Raahe Guide Raahen Esittely
The Vatican is completely surrounded by the city of Rome and is the smallest independent state in the world in terms of area and population. Its area is only about 44 hectares, the population is a modest 836 and the official languages are Italian, Latin, French and German.
Attractions in Vatican City
Against all expectations, the tiny Vatican has many tourist attractions that can keep you engaged for many days. Aside from the iconic St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the smallest country in the world is home to a complex of museums with ancient art and archeological findings, and one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. Here is what you can see in the Vatican.
St. Peter’s Basilica
The central attraction of the Vatican is St. Peter’s Basilica. One of the holiest Christian temples where the Pope holds liturgies throughout the year. It was built from the 16th to the 17th centuries on the place where St. Peter was buried. Before you enter the basilica, you are met by the equestrian statue of Constantine by Bernini.
Inside, you can see impressive pieces of art including a large bronze baldachin and the statue of St. Peter on the throne. The beautifully painted dome reaches 136 meters in height. You can climb on top of the dome and admire the stunning view of the St. Peter’s Square and Rome.
Sistine Chapel
Built by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century, the Sistine Chapel is a rectangular and richly decorated hall serving as the official residence of the Pope. The frescoes by Michelangelo and other wall and ceiling coverings are considered the brightest example of High Renaissance art. The centerpiece is the “Last Judgement” fresco on the ceiling that stuns visitors with artistic finesse and detailed presentation of Biblical scenes.
Vatican Gardens
Covering half of the city-state territory, the lavish gardens are one the proudest features of the Vatican. The area includes artistically landscaped gardens, orchards, fountains, grassy spaces and tranquil paths lined with medieval monuments and Renaissance sculptures. Visitors will find various species of flowers, a collection of potted plants, and several rare trees. Make sure to book a guided tour of the gardens in advance.
Pio Clementino Museum
If you are fan of fine sculpture, don’t hesitate to visit Museo Pio Clementino. Here is displayed an immense collection of Greek and Roman sculpture. Not to be missed galleries include the Gallery of the Statues, Sala Delle Muse, and the Cabinet of the Masks.
The Octagonal Court is home to one of Vatican’s most precious pieces, the Apollo Belvedere statue that has been around since the early 1500s. Sala Rotonda boasts astonishing frescoes and mosaics and a bronze statue of Hercules. There are also galleries with ancient busts and animal sculptures.
St. Peter’s Square
The most recognizable place in the Vatican City along with the Basilica, Piazza San Pietro has been long serving as a place where the Catholics from all countries and continents could gather. The oval area is 372 meters long and guarded along its circumference by semicircular colonnades. Inside the square are two fountains and an Egyptian obelisk in the center. The main attraction though is the Basilica façade from whose balcony the Pope holds his speeches.
Etruscan Museum
Established by Pope Gregory XVI in the 19th century, the museum features Etruscan pieces of art and archeological findings from excavations held on the Papal State territory during the Etruscan era. The collections include vases, statues, graves, ceramics and terracotta.
