Good job Catholic Church. This was a once in a lifetime experience. Great staff and well maintained facilities after thousands of years. You can see the work of Michaelangelo. I hope I will get to meet him someday in heaven (I will complement him profusely). BTW thanks for choosing a Pope from the USA. To the Pope: we are very proud of you. I hope our paths will cross sometime. I'm jealous of your home. read more

Even though the Vatican is a must see and amazing in all its glory. I am very disappointed, I have a heart condition and was born with a genetic mutation in my DNA. I am a handicap person with much internal issues but it is not not noticeable on the outside. I also brought my handicap card for proof. I tried entering the handicap entry way I got refused, but the person next to me in crutches got accepted. I am so saddened that ppl with invisible sicknesses get pushed off to the side. happens to many times. I'm sure if the pope knew this he would not have it this way. read more

We booked this tour through Viator. Our prior Viator's Colosseum tour was not good as you can read from my prior Colosseum review. This Viator Vatican tour on the other hand was far superior. When we got up in the morning there was a rumor that taxis and Uber would strike. We were able to Uber from our hotel to the Viator meeting area on the steps near the Vatican. Many tour guides and tourists were located here. We were able to locate Viator guides on the stone staircase. We were early so we had to wait for our tour to start. Vatican City officially the Vatican City State is a landlocked sovereign country, within Rome, Italy. It became independent from Italy in 1929 with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity under international law, which maintains the city-state's temporal power and governance, diplomatic, and spiritual independence. The Vatican is also a metonym for the pope, the city-state's and worldwide Catholic Church government Holy See, and Roman Curia. When our tour started we had an excellent tour guide Antonella, who guided us throughout the Vatican property which was quite large with many buildings. Antonella was very knowledgeable about the Vatican. I got along with Antonella, because my name Tony is the Italian male version, namely Antoni or Antonio. We first visited the grounds and the museum, which was quite large. We had a bathroom break. There is a trove of iconic art and architecture here. Its Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures such as the famed "Laocoön and His Sons" as well as Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling. The Sistine Chapel was packed with visitors so we could only spend a few minutes inside the Chapel. After the Chapel we were lucky to have a chance to visit the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, which was scheduled to be closed for renovation. A giant bronze canopy at the center of St Peter's Basilica is getting its first major makeover in more than 260 years to restore its luster in time for Holy Year celebrations in 2025. Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City. Construction started on April 18, 1506. Overall our tour of the Vatican was the highlight of our visit to Rome. Because of that I posted lots of pics from Vatican City. After we finished our tour we were looking for a local restaurant to enjoy a late lunch. More to come regarding our late lunch on the outskirts of the Vatican City. read more

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You're definitely going to want to wear comfortable shoes, bring hydration and sun protection and plan to spend several hours - nay, the *whole day* - at the Vatican. There's so much to see, do, read, experience and walk in, around and up to here. It's amazing, awe-inspiring and maybe a little overwhelming. It's also very crowded, but that should surprise no one. It's a little daunting but entirely fascinating. We went with a tour because we wanted to make sure we were going the right places, seeing the best things and experiencing the "can't miss" sites. I wouldn't recommend the tour we went on - it was overly large, the tour guide seemed a bit discombobulated and the breakfast that was included - with "exclusive access to the surrounding areas" for tour attendees - was not at all what we experienced. (And the breakfast was inedible. Our guide kept going on and on about the pancakes - "get the pancakes, they're the best, you'll never have better" - and they were awful. Also, each one of our tables were attacked by the pigeons hanging out on the patio. And yes, I mean "attacked", to the point where the manager was out furiously shooing the birds away with a towel and his arms. At least four of us ended up wearing the runny scrambled eggs on some part of our body as the birds brazenly swooped in to consume the meals we'd paid for, then in a haze of feathers and eggs flew off to the nearest railing, until our attention returned to our tables.) At any rate, I do believe the tour helped us get in, past the ticket line and security, but I don't think it helped more beyond that. I would have loved to have had more time to wander the spaces, take in the paintings, experience the sculptures and the history, and I think, should we ever go back, that's what I'd do. Because there's no way you can do it all in several hours. Not if you want to do it right. read more

