The smallest country in the world

Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea
of what one man is capable of achieving
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1787

The Vatican City is the world's smallest state by both population (less than 1,000) and area. It is one of only three sovereign city-state worldwide and located within the city of Rome.

For the best approach to the Vatican walk across the beautiful Ponte Sant'Angelo to Castel Sant' Angelo, then turn left into Via della Concillazione which takes you straight to St. Peter's Square. This unique square is surrounded by huge columns with saints on top of them, and an enormous obelisk in the middle. The approach is dominated by the enormous St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica

Ancient tradition has it that St. Peter's Basilica was built at the place where Peter the apostle was buried; his tomb is under the main altar. Construction began in 1506 and was completed in 1615. Many famous artists worked here, including Michelangelo who served as main architect for a while and designed the dome. The building itself is truly impressive. The nave is more than 200m long and the basilica's dome is the largest dome in the world measuring 42m in diameter and reaching 138m high. Some of the most important works inside the church are the Pietà by Michelangelo and the papal altar by Bernini. The opulent interior can be visited for free although a strict dress code is enforced (no bare shoulders or legs). It is also possible to visit the dome itself (EUR 5). A long and mostly spiral staircase brings you from the bottom to the top of the dome. From there you have a magnificent view of Rome and of the Saint Peter's square in particular.

Vatican Museum

The Vatican Museums (EUR 14) are among the greatest museums in the world. They were created over a period of time to display the vast treasure of paintings, sculptures and other works of art acquired by the Vatican over the centuries. As a result, the many museums that make up the Vatican Museums are quite diverse.

The Vatican museums are most famous for the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance. Michelangelo was in his 60s when he was called back to the chapel to paint the equally impressive The Last Judgment in 1535.

---

---

---