Vatican City
The State of Vatican City, in the centre of Rome, is the smallest state in Europe, both in population and expanse. It's the head of the Catholic Church and also one of the main tourist sites of interest in the whole of Rome.
The Vatican is a city-state nestled in the heart of Rome, renowned worldwide as the epicenter of the Catholic Church.
To grasp the dimensions of the Vatican, it’s important to note that it is the smallest state in Europe, covering just 0.44 square kilometers and housing fewer than 1,000 residents within its walls.
Within this compact area lies the Pope's residence, a palace surrounded by beautiful gardens that can be visited by reservation.
The Holy See's independence from Italy was officially declared on February 11, 1929, through the Lateran Pacts
How Long Does It Take to Visit the Vatican?
If you want to visit the Vatican and enjoy everything it has to offer, you need to set aside at least a full morning. To make the most of your time and not waste any, it is best to book a guided tour.
Buy Tickets for the Vatican
If you want to visit the Vatican without missing any details, discover amazing stories and also skip the endless queues (up to 4 hours for the Vatican Museums), it's best to buy your Vatican tickets in advance.
If you want to book a skip-the-line Vatican tour in English, we recommend our guided tour of the Vatican, where you'll discover unforgettable stories and the most special corners. It includes an English-speaking guide and skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
What to See in Vatican City
There are three main attractions in Vatican City: St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro), St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, where the Sistine Chapel is located.
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
