From the beauty inside Vatican City's St. Peter's Basilica to the extensive collections within the Vatican Museums, discover the art, history, and spiritual allure of this iconic destination.
Have you ever found yourself in a place so breathtaking, it feels like you've stepped into a living Renaissance masterpiece? That’s the exact sensation that washes over you when you enter Vatican City. This micro-nation, a veritable treasure trove of art, history, and divine ambiance, is a portal to a bygone era. Whether you’re a devout Catholic pilgrim or a curious traveller, a journey inside Vatican City is a must for anyone exploring Rome.
When I went for the first time with my grandmother in May 2019, I was able to see inside St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square; however, it wasn’t until I returned to Rome in September 2023 that I finally got to see the Vatican Museums, which I would also highly recommend visiting! Plus, you can definitely do both easily in a single day—plus, visit more things around Rome!
Inside Vatican City's Controversial History
The history of Vatican City is as complex as it is fascinating, with chapters that reveal both the grandeur and the controversies of the Catholic Church. One particularly startling aspect of its history is how the Church funded the construction of its iconic landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica. When I first learned about this in my grade 11 history class—which, I may add, was taught to me in a Catholic school—I was shocked.
While the cornerstone of St. Peter's Basilica was laid in 1506, it wasn't until 1626 that St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, would be built (in fact, it was built even after Michelangelo’s paintings in the Sistine Chapel were completed in 1512). Naturally, this monumental project required substantial funds to build the awe-inspiring structures we can see today, and while popes came from influential families in those days, even their wealth wasn’t enough. God forbid a humble and pious pope who lives and breathes for God—“not” riches—should ever have to live in anything shy of the grandest and most palatial place on earth, right?
To raise these funds, the Church implemented the sale of indulgences, which promised the faithful that they could buy their deceased loved ones—children, including stillborns who were not baptized—out of hell by making a donation to the Church. This practice preyed on the grief and fears of Catholics across Europe, the vast majority of whom were uneducated farmers, by offering them spiritual salvation for a price. However, the demand for funds was so great that this was not enough. After all, the papacy needed only the very best that impoverished partitioners dying of plagues and diseases could buy.
In response, the Church propagated (read: invented) the concept of purgatory, a state where they claimed that souls could be purified before entering heaven. This new doctrine opened another avenue for selling indulgences, as people could now pay to reduce the time that they and their loved ones spent in purgatory. Why? Because, unless you never committed a sin—and everyone is supposedly born with the Original Sin of Adam and Eve—you have to spend time in Purgatory. Convenient, huh? Exploiting these beliefs was crucial in financing the construction of the Vatican's magnificent buildings.
Understanding these darker facets of history adds a layer of complexity to the awe we feel when standing inside Vatican City. It reminds us that the beauty of the present is often built on the stories of the past, both glorious and grim. However, as I told my grandmother the history of the construction of Vatican City as we waited in line to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, and I finally stepped inside, I jokingly said to her, “Okay, I get the whole peasant exploitation thing. I’d totally want to live here, too.”
But more on the inside of the Basilica in a bit.
The Smallest Country with the Biggest Wonders
Tucked away in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, covering a mere 0.44 kilometres-squared (just over 100 acres). Don’t let its size fool you, though; this enclave packs more punch per square metre than you would imagine—especially in terms of art and aesthetic beauty.
Seriously, you’ll be completely awestruck by the sheer concentration of art. With masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums hold an art collection that rivals even the Louvre. Plus, as I’m sure you would agree, it’s not just the quantity, but the quality of the experience that matters when visiting a particular destination. The museums are a labyrinth of history, with every turn revealing another layer of the Church’s rich tapestry that has spanned millennia—much before the first stone of this city state was laid.
With that in mind, the architectural marvels of Vatican City are a testament to human creativity and devotion. The intricate details of St. Peter’s Basilica and the majestic chapel ceilings throughout the entire complex will leave you thinking endlessly about the mysteries of faith and how spiritual of an experience art can be.
The Grand Entrance of St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square, designed by the Gian Lorenzo Bernini, was done in a way to foster a sense of partitioners walking into an embrace. The square is not just a prelude, but a preamble to the splendours inside Vatican City.
The first thing you’ll notice is the grand colonnade, stretching out like two giant arms ready to hug you. Bernini’s design creates a breathtaking optical illusion, making the space feel both grand and intimate. Your eyes will be drawn to the Egyptian obelisk at the centre, a symbol of faith, protection, and (wait for it) royal power. Perhaps a nod to the pope as the ruler of the Catholic Church or, maybe less accusatorially, of God’s reign over the world. Regardless, being originally from Heliopolis and dating back to 1835 BC, it’s a fascinating relic of ancient civilizations and the perfect compliment to the myriads of history that is a part of the Vatican as we know it today.
Oh, and don’t miss the grand fountains on either side of the obelisk. These aren’t just any fountains, but masterpieces that add to the symphony of sound and sight, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of this place (well, ‘peaceful’ if you can ignore the throngs of crowds and completely focus on your individual experience here).
Stepping Inside a Gilded St. Peter’s Basilica
So, remember when I joked about understanding why peasants were exploited for the funding of the construction of Vatican City? This is where that comes into play.
Imagine walking into a space that feels like you are engulfed by the most beautiful and extravagant things that humans could possibly create. This isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to centuries of faith, art, and architecture. It’s a physical manifestation of just how much humans can pay tribute to their beliefs in the most breath-taking of ways.