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Horrible lines. Could barely walk. It was hot too many steps now let's talk about the inside. They could sell one item and feed the hungry forever disgusting and everyone there was rude and nasty never again. read more

This is one of those places that you just have to visit within your lifetime. Why? Well, because of it's historical significance in European and world history. Pictures do not do it justice. It is said that if you stand in front of different piece of artwork for 15 seconds it would still take you a few years to see every single piece. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire a guide to walk you through the most significant pieces. Otherwise, you will get tired and realize that you did not see the most significant pieces before leaving. Another even more important reason for hiring a guide is that they can get you around many lines. When I visited the line to get in was several blocks long in the unshaded brutal Roman July heat. Even the Pope leaves the Vatican every July for a cooler small town elevated retreat. It truly baffles me how anyone can rate the Vatican anything less than perfect?!? Yes, occasionally there might be an overflowing garbage can. But its because thousands upon thousands of people visit every day. The architecture, the art collections, the history (a few centuries worth) are amazingly beautiful! I truly feel privileged that I had the opportunity to visit. I do have to mention that the church along with the good also had some bad history. At times corruption set in and tarnished the reign of a few Popes. I was lucky enough to visit one of the rooms which was sealed off for hundreds of years and not talked about because of the terrible things that happened in it. So much history within the walls of the Vatican! Just to give you an idea, in medieval times every King, Queen, and rich family in Europe wanted a hand in the power of the church. read more

Vatican City - St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. - Local Flavor Near Me - Rome, RM

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Such a beautiful place! Now I can mark this off my bucket list: Visiting the smallest country on earth Seeing where the Pope speaks from Viewing Michael Angelo's most beautiful work Let me say a few things. It's hot, hella hot. #bringwater Cover those shoulders and knees. #toosexy Sneak the photos. #dontgetcaught Have a tour guide. #followtheleader We began on a simmering day needing water and some small snacks--I'll know next time. Dress light, expect tons of exercise. Our tour guide was a beautiful Italian man with a sexy accent and a lot of knowledge. Who doesn't love a man with brains and good looks? We meandered through the Vatican City for our tour learning about history--both Roman and art. It was amazing We followed with the group throughout the massive works of art, history lessons, beauty of the city, etc. it was amazing. I will say the most amazing thing was when we reached the center of the Sistine Chapel and looked up. I cannot describe the beauty. There are no words worthy of this majestic art work. All I could think was, "What was he thinking?" Absolute beauty. read more

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Absolutely horrendous. I knew it would be crowded because we went on the last Sunday of the month when the entrance to Vatican Museums is free. When we got there at 7.30 the queue was already 2h worth of wait and they open at 9am. Then our bottles were confiscated at the security point because they were metal (sorry for not polluting the planet with plastic bottles!!). After we queued for about 30 minutes at St Peter's Basilica, we were told that only people with special permission would be admitted and we can queue again at 1pm. I guess posting it to the website or putting up a sign would be too tourist-friendly. If I wasn't an atheist to begin with, I would be an atheist now. DO NOT GO ON THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH. It's not worth it. read more

My 27th country visited was Vatican City, the smallest of the "micro-states" in Europe and as such, it probably shouldn't be on Yelp since it's technically not Italy. But whatever! I booked a guided tour after reading Sabra's review of What A Life Tours https://www.yelp.com/biz/what-a-life-tours-roma-2?hrid=XyS92C7KDzKZgZ_Nu8fMYg and this gave me a great multi-hour walk through many of the most important sites. Lots of treasures to see, lots of beautiful sights to explore and many historic objects to view. You definitely need to be doing this with a guide. There are so many little things you might otherwise miss if you try to explore on your own. [Review 19174 overall - 329 in Italy - 144 of 2023.] read more

