Vatican City
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Religious Experience,
Palace,
Town / City
Vatican City is a separate sovereign state within Rome, created in 1929 and run by the Pope (who is the supreme monarch!). The official population is a little over 800 and it covers an area of 110 acres (44 hectares). Within the walls of the city are St Peter's Basilica, St Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums, the residence of the Pope and offices of the Catholic Church.
Being a separate state, the Vatican has its own postage stamps, and
the official language is Latin (as well as Italian). It has its own bank
and the world's only ATM with instructions in Latin! Although it uses the euro, the Vatican does issue its own coins.
The economy revolves around tourism, printing, mosaics and manufacturing uniforms (who knew!). There are two forces for law and order; one is the Gendarmerie, who keep order, the other is the Swiss Guard (notable for their crazy yellow, blue and red uniforms) the Pope's personal bodyguard since 1506. All 134 members are indeed from Switzerland.
Latest Reviews
Review by Frieda, January 2013
Doing what: Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour including Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica
Definitely worthwhile. My tour guide was very passionate about arts and she explained a lot of background and history about Vatican city. After 3 hr tour, we went back to the Dome and the St. Peter and we spent another 4 hours there. Truly amazing place. Worth every penny.
Review by Keri K, November 2012
Doing what: Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms and St Peter's
Our tour was amazing! Our tour guide was fabulous and did a wonderful job. It was our first time in Vatican City so we really enjoyed the education she gave us. TOTALLY WOULD RECOMMEND THE TOUR AND OUR TOUR GUIDE!
Not to mention we didn't have to stand in the pouring rain! Thank you!
Review by Kylie W, November 2012
Doing what: Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms and St Peter's
Absolutely Fantastic! An absolute must to get the most out of your visit to the Vatican City! Though the Vatican, Sistine and St Peter's are visual wonders by themselves, you really must take advantage of the opportunity to be guided through it by somebody who knows every story behind their creation and what happens within them today! Our tour guide Rachel was extremely knowledgable, enthusiastic, and an absolute pleasure!
