: while Rome is Italy’s capital, Vatican City is a fully independent sovereign state entirely enclosed within the city.

Among the most interesting facts about Vatican City, it issues its own euro coins and stamps, is guarded by the Swiss Guard, has a tiny resident population mainly composed of clergy, covers only 44 hectares, and attracts millions of visitors each year. Can you go inside the Vatican? Many areas, such as St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica, are open to all visitors, while others require tickets or special permission. Since 1929, Vatican City has been recognized internationally as a sovereign country, with its own government, currency, postal system, and diplomatic relations.

What’s inside the Vatican? What is the best way to visit the Vatican?

  1. St. Peter’s Square
    St. Peter’s Square lies just outside St. Peter’s Basilica. While it is Vatican territory, anyone can enter freely without a ticket or special permission, much like any public square in Italy. Access may be restricted or limited during special events. On Wednesday mornings, the Pope holds his general audience here, which requires a ticket to attend.
  2. St. Peter’s Basilica
    Inside the Basilica, visitors can explore:
    – The Treasury Museum
    – The Vatican Grottoes, with chapels and tombs of several Popes
  3. The Necropolis: Beneath the Grottoes lies an ancient necropolis, an important archaeological site.
  4. Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums are world-renowned, hosting a vast collection of art and historical artifacts. Highlights include the magnificent Sistine Chapel. Some tickets also grant access to the Vatican Gardens, a large and beautifully maintained botanical area.
  5. Church of St. Anne: This small parish church, located near Porta Sant’Anna, is open to the public. While modest, it serves as a daily meeting point between Rome and Vatican life for local Catholics.
  6. Teutonic Cemetery: Technically in Rome but under Vatican control, the Teutonic Cemetery is reserved for members of the Confraternity of Our Lady of the German Cemetery. It contains graves of German-speaking pilgrims (from Germany, Austria, and other regions) who lived in Rome during their final years. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., visits can be arranged through the Swiss Guards at Piazza Sant’Uffizio.
  7. Castel Gandolfo: Vatican territory also extends outside Rome to Castel Gandolfo, home to the Pope’s former summer residence. The Palazzo and its extensive gardens are open to visitors, including the old Vatican Observatory (Specola Vaticana). Tickets are available via the Vatican Museums website.

When planning your visit, questions naturally arise: what is the best way to visit the Vatican, and can you walk around Vatican City for free? St. Peter’s Square and other public areas are open without tickets, while the Dome, Treasury, Necropolis, and Museums require entry passes. The most efficient itinerary is to visit the Museums early in the morning, followed by the Basilica and the Dome. Entry requires no passport check, but you must follow Vatican regulations enforced by the Swiss Guard.

Are Vatican Museums the same as Vatican?

Not quite! The Vatican Museums are just one part of Vatican City, which is the world’s smallest independent state. Inside the Museums, you’ll find thousands of years of art, from classical sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, including the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

The term Vatican refers to the entire city-state, which also includes St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, the Papal Apartments, the Vatican Gardens, and other religious and administrative sites.

So, visiting the Vatican Museums lets you explore an incredible art collection, but it’s only one piece of the larger Vatican experience. To truly see “the Vatican,” you’d combine the Museums with St. Peter’s Basilica and the surrounding sites.

Not exactly; the Museums are part of the city-state but represent its most famous cultural sites. “Vatican” often refers to the Holy See or the Pope’s authority, while Vatican City is the independent state.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica separate from the Vatican Museum?

Yes; each has its own entrance and purpose. The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are distinct experiences. The Museums focus on art and history, while the Basilica is a living church. Some visitors wonder should I do the Basilica or the Museums first? Visiting the Museums in the morning helps avoid crowds, with the Basilica and Dome better in the afternoon or for spiritual reflection.

The dress code is strictly enforced. What’s the dress code for visiting the Vatican? Shoulders and knees must be covered, hats removed indoors, and very short skirts or sleeveless tops are not allowed. Enforcement is strict even in the summer heat. Visitors aiming for panoramic views should consider climbing the Dome, for which tickets are required. More information is available in our guide on Visiting St Peter’s Dome: Climb, Tickets, Tips and Panoramic Views.

Visiting the Vatican City: what is unique to buy, secret archives and hidden facts

Vatican City also hides intriguing curiosities. Many wonder what is unique to buy in Vatican City? Authentic items include Vatican stamps, coins, rosaries blessed by the Pope, and certain medicines from the Vatican pharmacy. Beneath the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica lies the tomb of Saint Peter, a sacred site for pilgrims.

Stepping into the Sistine Chapel, visitors are immediately struck by the grandeur of Michelangelo’s frescoes, yet a hushed silence pervades the space, as photography is strictly prohibited to protect these timeless masterpieces. The quiet invites contemplation, allowing the art to speak for itself. Nearby, the Apostolic Archives —once shrouded in mystery as the “Secret Archives”— remain largely closed to the public, guarding centuries of history. Pope Francis, who has passed away, was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, while the Grottoes continue to house the tombs of other past popes, preserving the solemn legacy of the Church. Strict adherence to Vatican Tour Dress Code is enforced, and any attempt to take photos in restricted areas can result in being asked to delete images or even escorted out, ensuring the sacredness of the space is respected.

Visiting the Vatican: tips and practical information

Exploring the Vatican is easier than it seems once you know how to plan your visit. Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, while the Sistine Chapel is included with a ticket to the Vatican Museums, whose main entrance is on Viale Vaticano. Small water bottles are allowed, so you can stay refreshed as you move through the vast collection of art and history.

What to see first St Peter’s or Vatican Museums? For a relaxed visit, early morning is the best time — the crowds are smaller, and the light is perfect for photos. A practical route is to start at the Museums, making your way to the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece. From there, head to St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can explore the Grottoes and, if you like, climb to the Dome for breathtaking views over the city.

Even on Sundays, when the Basilica and Square are open to the public, this route works well, though some areas may be temporarily restricted for special events. By following this path, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience that combines art, history, and the unforgettable atmosphere of the Vatican.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Vatican City

Can you enter St. Peter’s Basilica for free?
Yes. Entry to the Basilica is free of charge, although you’ll need to pass through security checks. Tickets are only required for extras like climbing the Dome or visiting the Treasury Museum.

Is Sistine Chapel free?
No. The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums, so you need a museum ticket to visit it.

Can you bring a water bottle into the Vatican?
Yes, but only plastic bottles are allowed. Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted.

Where is the Vatican Museums located?
The main entrance to the Museums is on Viale Vaticano, along the northern wall of the city-state.

Vatican City Sunday: what to expect?
On Sundays, the Museums are closed, except on the last Sunday of the month when entry is free (but very crowded). At noon, the Pope gives the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

What is the best time of day to go to the Vatican?
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to avoid the biggest crowds. Midday tends to be busiest, especially on Wednesdays during papal audiences.

What order to do Vatican?
Most visitors start with the Vatican Museums, continue to the Sistine Chapel, and finish with St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome.

Can you skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes. Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours allow you to bypass the often long queues.

What not to miss in the Vatican?
Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the view from the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

How much does it cost to enter the Vatican?
St. Peter’s Basilica and Square are free. Tickets for the Museums start at around €17, with extras like guided tours or special access costing more.

How strict is Vatican entry time?
Vatican Museums tickets are timed, and late arrivals may be refused. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.