Is the Vatican On Your Bucket List? 10 Important Things to Consider

Whether or not you are a devoted Catholic, a trip to the Vatican should be an exciting part of your holiday in the city of Rome. Below are 10 things travellers must know and add on their bucket list when visiting the Vatican.

1. The Smallest Nation State

While it is located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican is actually its own country. Its two mile border with Italy is only 1/8 the size of New York’s Central Park, but it is good enough to have all of the freedoms bestowed to a state.

2. Be Prepared to Wait in Queue at the Vatican Museum without Proper Planning

Buying a ticket online to the museum may cost more, but it will give you more time back on your holiday travel. If you decide to wait in the queue, you may be there for an hour or more. Why waste time when you can explore the treasures inside? Another great suggestion to avoid delay, you can visit Vatican Museum with Musement. With them, you don’t need to worry about the tickets, waiting in line, or wasting precious time.

3. Don’t Miss St. Peter’s Body Below the Square

Tours to the basement of St. Peter’s Basilica afford you the chance to see the coffin of the square’s namesake, as well as, other important Catholics who are buried there.

4. See the Pope

Every Wednesdays and Sundays, the Pope addresses the masses in the square. It is a spectacle to see one of the world’s most influential people blesses the visitors each week.

5. The Popes Hardly Left the Vatican during the 1800s and 1900s

With the Pope’s worldwide travels today, it is hard to believe that for so long the Pope never left the Vatican. The Pope today is reaching out to all Catholics and other religions by taking the time to visit other countries like Turkey, France, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. Upcoming visits are expected to include Bosnia, Uganda, France, Paraguay, the US and many more.

6. A Foreign Security Force

The Vatican is protected by the Swiss Guard. Tourists should expect high levels of security that keep the Pope safe.

7. Dress Cool for the Museum

Most of the Vatican Museum does not have air conditioning. Travellers should dress accordingly and bring water to drink.

8. How Many Citizens?

Vatican is indeed a small city within the city of Rome. The total number of population is about 600 and majority of them are living abroad. What you see most in Vatican are tourists from other countries and local visitors who want to get a glimpse of the Pope.

9. Amazing Views

For the best views of the Vatican and the surrounding area, head to the top of the Cupola di San Pietro.

10. No Pictures in the Sistine Chapel

Sorry, but this rule is strictly enforced.