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Making it to the Vatican City was not easy for me but I would not be denied. I stayed at an apartment in Rome and was planning to take a bus there. On the day of my adventure, the trains and buses were on strike. I walked instead. Which took about an hour and 20 minutes. It was well worth it because Vatican City is a must-visit while you're in Rome. While in Rome, Vatican City is an independent state. While you're there, you have two iconic landmarks to visit (the Vatican (which includes the Sistine Chapel) and St. Peter's Basilica (the largest Catholic church in the world)). I highly recommend getting tickets for the Vatican well in advance. If you don't, you will likely be waiting for hours in the sun to get in. Don't be part of the poor planning camp. It's one of the most popular attractions in the world so you need to be on top of things. For St. Peter's, unfortunately, you can't make reservations ahead of time so there will be a wait. I waited about 30 minutes to get in on a Thursday afternoon in the summer. Not bad at all. The line looked long but moved quickly. Exploring these two attractions to the fullest will take a significant portion of the day so I also recommend an early start. The plaza surrounding both landmarks is beautiful and a nice place to take a break. You have restaurants and shops close by too. read more

The Vatican Museums are a must! It has been in my bucket list forever!! The art in the museums beautiful, captivating, mesmerizing and just spectacular. Just beautiful!!!! Honestly, you need a few days to really enjoy and take in all the art. It can be friended do I recommend going early and get tickets to bypass the lines. read more

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Visiting Vatican City was a dream come true, something I've been eager to experience since childhood when I first learned about the rich history of Rome. Seeing it all in person, the art, the architecture, the profound sense of history was beyond anything I could have imagined. I highly recommend taking a guided tour. Our guide brought each part of Vatican City to life with detailed stories and fascinating insights that you might miss on your own. 10/10 recommendations The Vatican Museums were a highlight, filled with masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms and the stunning Gallery of Maps. Every corridor and room is packed with art that spans centuries, making it easy to get lost in the grandeur. The Sistine Chapel is every bit as breathtaking as you'd expect. They don't allow photos or videos in the chapel.Michelangelo's frescoes, from the ceiling to The Last Judgment, are mesmerizing. Seeing it in person is incomparable to photos the colors, the scale, and the incredible detail left me in awe. St. Peter's Basilica is an architectural wonder. From Michelangelo's Pietà to the massive dome designed by Brunelleschi, it's a testament to human artistry and devotion. Climbing to the dome's top rewards you with a panoramic view of Rome that's simply unforgettable. St. Peter's Square is a marvel in itself, with its grand colonnades and the view of the basilica that captures the essence of Vatican City's splendor. If you have a passion for history, art, or architecture, Vatican City should be at the top of your list. It's more than just a visit it's an immersion into one of the world's most significant cultural and spiritual sites. A guided tour will ensure you appreciate every detail, making the experience all the more rewarding. read more

Vatican City - Local Flavor Near Me - Rome, RM

When in Rome, you have got to go visit Vatican City. It's an independent country that is within the city of Rome. Vatican City is free entry & passport not needed but is smart to bring just in case. Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica are both located inside. Definitely make time to go visit. It's breathtakingly beautiful and has immense history that is showcased well through the structures of the basilica & Sistine Chapel. St. Peter's is free for all to go inside. Sistine Chapel on the other hand, you must buy tickets to tour. read more

Dis is where the first pope lies. He is cool and the faith here is real! I wish to come here with my family sometime. read more