First, take a moment to absorb the sheer scale of the nave. It’s so vast, and the dimensions are designed to make you feel tiny yet still significant, a part of something grander. As you walk further and further into the Basilica, you’ll find that your eyes want to wander in every direction, desperate to drink in every drop of the beauty that this building has to offer. As you make this journey inward, you’ll spot Michelangelo’s famous Pietà, one of the most exquisite sculptures ever created. Nestled in the first chapel on the right, this masterpiece captures the poignant beauty of Mary holding the lifeless body of Christ. The work is so beautiful and life-like, it can bring you to tears.
As well, St. Peter's 29-metre (95-foot) Baldacchino, or Baldachin, will capture your attention not long after you fully enter the Church. The massive bronze canopy over the Papal Altar, crafted by Bernini, is an intricate work of art that stands as a bridge between heaven and earth, a focal point that draws your gaze upward towards the majestic dome. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, it was intended to mark the place where Saint Peter's tomb is believed to be located. Fun fact: Take a close look and you'll see Heraldic Bees, dedicated to the Roman Barberini family who had very close ties to the Catholic Church at the time of the Baldacchino’s construction.
The Sacred Tombs Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
While you’re in the Basilica, the space to explore doesn’t end at just the Church itself. Beneath the splendour of St. Peter’s Basilica lies a hidden world that adds another layer of depth to your visit: the Vatican Grottoes. These sacred tombs house the final resting places of numerous popes and other significant figures in the Church’s history. Walking through this underground necropolis, you can sense the weight of centuries of religious history and, personally, I found it so fascinating to see the tombs of people that I have come across while reading throughout the years.
Of course, you’ll find the tomb of St. Peter himself, the apostle and first pope, whose remains are believed to lie beneath the central altar of the basilica (marked on the upper floor by the Baldacchino). This site is a focal point for pilgrims from around the world and the gilded art surrounding his crypt is stunning. The grottoes contain the tombs of many other popes as well, including Pope John Paul II, whose simple yet powerful tomb draws countless visitors paying their respects, especially because he was so beloved by many and passed away only recently. I remember sitting with my entire school in the gym all day to watch the funeral back in grade 5!
However, it’s not just popes who rest here; you’ll also find tombs of royalty and other key figures who played crucial roles in the history of the Church, as well as small, pretty chapels scattered throughout. This includes the tombs of Queen Christina of Sweden, Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, and Agnesina Colonna Caetani—the only three women buried in the grottoes. Visiting these tombs is a humbling experience, offering a moment of reflection on the enduring legacy of those who shaped the Vatican and the Catholic faith. It’s a reminder of the profound spiritual heritage that continues to draw people inside Vatican City today, fostering a deeper connection to its rich history.
Ascend to New Heights by Climbing the Dome
If you’re feeling adventurous as you emerge from the depths of the Basilica and are ready to climb, climb, climb upwards, you can make your way to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. The ascent is not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is a panoramic view of Rome that’s worth every step…or so I’ve been told. I was limited for time on my short first visit and opted to go to the Vatican Museums on my second time in Vatican City, instead of returning into the Basilica (but I promise, I will climb these steps when I go back to Rome next time!).
As you spiral up the narrow staircase, you’ll pass by the inner workings of the basilica, getting an up-close look at the craftsmanship that went into its construction, giving you a view from the top is nothing short of spectacular. From this vantage point, you can see the Vatican Gardens, the sprawling city of Rome, and on a clear day, even the distant Apennine Mountains. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the summit is undoubtedly exhilarating—after all, there are a total of 551 steps (the first 231 to the roof of the Basilica can be bypassed by taking an elevator, but the final 320 steps that lead to the inside the famous cupola must be climbed.
As you descend the steps to return back into the main area of the Church, you’ll exit through a door surrounded by the Monument to Queen Maria Clementina Sobieski. The monument itself was designed by Filippo Barigioni, with the figures sculpted by Pietro Bracchi before being completed in 1742. This queen is the fourth woman to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, being entombed above her monument, and the only woman who is outside of the grottoes.
A Treasure Trove of Art and History in the Vatican Museums
While you’re inside Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are something you absolutely must see. Here, you can walk through the annals of art and history, and each room holds treasures that tell their own stories and have so much historical and artistic significance.
While you’re here, visit the Gallery of Maps; this corridor, adorned with frescoes depicting Italian regions, is a gorgeous testament to the cartographic knowledge of the 16th century. The Raphael Rooms are another place to see, offering a glimpse into the mind of a Renaissance genius who created famous works such as The School of Athens, with its assembly of great philosophers. Naturally, while you are here, the Sistine Chapel is another must-see—not just for its famous ceiling will leave you speechless—but also to view Michelangelo’s frescoes, depicting scenes from Genesis and the Last Judgment, that cover the entire room (and are a pinnacle of artistic achievement and spiritual reflection).
To read my entire article about the Vatican Museums, you can click here!
Experiencing the Papal Audience
If your visit aligns with the Pope’s schedule, attending a Papal Audience is a really cool experience, as it would be an opportunity to witness the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics address the faithful.
The diversity of languages, cultures, and backgrounds from people who visit the Vatican—and of all religious—creates a unique tapestry to those present and appreciating Vatican City for its beauty. The Pope’s message, often delivered in multiple languages, resonates on a deeply personal level for many, even if they are not Catholic. After all, the themes of peace, compassion, and unity are universally inspiring.
All in All
As you leave Vatican City, you’ll bring a piece of its timeless magic along with you. It’s a place where history and spirituality intertwine, creating a mosaic of experiences that linger long after you’ve returned home.
Next time you’re in Rome, carve out a day to explore inside Vatican City. Wander through St. Peter’s Basilica, explore the grottoes, climb to the top of the dome, and lose yourself in the splendour of the Vatican Museums. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, artistic inspiration, or simply a deeper understanding of Italian heritage, Vatican City offers an experience unlike any other.
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