The Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in Europe, located in Rome, Italy, with a population of under 1,000. The Vatican City includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican gardens, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square. The Vatican is located on the west bank of river Tevere and separated from the rest of Rome with a wall.
St. Peter's Basilica was constructed between 1506 and 1626. The dome was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti and the facade was done by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. St. Peter's Square is a magnificent square designed in the 17th century by Bernini. The open area is large enough to accommodate thousands of people.
St. Peter's Basilica houses numerous treasures, including Michaelangelo's Pieta, a bronze statue of St. Peter and numerous marble and gold statues throughout the basilica. Admission to the basilica is free, however visitors must wear proper clothing - no shorts and sleeveless shirts are allowed.
The Vatican Tourist Office, located in St. Peter's Square, offers guided tours of the basilica and the beautiful Vatican gardens. Visitors can take an elevator to the roof of St. Peter's Basilica for a spectacular view of the square below and the city of Rome, and climb to the top of Michaelangelo's dome (there is a visitor's fee for the gardens and the dome). Other places to see in the Vatican City include Vatican Grottos, the Necropolis and the Museum of Vatican Treasures.
St. Peter's Basilica is open every day from 7 am to 7 pm April to September, and from 7 am to 6 pm October to March. The dome is open from 8 am to 6 pm April to September, and from 7 am to 5 pm October to March.
