St. Peter's Basilica. ⛪
The scale is impossible to grasp until you are inside. The letters in the dome are 2 meters tall. It holds 60,000 people. It is built over the grave of St. Peter.
The Pietà
To the right as you enter. Michelangelo carved it when he was 24. It is the only work he ever signed (look at Mary's sash).
The Dome Climb
Take the elevator to the roof level, then climb the stairs inside the double shell of the dome. The view of St. Peter's Square is the best in Rome.
Vatican Museums. 🎨
One of the largest art collections in the world. It is a 7km walk if you see everything. It ends in the Sistine Chapel.
Sistine Chapel
"Silenzio!" The guards will shush you. Photography is strictly forbidden. Just stand and look up at the Creation of Adam.
Map Gallery
A glittering gold hallway lined with 400-year-old maps of Italy. It is arguably more beautiful than the Sistine Chapel itself.
Raphael Rooms
The "School of Athens" is here. Look for the faces of Leonardo (as Plato) and Michelangelo (as Heraclitus).
Archangel Michael
Sheathing Sword
The Castle. 🏰
Originally built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian. It was converted into a fortress for the Popes. It is circular, imposing, and full of secrets.
Passetto di Borgo:
Look for the long fortified wall connecting the Castle to the Vatican. It contains a secret corridor used by Popes to flee into the fortress when Rome was under attack.
Swiss Guard. ⚔️
They are not actors. They are highly trained elite soldiers who have sworn to protect the Pope with their lives since 1506.
The Uniform
Blue, red, and orange stripes. Legend says Michelangelo designed them, but that is a myth. They carry halberds (medieval poleaxes), but they have Sig Sauer pistols hidden under their tunics.
Where to See Them
You will see them guarding the entrances to Vatican City, specifically the Bronze Door at the colonnade. Do not cross the line.