Vatican City Travel and Tourism Guide
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Travel Notes: Europe - Vatican Travel Notes.
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Vatican City Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Vatican City Travel and Tourist Information with links to official travel and tourism websites and state resources for visitors to The Vatican (Holy See).
About The Vatican
The Holy See, under the absolute authority of the Pope of the Roman Catholic church, is the smallest independent country in the world.
Spend at least half a day exploring all that Vatican City has to offer.
It is best to visit early in the morning, to avoid the lengthy queues of tourists and pilgrims.
The Holy See
When in Rome, you really should visit the Vatican.
Although established in 1929, under terms of the Lateran Treaty, St Peter's Square is still subject to the authority of the Italian police.
Holy See Overview
The Holy See, also known as the Apostolic See or the Vatican City State, is the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church.
It serves as the central governing body of the Roman Catholic Church and is recognised as a sovereign entity under international law.
The Holy See is located within the city of Rome, Italy, and is the smallest independent state in the world, both in terms of land area and population.
Bishop of Rome
The Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, serves as the head of the Holy See.
The Pope is considered the successor of Saint Peter, who is traditionally recognised as the first Bishop of Rome and the founder of the Catholic Church.
The Pope exercises his authority from Vatican City, which is the territorial base of the Holy See.
The Holy See
The Holy See has an unique status in international relations.
It maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world, and its representative, known as the Apostolic Nuncio, acts as a diplomatic ambassador.
The Holy See is a permanent observer in various international organizations, such as the United Nations, and participates in global affairs, advocating for peace, human rights, and social justice.
The Holy See plays a crucial role in the governance of the Catholic Church, overseeing matters related to faith, doctrine, and discipline.
It also supports various charitable and humanitarian initiatives worldwide through organizations such as Caritas Internationalis.
The Holy See's official language is Latin, and its main source of legislation is the Canon Law, which governs the internal workings of the Church.
Throughout history, the Holy See has played a significant role in shaping Western civilisation and influencing global affairs.
It has been involved in numerous diplomatic negotiations, mediations, and peace initiatives.
The Holy See has also been a proponent of interfaith dialogue and has engaged in efforts to foster unity and understanding among different religious traditions.
It is an institution that carries both spiritual and temporal authority, seeking to promote the teachings of the Catholic faith and address the social and moral issues of our time.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the territorial enclave of the Holy See, covers an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) and is an independent city-state.
It is governed by the Pope, who holds absolute executive, legislative, and judicial powers within its borders.
Vatican City is home to numerous significant religious and cultural sites, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which attract millions of visitors each year.
Visiting The Vatican
A visit to the Holy See can be a profound and memorable experience, offering insights into the rich history and culture of the Catholic Church and its role in shaping the world we live in today.
For Pilgims and Tourists
The Holy See is located within the city of Rome, Italy, and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.
Vatican City, the territorial enclave of the Holy See, is home to numerous religious and cultural sites that are worth visiting.
Musei Vaticani
The founding of the Vatican Museums can be traced back to 1503 when the newly-elected Pope, Julius II della Rovere, placed a statue of Apollo in the internal courtyard of the Belvedere Palace built by Innocent VIII.
The Vatican's museums are outstanding and the Vatican Library has a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts and more than 1 million bound volumes.
The Vatican Museums
With over 70,000 works of art, the Vatican Museums are a treasure trove of artistic and cultural artifacts.
The museums are home to numerous ancient sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts from around the world.
Vatican Museums
Visiting The Vatican Museums
Vatican museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month when entrance is free 9-12.30.
Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens are a peaceful oasis within Vatican City, with beautifully manicured gardens and stunning views of St. Peter's Basilica and the surrounding area.
When Visiting Vatican City
It is important to remember that Vatican City is a religious site, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully.
Modest clothing is required for entry into St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and shorts, bare shoulders, and low-cut tops are not permitted.
Avoid The Queues
To avoid long lines and crowds, it is recommended that visitors book tickets in advance and arrive early in the day.
Guided tours are also available and can provide visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the various sites within Vatican City.
The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel owes its name to its client, Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (1471-1484), who wanted to build a large new room on the site where the 'Cappella Magna"'already stood, a fortified hall from the Middle Ages, intended to house the meetings of the papal court.
The Sistine Chapel has famous ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo and restored in the 1980s.
Raphael's Rooms are the papal apartments with frescoes painted by the Italian artist Raphael.
Many of the most renowned artists and architects of the Italian Renaissance were commissioned by popes to work on the Vatican's buildingsThe Sistine Chapel
The Vatican State
The Vatican City State was born with the Lateran Treaty, stipulated between the Holy See and Italy on 11th February. 1929 and ratified on 7th June 1929. Its personality as a sovereign body of international public law, distinct from the Holy See, is universally recognized.
It is surrounded by medieval and Renaissance walls and has six gates.
The Papal Palace complex contains more than 1,000 rooms and houses the papal apartments, the government offices of the Roman Catholic church, several chapels and museums, and a library.
St. Peter's Basilica
The largest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica is an iconic landmark and a must-see for any visitor to Vatican City.
St Peter's Basilica is the world centre of the Roman Catholic faith, with the great St Peter's Square in front of it.
The basilica is home to numerous works of art, including Michelangelo's famous Pieta.
Follow in The Footsteps of The Holy Fathers
Birthplace of
Benedict XVI:
Live from Marktl on April 19th, 2005 when it was announced that the new pope was a German;
born in their sleepy Bavarian village.
Farewell
Pope John Paul:
A look back at the world travels of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
On The
Papabili Trail in Northern Italy:
Visiting the birthplaces of four Italians who many wanted to see as Pope.
The Holy See:
The official site of the Papal City could have been designed by
Michelangelo.
Pontifical Council for Culture
John Paul II founded the Pontifical Council of Culture on 20th May, 1982 with the aim of establishing dialogue between the Church and the cultures of the world.
Vatican Reading Room
The Vatican - Saints and Sinners - Rome.
Weather in Europe:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Europe.
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