The Vatican City
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Tools for Planning
See our most helpful articles on the Vatican from purchasing tickets & tours to what to see once you are inside. The best way to have a positive and memorable visit to the Vatican is to do a little research and find an option you feel is best for you. We recommend tours as they help curate your visit and add depth but our below content provides info to help you on a self-guided visit as well.
The Catholic Church is the oldest running institution in western civilization dating back to the first Bishop, or Pope, St. Peter himself. According to Catholic Dogma and substantial facts, Peter began his papacy around 33 B.C. until his death by the hand of Nero in 64 A.D.
The Vatican started off as a small “cult” surrounding the life and message of Jesus Christ and St. John the Lateran before exploding in Rome and eventually overthrowing paganism with Emperor Constantine the Great.
While the Catholic Church has been long established the Vatican we know today did not alway look the same way. Much of what you have seen or will hopefully see was the product of the Renaissance and the great “builder Popes” like Pope Sixtus IV, Alexander VI, Julius II, Paul III, and other ambitious Popes of the 16th and 17th centuries.
These Popes were less like the beloved John Paul II and Francis of today. These Popes were ambitious Kings of Kings that controlled money, power, and influence throughout Europe. They did not have to threaten death to gain control. They would threaten damnation which everyone feared.
Many people criticize these Popes for corruption and immorality and they likely would not be wrong. That said, they built the Rome we know today and the Vatican you and millions of people long to visit. Below are more articles on the Vatican that will help with planning!
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Top Vatican City Tours
The Tour Guy offers a variety Small Group and Private Tours of the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel. Our tours are the best choice since we have many start timse, durations and group sizes to choose from. We have a special agreement with the Vatican that allows us to enter outside of opening hours and access areas most other tour operators cannot. The Vatican is best seen through the eyes of a passionate local guide. We secure the most exclusive tickets so you can have the best experience possible.
Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican & Colosseum
A great tour starts with the best tour guides. After that, its what you see and how you see it. Our Rome in a Day Tour covers the Rome essentials to get your trip started right!
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Tips For Visiting The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
We believe the best way to visit a major attraction is with an expert guide and will recommend that as much as we can. That said, if you are going to try to brave it alone, we still want you to get the most out of your visit. Below you’ll see our best and most-read advice on visiting the Vatican. This way you get the most out of your visit.
10 Things to See Near the Vatican
Castel Sant’Angelo, local markets, underground passageways, and of course the Vatican gardens. Check out what to see and do near the Vatican!
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Where to Eat Near the Vatican
Hunger is a feeling stimulated by the brain when it notices you will soon need more calories to go on. Visiting the Vatican will put your brain to work so here are some restaurants nearby – pasta time!
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Who Painted the Sistine Chapel
Did you know Michelangelo was not the only person to paint the Sistine Chapel? He also didn’t do it all at once. Read more about the other Renaissance masters who painted the Sistine Chapel and got NONE of the credit!
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Planning Your Trip to Europe
Looking for broader guides to give you inspiration on other European destinations? Check out our below pages that will connect you to all our planning advice for your next euro-trip!
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Things to do in Europe
Europe has thousands of years of developmental histories. There have been multiple empires, many kings, and prosperous societies that have brought us the attractions you see today.
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Latest Vatican City Articles
The Best Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica and Why + Maps
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most recognizable building inside tiny Vatican City and is worth visiting. The question is, what kind of tour should you take of St. Peter’s Basilica and should you combine it with a Vatican Museums tour? Find out what we recommend as the best tours of St. Peter’s Basilica so you…
Continue Reading The Best Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica and Why + Maps
How To Visit the Sistine Chapel: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!
If you’re heading to Rome, it’s almost mandatory to stop at the Vatican and see the Sistine Chapel. But you’ll need to plan way in advance and set aside at least a couple of hours, since you can’t just see the Sistine Chapel on its own. Keep reading to find out everything you need to…
Continue Reading How To Visit the Sistine Chapel: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!
The Most Iconic Art and Architecture You Must See in Rome
How can one see all that Rome has to offer? From Trevi Fountain and the National Rome Museum to the Pantheon and the Colosseum, Rome is an ever-giving city of magnificent works. Let’s look at 19 of Rome’s most iconic art and architecture to make the most of your Rome trip! This article isn’t meant…
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Is Climbing the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome Worth it?
Heading to Rome and want to know if all those steps to get to the top of St. Peter’s Dome are worth it? It’s a great question because you’ll undoubtedly work up a sweat even if you take the elevator to see the best view in Rome. Luckily, I’ve done it myself and can paint…
Continue Reading Is Climbing the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome Worth it?
Is a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour Worth It?
Planning to visit Vatican City and not sure if a guided tour is worth it? In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of a guided Vatican tour so you can decide if it’s worth it and which one’s right for you! Pro Tip: Planning your visit to the Vatican in Rome? Bookmark this post in…
Continue Reading Is a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour Worth It?
23 Most Famous Artworks at the Vatican
Planning to visit the Vatican but unsure what famous artwork you should see? Don’t worry, we have run 10s of thousands of Vatican tours which makes us Vatican experts. Here is what we believe is the most famous artwork that you absolutely positively should not miss when visiting the Vatican. The 23 Most Famous Artwork…
