Location: Vatican City
Top Things to do in Vatican City
Top Restaurants in Vatican City
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Vatican City, Lazio
Sure, Vatican City is tiny—110 acres—but it houses the world's largest Catholic church (St. Peter's Basilica) and has perhaps the best collection of artistic masterpieces in the world (the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Pieta, the Laocoon Group, etc.). And maybe only 800 people live here, but one of them's the Pope. It's a pretty good argument for quality over quantity.
Restaurants in Vatican City
1. La Pieta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,551 reviews
The most beautiful work inside St. Peter's Cathedral is Michelangelo's famous La Pietà, considered by many to be the most moving piece of sculpture ever created.
Reviewed By ChiefGuru - Decatur, United States
Michelangelo Buonarroti was only twenty four years old when he created this magnificent Renaissance sculpture: “the pity”. The Pietà is considered by many to be his greatest work, besting even David and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He carved this from one piece of white Carrara marble over the course of two years (1498-1499). This is the only signed work of Michelangelo. La Pieta is housed with St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Upon entering St. Peter's Basilica, La Pieta can be found on the right hand side in the first chapel. La Pieta is Michelangelo's unprecedented interpretation of he body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after his Crucifixion. He decided to give Mary a youthful appearance to demonstrate her closeness to God as well as a reflection of her internal beauty. Both Mary and Jesus have a look of peace and acceptance on their faces. The sculpture is five feet nine inches by six feet five inches. French Cardinal Jean de Billheres, who served the church in Rome, wanted to be remembered after he died. He hired Michelangelo to achieve his goal by making a memorial for his tomb that would capture a popular Northern European art scene: the tragic moment of the Virgin Mary taking Jesus down from the cross. La Pieta is indeed a stupendous work of sculpture and should definitely be seen when visiting Rome.
2. LivItaly Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 281 reviews
Silver Collaborators of the Vatican Museums, LivItaly Tours offers Vatican Small Group Tours with max 6 participants guaranteed, unique in the industry. Vatican Private Tours. Vatican Early Entrance with skip the line access and exclusive entrance before the general public and access to the Secret Rooms of the Vatican
3. What a Life Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,380 reviews
In 2006 we began as a group of young and energetic Rome enthusiasts hoping to find a way to share our passion for this wonderful city with people from all over the world. We created a team made up of insider experts, savvy local guides and specialists in food, art and culture, developing what we believe is the most personal and authentic approach to tourism on the market. We’re all about enhancing the experience for you, the customer, because we used to be just like you – foreigners in this beautiful city, with high expectations on how we wanted to experience it. We genuinely want you to gain unforgettable, stress-free, local insight on your visit. So forget what you know about the typical commercial ‘tour guide’ with a raised umbrella and a rehearsed speech – let us show you the real heart of Italy and ensure you fall in love with this country, just as we have! - The What a Life Tours team
4. Stanze di Raffaello
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,217 reviews
Reviewed By gkw09 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Four rooms with incredible artwork can be seen during your journey through the Vatican galleries on the way to the Sistine Chapel. Take time to internalise everything you see on the way, especially in these rooms, as I found people would just be aiming for the Sistine Chapel without fully appreciating everything there is before it. Raphael was part of the High Renaissance masters (the others being Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo) and was buried in the Pantheon - a personal favourite landmark of mine in Rome, Italy.
5. Cappella Redemptoris Mater
6. St. Peter Enthroned
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
This masterpiece shows St. Peter sitting bearded and dressed as a philosopher, with his left hand carrying keys, the right hand being raised in blessing.
Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania
The bronze statue of St Peter sitting on a throne, with the keys of heaven in hand is situated in St Peter's Basilica. Other times it was possible to touch the foot of the statue, but with the new security regulations, you can't reach near the statue.
7. Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Guided Tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica of St. Peter with a local authorized English speaking guide.
8. City Wonders
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,305 reviews
City Wonders (Formerly Dark Rome) provides the best possible tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and more via its partnership with the Vatican. Be sure to visit out website to explore the various tour options we offer with exclusive, Skip the Line Access to your favorite attractions.
9. Monument to Alexander VII
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
In St. Peter's Chapel of the Sacrament is where Bernini's monument to Alexander VII is located.
Reviewed By AMohsen - Port Said, Egypt
This wonderful piece of art is found inside St. Peter basilica hall. It is vibrant by its fine details.
10. Vatican Grottoes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Beneath the main floor of St. Peter's Basilica are the tombs of several popes and saints.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
Visit to St. Peter's Basilica is a special experience. And visiting the Vatican grottoes is also extremely interesting. 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 original 4th-century basilica. In addition the grottoes also include some tombs of secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. The entrance is in the Pier of St Andrew near the high altar. The place is full of fascinating tombs and sarcophagus, tunnels, chambers and Italian art. We loved seeing this part, because it is a very peaceful and serene walk past the remains of the popes who presided over the catholic church. Very interesting visit.
