The Vatican City State -- site of the famous St. Peter's Basilica, home of the Pope and the Cardinals, and the center of power of the Catholic Church-- is an actual sovereign city-state within Rome, and with 110 acres and a population of about 900, it's the smallest independent city-state in the world. The Popes of the Roman Catholic Church have resided in this area since the 14th century.
For tourists, the Vatican City is one of Rome's most important destinations and can be thought of as a three-part visit:
For tourists, the Vatican City is one of Rome's most important destinations and can be thought of as a three-part visit:
1. St. Peter's Square
-- a masterpiece, and free to visit. Families should definitely plan to spend time here and simply take in the magnificent views: St. Peter's Basilica, the giant statues atop the monumental building, the colorfully costumed Swiss guards, the fountain by Bernini... Shady places to sit are easily found in the giant colonnades at the sides of the square, and cold drinks are available. Visitors can also fill water bottles from the fountain (as can be done at many fountains in Rome -- see tips for visiting Rome with kids.)
The huge square as we see it today was designed and built by genius Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini between 1657 and 1667, and is one of the most famous squares in the world.
Side note: when we visited the Vatican City, two teen sons had recently read Dan Brown's bestseller, Angels and Demons, which has many scenes set in Rome's top sightseeing spots, including St. Peter's Square, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and more. Definitely this book engaged their interest!
-- a masterpiece, and free to visit. Families should definitely plan to spend time here and simply take in the magnificent views: St. Peter's Basilica, the giant statues atop the monumental building, the colorfully costumed Swiss guards, the fountain by Bernini... Shady places to sit are easily found in the giant colonnades at the sides of the square, and cold drinks are available. Visitors can also fill water bottles from the fountain (as can be done at many fountains in Rome -- see tips for visiting Rome with kids.)
The huge square as we see it today was designed and built by genius Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini between 1657 and 1667, and is one of the most famous squares in the world.
Side note: when we visited the Vatican City, two teen sons had recently read Dan Brown's bestseller, Angels and Demons, which has many scenes set in Rome's top sightseeing spots, including St. Peter's Square, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and more. Definitely this book engaged their interest!
One of the many beautiful hallways in the Vatican Museums. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
2. St. Peter's Basilica
- One of the largest churches in the world, and home to amazing art works such as the Pietà by Michelangelo. Admission is free but line-ups may be long indeed. A few strategies: arrive very early in the morning; book a tour that will bypass the line-up; split up so that one parent visits the Basilica with an older child while young'uns enjoy the Square with the other parent or try one of the nearby gelaterias (ice cream.) On the top of the Basilica are 13 statues, depicting Christ, John the Baptist and 11 Apostles-- see more photos.
The dome of the Basilica was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, and if you take the right stairs or an elevator you can head to the top of the dome (for a fee.) See more about climbing the cupola (dome) of the Basilica.
3. The Vatican Museums
Parents with young kids should consider carefully whether this is a must-do on their visit. Line-ups are long; either book in advance or take a guided tour to avoid waiting in line-- read Visitors Tips for the Vatican Museums. A guided tour is highly recommended; otherwise you may feel you are just rushing past a melange of exquisitive painted ceilings and priceless artworks, on your way to the Sistine Chapel which -- with its famous paintings by Michelangelo -- is the highlight for most visitors. Keep in mind that only a certain number of visitors are permitted inside the Sistine Chapel at one time, and be prepared for a crowded experience. (Read tips about visiting the Sistine Chapel.) Admission to the Vatican Museums is free on the last Sunday of every month*.
A tip from My Little Nomads, about visiting the Vatican Museums: visit around lunchtime during the week for fewest crowds, and go straight to the Raphael Rooms and then the Sistine Chapel.
- One of the largest churches in the world, and home to amazing art works such as the Pietà by Michelangelo. Admission is free but line-ups may be long indeed. A few strategies: arrive very early in the morning; book a tour that will bypass the line-up; split up so that one parent visits the Basilica with an older child while young'uns enjoy the Square with the other parent or try one of the nearby gelaterias (ice cream.) On the top of the Basilica are 13 statues, depicting Christ, John the Baptist and 11 Apostles-- see more photos.
The dome of the Basilica was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, and if you take the right stairs or an elevator you can head to the top of the dome (for a fee.) See more about climbing the cupola (dome) of the Basilica.
3. The Vatican Museums
Parents with young kids should consider carefully whether this is a must-do on their visit. Line-ups are long; either book in advance or take a guided tour to avoid waiting in line-- read Visitors Tips for the Vatican Museums. A guided tour is highly recommended; otherwise you may feel you are just rushing past a melange of exquisitive painted ceilings and priceless artworks, on your way to the Sistine Chapel which -- with its famous paintings by Michelangelo -- is the highlight for most visitors. Keep in mind that only a certain number of visitors are permitted inside the Sistine Chapel at one time, and be prepared for a crowded experience. (Read tips about visiting the Sistine Chapel.) Admission to the Vatican Museums is free on the last Sunday of every month*.
A tip from My Little Nomads, about visiting the Vatican Museums: visit around lunchtime during the week for fewest crowds, and go straight to the Raphael Rooms and then the Sistine Chapel.
See more advice about visiting the Vatican City, at About.com's Italy Travel site.
*Always check for updates!
*Always check for updates!
