5 Things to do in the Great Vatican City

Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but it sure does have many things to offer to those who come to visit it. This beautiful city-state thrives surrounded by another prominent country, Italy and retains its uniqueness for which it is known.

Many of you must have seen the Vatican in movies or TV shows, and it just gets better when you actually fly all the way to here. Also, just because it is a small country that does not mean that its touristic choices are limited. It has a rich range of places and things which you should consider and would not get enough of.

All the above abstract chatter may not be enough to elaborate on what it means to be in Vatican City. So, I have come up with a list of 5 things which you can do in Vatican City and which will give a memorable experience to you. So, let us see what this Holy city has to offer to you and to the world.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica
   St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most treasured pieces of architecture in the world. It is the papal enclave and was crafted by a slew of great artists who were Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Carlo Maderno, and Donato Bramante. Standing tall and beautiful, St. Peter’s Basilica is said to be the best example of architecture from the Renaissance period.
   You must come here to experience for yourself the grandeur of one of the holiest sites in the Christian world. To see what the greatest of all Christian Churches looks like. You do not even have to pay any money to get entry. Though, you must abide by the dress code which requires men and women to cover their bodies, especially shoulders and legs.
2.  St. Peter’s Square
   St. Peter’s Square is no ordinary square. It is one of the largest and most beautiful plazas in the entire world. When you are exiting St. Peter’s Basilica, you will see right in front of you this plaza. It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and has an Egyptian Obelisk right at its center.
   Aside from the towering Obelisk, the place is marked by a string of statutes, fountains, and the Royal staircase which leads you to the Vatican palaces. There is no better place to take a good, nice walk and enjoy the magnificence of the city than St. Peter’s Square.
3. Ponte Sant’Angelo
   Spanning over the Tiber river, Ponte Sant’Angelo is a world-famous bridge which was constructed by a Roman Emperor by the name Hadrian. He constructed the bridge so that the city center would get connected to his mausoleum. The bridge is also called the Bridge of the Holy Angel.
   The design of the bridge is stupendous and nothing less of artistic charm. As you walk across the bridge, you will see five arches of which three are Roman. Vehicular movement is prohibited so you can peacefully stroll across the bridge and enjoy the elegance of Tiber as she flows underneath one of the most mind-blowing relics there is.
4. Sistine Chapel
   Now, we are going to talk about the official residing place of the pope, Sistine Chapel. The Chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who spearheaded the restoration works of the Chapel. Ever since its restoration, it has slowly transformed into an important place for papal activity.
   Sistine Chapel, however, is more famous for its frescos, especially the Sistine Chapel ceiling which exhibits the masterpiece of Michelangelo, The Last Judgment. All the other frescos are equally notable, as they have been done by some of the biggest names in the Renaissance period such as Pinturicchio and Cosimo Rosselli. Much of the crowd comes here just to feast their eyes on the wonderful frescos.
5. Castel Sant’Angelo
   The Bridge of Holy Angel leads to Castel Sant’Angelo, which was originally constructed by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum. However, with time, Castel Sant’Angelo, also called the Castle of the Holy Angel, started being used as a fortress. Today, it stands as a museum.

The interiors of the place are remarkable and will leave you in awe. Here inside you will find Renaissance art at its best—even if you do not understand what that is, you will be amazed nevertheless.

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