Top 5 Must Do's in Vatican City

When you visit the Vatican City, must do's will likely be a high priority. After all, it's not often that one gets the chance to visit the Holy See. Here's a look at 5 Vatican City must do's that should definitely make your list.

Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

This incredible Basilica (not a cathedral because it is not presided over by a bishop) is awe inspiring. The rich interior is gilded and ornate, with works of art that take the breath away. As you admire the architecture, keep in mind that it was completed by Michelangelo. The Basilica is said to be the final resting place of St. Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles. Indeed, he is rumored to be buried directly beneath the altar. Mass is held here daily at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 17:00. On Sundays and holidays Mass is held at 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 16:00 and 17:30. Otherwise, the church is open for visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. so long as you are dressed appropriately (no bare shoulders or knees). Entrance is free.

Sistine Chapel

View what is surely the most famous chapel in the world: The Sistine Chapel. Wander this incredible building to see Michelangelo's famous artworks. The Last Judgment is painted behind the altar, and of course you'll spend most of your time looking up at the ceiling. Michelangelo's ceiling depicts over 300 biblical scenes, including the Creation of Adam, the Great Flood, numerous prophets and the ancestors of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that no filming or photography is permitted, and you must be dressed appropriately. The chapel is open from 09:00 to 18:00, with the ticket office open from 09:00 to 16:00. Tickets are 15 euros and include entry to the Vatican Museums.

Vatican Museums

Speaking of which, the Vatican Museums also make the list of Vatican City must do's. As stated, tickets are 15 euros with entry to the Sistine Chapel and the Pontifical Palace included. You can visit the Etruscan and Egyptian Museums as well as the Lateran Profane Museum. Statues, reliefs, mosaics and tapestries that had no place in the palace are displayed in the museums. You can also see the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps. Other museums include sarcophagi and cemetery inscriptions written in Hebrew. The Stanz of Raphael is another big draw, being a set of residential rooms within the palace that were decorated by Raphael himself. You can call +39 06 6988 4676 for more information.

Vatican Gardens

Spend a bit of time out-of-doors touring the Vatican Gardens. You can wander the grounds to see the rock garden at the artificial cliff and the floral Papal Coat of Arms, which changes slightly with each pope. The Jubilee 2000 bell and the monument to St. Peter, as well as the Lourdes Grotto with its statue of Mary, are also impressive. You'll also appreciate the 97 fountains, including the Fountain of the Eagles, the most impressive of all.

Vatican Necropolis

Finish your visit to the Vatican City with a trip underground to see the excavations. Book the 90-minute tour to see not only the ongoing excavations, but also the reputed tomb of St. Peter himself. No photography is permitted, and the tour is for those who are aged 15 and up only. To book a tour send an email to scavi@fsp.va. Include the number in your group (up to 12 per group is permitted) and their names, as well as the language requested and dates available. Don't forget to include contact information. You can also call +39 06 6988 5318 for more information.