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Vatican means "City of the Prophets." In the 4th century, the Pope built the Basilica of Constantine in the northwest corner of Rome, where St. Peter, a disciple of Jesus, was martyred, to commemorate his death. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was transformed into St. Peter's Basilica, becoming the venue for the Catholic Church's most solemn ceremonies.
In 756, the Frankish king gave Rome and its surrounding area to the Pope, and the Papal States later emerged in central Italy. Following the unification of Italy in 1870, the Pope was forced to retreat to the Vatican. In 1929, Italy and the Pope signed the Lateran Treaty, recognizing the Vatican as a sovereign state with a unified church and state. The Vatican is a neutral state, and its territory is sacred and inviolable.
Since most of the organs of the Holy See, the administrative body of the Roman Curia, are located in Vatican City, when people use the word "Vatican", they may refer to the Vatican City State, the "Vatican" region, the Holy See, or the residence of the Pope, depending on the context.
Because Catholicism has a large number of believers around the world, the Vatican has the same influence in politics and culture as the United States, China, and Russia.
Vatican City has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with annual rainfall typically between 500 and 1,000 mm. The average temperature is 7°C in January and 24°C in July.
The Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museums, located north of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy, were formerly the papal palace. Their collection of rare artifacts and art treasures rivals those of the British Museum in London and the Louvre in Paris. In the 16th century, the museums were expanded alongside St. Peter's Basilica, expanding to a total area of 5.5 hectares, one-thirteenth the size of the Palace Museum and boasting an exhibition area comparable to that of the Forbidden City.
The vast Vatican Museums, encompassing six kilometers of exhibition space and home to the renowned Sistine Chapel, are considered Europe's third or fourth largest art museum. A full tour can be exhausting, so it's best to plan ahead, focus on a few themes, and allow yourself plenty of time.
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest cathedral, is located on the west side of the square. As early as the 4th century AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine built a rectangular basilica-style cathedral on the tomb of St. Peter, a disciple of Jesus who was martyred in the northwest corner of Rome. It is now known as St. Peter's Basilica.
In the 16th century, Pope Julius II decided to rebuild the cathedral, and construction began in 1506. During the 120-year reconstruction process, Italy's greatest architects, including Bramante, Michelangelo, Della Porte, and Carlo Martel, oversaw the design and construction. The cathedral was completed on November 18, 1626. The renovated cathedral, incorporating Renaissance and Baroque styles, was named St. Peter's New Basilica. Since 1870, major religious activities have been held here. The entire building features a Greek cross structure, a traditional and sacred form. The main structure stands 45.4 meters tall, measures approximately 230 meters from east to west, and 138 meters from north to south, including the portico, with a total floor area of 23,000 square meters. It can accommodate up to 60,000 people, making it the largest cathedral in the world.
The church's design, incorporating principles of symmetry, perspective, and proportion, is highly scientific, resulting in a visually harmonious and solemn appearance. Eleven statues centered on Jesus dominate the nave, flanked by clocks displaying Greenwich Mean Time and Roman time. At the center of the church stands a Michelangelo-designed dome, 137.8 meters above the ground and 71 meters in circumference. It is not only the highest point in Vatican City but also the highest point in all of Rome, offering panoramic views of the city. The church has five entrances, but the "Holy Door" on the right is only opened once every 25 years on Christmas Eve, making it a rare opportunity for ordinary visitors. We entered the main hall through the middle door, where Swiss Guards from the Vatican stood, and many tourists posed for photos with them. Upon entering, the dazzling array of art treasures was truly breathtaking. The 123.4-meter-high dome and the 183-meter-long main hall are covered in paintings and sculptures based on biblical themes, many of which are masterpieces by renowned artists. A 1.5-meter-long winged dove of the Holy Spirit stands out prominently on the stained glass window at the end of the main hall. On the left side of the hall is the entrance to the Treasure House. The church houses over a hundred artistic treasures, three of which are crowned with the Pietà, the bronze baldacchino, and the throne of St. Peter.
Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state and the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It has been the residence of the Pope since the 14th century and houses priceless art and architecture, making it a cultural and religious landmark.
Located within Rome, Italy. Accessible via Rome’s metro (Ottaviano or Cipro stations), buses, taxis, or walking from central Rome.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead during peak season.
Full exploration typically requires 4–6 hours for museums and Basilica; 1 full day is ideal if including guided tours and dome climb.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in multiple languages including English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and more. Private and group tours can be booked online or at the entrance.
Occasional night openings of Vatican Museums occur (usually during summer). Special private tours are available on request; no regular light shows.
Very crowded, especially mid-morning to early afternoon. Least crowded: early morning, late afternoon, weekdays, and outside peak tourist season (Nov–Feb).
Cards and mobile payments widely accepted; small cash advisable for minor purchases.
Vegetarian and vegan options available in nearby restaurants; halal options are limited, mostly international chains in Rome.
Yes, including rosaries, religious statues, Vatican coins, postcards, and books on art and history.