Travel Guide Vatican

The Vatican, a small landlocked state in the heart of Rome, was born of a historic act: the Lateran Accords of 1929 , which attested to its distinct sovereignty. This tour guide invites you to explore the wonders of this unique place, rich in history and spirituality. In Matthew's Gospel, Christ invites us to follow him, without waiting for perfection. Among his first disciples are Peter, an impetuous fisherman, and Paul, a persecutor of the disciples turned fervent convert. Jesus entrusts his church to Peter, giving him the keys, and Paul establishes the Christian communities. Both became martyrs in Rome under Nero around 64, and are buried on the Mons Vaticanusnow a place of pilgrimage. A basilica was built in their honor, marking the beginning of the Vatican State. It is the heart of the Catholic people, while the Church represents its body, bringing together over a billion faithful. The Vatican, with its universal, humanist message, attracts people from all walks of life, not just believers. Its museums, among the first in the world, celebrate human creativity and artistic mastery. They illustrate the message urbi et orbi, "to the city and to the world", from the Apostolic See.

You walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of Rome, where every corner breathes history. You approach an imposing wall, a border between a bustling city and a world apart: the Vatican, the world's smallest sovereign state, a jewel nestled in the heart of the Eternal City. As you pass through the gates of St. Peter's Square, with its obelisk and colonnades welcoming worshippers from all over the world, you are immediately struck by the scale and majesty of St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Its dome, designed by Michelangelo, rises proudly into the sky. All around you, visitors from all over the world share a moment of silence or wonder. The atmosphere is imbued with a blend of spirituality and artistic admiration.

As you enter the basilica, the interior welcomes you with unparalleled splendor. Your eyes are drawn to the Pietà, a poignantly beautiful sculpture that evokes both pain and grace. You stroll beneath the ornate vaults, each step leading you through centuries of history and faith.

Then it's on to the Vatican Museums. Every room, every corridor is a treasure trove of art and culture. The highlight of your journey is the Sistine Chapel. As you look up, you witness Michelangelo's famous, masterly ceiling . This work of art tells biblical stories with unimaginable power and beauty. The Last Judgment on the far wall captivates you, delivering a story both terrifying and exhilarating. Your walk then takes you to the peaceful gardens of the Vatican. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, these gardens are a haven of peace, where paths wind between babbling fountains and delicate sculptures.

The Vatican is also home to the Vatican Apostolic Library, a sanctuary of knowledge and ancient manuscripts. And a guided tour of the excavations beneath St. Peter's Basilica reveals an ancient cemetery and, according to tradition, the tomb of St. Peter.

To fully enjoy the Vatican experience, a few tips are in order. Arrive early to avoid long queues, and book in advance online, especially for the Sistine Chapel. Don't hesitate to ask for directions to the entrance:? Scusi, dove è l'entrata per i Musei Vaticani?. In this tourist guide to the Vatican, you'll find the best places to visit , the best restaurants and the most beautiful hotels where you can stay and recover from your emotions.

Leaving the Vatican, as the sun begins to set behind the dome of St. Peter's, you feel moved, as if you've touched something eternal. The Vatican is not just a place, it's an experience that resonates in the heart and mind, a testimony to art, faith and human history.