"VATICAN CITY" Top 5 Page for this destination Vatican City by hopang

Vatican City Travel Guide: 1,690 reviews and 3,678 photos

State of the Vatican City

Vatican City is a landlocked city state located within the city of Rome in Italy. It has a total area of only 110 acres and a population of less than 1,000 people. Therefore it is the smallest country in the world in terms of population as well as area.

Vatican City came into existence in 1929. The capital of the State of Vatican City is Vatican City. It has no official language although majority of the population speak Italian. The photos at this page were taken outside the famed St. Peter's Cathedral which is the largest cathedral in the world.

Two of our favourite attractions at the Vatican City are as follows:-

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peters Square

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest cathedral in the world. It attracts millions of locals and foreign tourists from all over the world. The Basilica is a "must-visit" tourist attraction when you are in Rome for your vacation. The Basilica can hold a total number of approximately 60,000 people at one time. It was constructed and consecrated in the year 1626. St. Peter's Basilica was designed by famous Italian architect Donato Bramante in Renaissance and Baroque style of architecture.

Entrance to the basilica is free. Opening hours are between 7.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily between the months of April and September and between 7.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. daily between the months of October and March.

The Bronze Statue of St. Peter

The Bronze Statue of St. Peter is one of the popular tourist attractions inside St. Peter's Basilica. Local and foreign tourists queue up to touch or kiss the foot of St. Peter to pray for mercy or forgiveness. This act has been going on for many centuries. You will notice that the right foot of the statue of St. Peter is almost worn out due to the touching and kissing! This Bronze Statue of St. Peter was sculptured by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 5th century. Don't miss the Statue of St. Peter when you visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City!

Intro Updated Aug 4, 2009
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Reviews (21)

The Dome Things to Do (14)

The Dome that we see today at St. Peter's Basilica was redesigned by Michelangelo in the middle of the 16th century.... more travel advice

Vatican Fountains Things to Do (14)

Two beautiful Vatican fountains were erected on the northern and southern sections of St. Peters Square in the heart of... more travel advice

Free guided walking tour! - Vatican City

Free guided walking tour at St. Peter's... Tourist Traps (1)

Beware of free-lance tour guides positioned outside St. Peter's Basilica! They attract unsuspecting foreign tourists... more travel advice

Visiting chapel at St. Peter's Basilica Local Customs (1)

The chapel inside St. Peter's Basilica can be visited by locals, members of the public and foreign tourists. However... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (17)

HORSCHECK Dec 27, 2010 at 9:08 AM Report Abuse

Gorgeous page about the Vatican. It is just interesting that it counts as its own country. I once visited the Vataican while I stayed several days in Rome. Happy new year 2011.
Manara May 9, 2010 at 2:46 PM Report Abuse

Ecellent tips about San Pietro!
BruceDunning Mar 28, 2010 at 11:36 AM Report Abuse

We just watched the movie "Angles & Demons". Try to see it. It showed a lot of the Vatican and also the history of Illuminati countering the Catholic religion philosophy. You did a great job of explaining the sites.
ncfg Feb 7, 2010 at 4:01 AM Report Abuse

Great info! I was there last year, but i didn't visit all, i have to retun there.
deecat Feb 5, 2010 at 11:54 AM Report Abuse

What a spectacular page about Vatican City. Even though I visited and thought I had covered it well, your information was far superior. Great photos, too.
xaver Jan 5, 2010 at 7:27 AM Report Abuse

very very informative and detailed tips, thanks.
hunterV Dec 1, 2009 at 8:39 AM Report Abuse

Hello, my friends! I would pay a visit to St.Paul's Cathedral with pleasure... Such majestic architecture and so much history and many shrines....! ><
eriksson977 Sep 25, 2009 at 7:13 AM Report Abuse

Ho and Pang, Enjoyed your virtual tour. Thanks for the tips. Tomas Eriksson :)
nomorewars Sep 17, 2009 at 4:55 AM Report Abuse

I never realized there was so much sights and information packed into such a small place.
Yaqui Sep 10, 2009 at 10:14 AM Report Abuse

How fabulous to see such a beautiful place! Your tips are excellent and enjoyed your photography! Thanks for the lovely tour!