Looking for a solo travel guide to Vatican city? Look no further! I visited the Vatican city during my first European trip and it was an unforgettable experience. I hope these travel tips help you plan your Vatican travel!
The Vatican is located in Italy’s capital- Rome. It is one of the most visited places globally and is the smallest country in the world! The rich culture and breath-taking aesthetics keep luring more and more people to the site. The Vatican has a population of 1000 people only with its government. The city is governed by a monarch and headed by the Pope. The city doesn’t necessarily have an army, but they rely on the Swiss Guard to maintain the safety of the Pope. It’s a beautiful city to visit and very fulfilling even when traveling solo.
Solo travel guide to Vatican city
How to get to Vatican City by land?
Getting to the Vatican can be a daunting task, especially if you are new. But you can always opt for any of these means to simplify your travel.
Walking
Vatican City is not far off depending on where you stay. If you have checked in one of the nearest hotels, then you do not need to get a taxi or board the metro bus. If you are near Piazza Navona or the Campo de’ Fiori then taking a stroll is the best option. You will get to enjoy the scenic views of the city.
Taxi
Using a taxi will not cost you more than £20. Ensure that you tell the driver to drop you off at Vatican Museums’ entrance. Most times they leave new tourists at the St Peter’s Basilica. The taxi stands are spread out everywhere. If you are finding trouble getting one, consult any concierge. The taxi drive is usually 20 minutes away.
Metro
The metro is located at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. You will find it at Ottaviano or Cipro. Once you are on the Spanish Steps or at the Termini Train Station, beware of the A-line and get off at either Ottaviano or Cipro. You can easily get to the entrance from these two points. This will take you about 20 minutes.
Bus
You can also opt to take the bus, which is an excellent option for sightseeing. Get to the Termini Station and get on bus number 64. This will take you about 20 minutes to the last stop, which is Stazione S. Pietro. It will take you another 15-minute walk to the Vatican Museums entrance.
You can opt to take bus number 81 that is located in the Colosseum area. This particular bus uses line B and is right outside the metro station. The bus will drop you off at Piazza Risorgimento. From here you can take a five-minute walk to the entrance of the museum.
Best Time To Visit The Vatican Museums?
Many people from around the world come to visit the Vatican. This means you will find very long lines at the museum. It is advisable to be very punctual to avoid the masses. In the morning, ensure you are at the premises by 7:45 so that you can be among the first to enter the premises. The museums are opened by 9 a.m.
The Vatican is open to the public only Mondays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The premises are closed every other Sunday apart from the last Sunday of the month. During the last Sundays, the ticket office is not operational past 12:30 p.m hence its free to roam around the museums.
What are the Must-See in Vatican City?
There are numerous sites to indulge in while at the Vatican. However, you cannot comfortably claim to have gone to Vatican City without mentioning the following:
1. St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is also known as Piazza San Pietro in Italian. It is located right at the foot of the Basilica. It is one of the most famous destinations globally. Its unique designs are incomparable to any other. It has 284 columns and 88 pilasters which erect the square into four rows. The square is designed by Bernini in the 17th century and can house up to 400,000 people. The square has two fountains near the obelisk- one for Berni and another of Maderno. It is one of the largest squares in the world.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
Its also called New St. Peter’s Basilica. The splendid church was built on St. Peter’s tomb. The interior of the church is filled with masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art. The most famous pieces are the Pieta by Michael Angelo, the baldachin by Bernini, the statue of St Longinus, the tomb of Urban VIII, and the bronze cathedral of St. Peter.
3. Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums is visited by over six million tourists every year. The site interior includes many ancient roman museums. The museums include the admissions to Raphael Rooms, the Chapel of Beato, Pio- Clementino Museum, Apartment of Pius V, Gallery of the Chandeliers, Pio-Christian Museum and the Pinacoteca just to mention a few.
You should do a little bit of research on the area before the visit for a better understanding. There is so much to see at the museums one can easily get flustered.
4. Sistine Chapel
It is one of the best artifacts in the Vatican. It is a significant tourist attraction given that Michelangelo designed it. You cannot afford to miss seeing this while you are at the Vatican. The walls of the chapel include false drapes, stories of Moses, Christ, and the portraits of the Popes.
5. Castel Sant’Angelo
It is famously known as Hadrian’s Tomb and is located on the right bank of the Tiber. The primary purpose of the building was to be a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Today it is split into five floors articulated by a spiral ramp.
You can also book day trips, group tours, or private tours to these Roman attractions. Your Rome itinerary or Rome travel wouldn’t be complete with a visit to the Vatican after all, it takes about a 20-minute walk to cross the Vatican!
Verdict
Visiting Vatican City is nothing short of a wonderful experience. Just remember that you will be turned away based on your dress code. Avoid anything revealing and short, and you are good to go. Be very careful with your belongings given that the city is a tourist attraction. Try to avoid visiting on Wednesdays due to the Papal Mass that will prevent you from going into the Sistine Chapel. Get the best experience at the Vatican using the information above and come back with great memories.
I hope this solo travel guide to Vatican city blog gave you a rundown on what to expect.
Let me know in the comments:
- If you have any questions about solo travel guide to Vatican city.
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