The smallest country in the world, Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, home of the Pope, and contains a trove of iconic and priceless art and treasures. not to mention history! Encircled by a 2 mile border with Rome, Vatican City covers just 109 areas. This city-state is governed as a monarchy with the pope at its head. Here you will visit the holy site of St. Peter's Basilica containing the remains of St. Peter, one if the 12 apostles of Jesus and the first pope. The basilica is filled with famous sculptures and art. The Vatican Museum is a separate building containing an abundance of Renaissance frescoes, massive tapestries, Roman sculptures and lots of artifacts. Walk through the Vatican Museum to the end to see Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. This is a chapel so silence is required and no pics. Be respectful. You can and should also wander St. Peter's Square, beautiful on its own, and the many surrounding streets filled with charming cafes and shops. One can easily spend a full day or several in this tiny yet enormously significant city! Vatican Ciry is not just for Catholics or those who are religious; the art and history is fascinating and mesmerizing for everyone. Almost every Wednesday at 10.30 am, the Pope gives mass and if you want to attend this free papal audience, go to the Vatican's website and fax a request. Seriously. Plan ahead by several months. read more

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Rome is just beautiful. The entire of the Vatican is fabulous. The Museum is amazing and ooen late, its just pretty hot inside. Shoulders must be covered in the Sistine Chapel and some other places but dress lightly. They sell pashminas and headcovers everywhere. You can but rosary $10 for 10! Go go go! read more

Vatican City - Scarves in every store - Local Flavor Near Me - Rome, RM

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Breathtaking!!! Film, TV, pictures - none of it does justice to the grandeur or detail of this city. For those who may feel some type of way about the Catholic Church, put that aside and soak in the history and tradition of this place. You won't regret it. This is a must-see-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime kind of place!!! Yes it gets crowded but there's a rhythm to it all. It flows nicely. There is food and shopping close by if you need a respite. read more

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Stunning art and architecture. It's quite the sight to behold but be prepared for lots of people. We went with a prearranged guide. It's very helpful to have someone to help you with context and fill in with historical information. So much more meaningful. There are placards to read along the way but nothing like a guide. St Peter's Basilica blew us away. The art. The size. The fact that dead popes are on display. It was amazing. We were there at 5pm and were able to see the beginning of a mass on the main altar. It was neat to hear the organ and choir in this massive building. Popes, in general, were not a meek bunch so their tributes are massive, powerful, and tell a story. I wish I would have had more time to explore this holy place. So amazing. The Sistine Chapel has arguably the most famous art, however, it was so crowded in there it was hard to enjoy it. It was supposed to be quiet but there was too much talking. It was announced to keep silent but it didn't last very long. Way too many people were filtered into and out of two very small doors. While the art was beautiful and quite well known, it was hard to rate this as a favorite. No pics allowed. So much art. So little time. Well worth a tour. read more

Vatican City - Local Flavor Near Me - Rome, RM

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We did a group tour and had a nice time visiting and learning again at the Vatican City.

I'm proud to have Vatican City as my 10th official country visited! (Albeit a micro country, but Google says it counts!) This checks a box I didn't know I was so excited about. So... You'll be in Rome, why not pop out to see another country while you're here? The Vatican City. It's an oasis in an oasis of rich history. The view is spectacular at night, and the amount of care the city puts into protecting its monuments is wonderful. As with any large piece, it's got a great handful of tours going through, but me - ever the cheapskate optimist, thinks I'm able to do it alone, and I will... when its open. I've come late in the evening after dark (6:00p), most of the walking day traffic has gone but there are still throngs of people on the streets and coming from the monument/city. (The entry to the church is free (you simply go through security), and it's STUNNING inside!) Coming here isn't too far outside the other sites, it's easily gotten to by all modes of transportation the city offers. A LIME bike will get you there swiftly, but mind the crowds, the concept of roads vs. sidewalks is ... well, frustrating. Otherwise, Romes drivers keep a keen eye on you, be sure to signal your directions and you'll be given space! Check Viator, trip advisor, or Airbnb experiences for tours to go through, they've walking and talking tours, or simply a ride and someone to talk you through it. The prices vary from a simple ticket cost (€20) to much more (€100) given the depth of your tour by your guide. If anything, come to see the city before you go, it is show stopping, and quite big. As everyone likely says in their reviews, the Sistine chapel is here, and that might be good for a day stop on its own. Stay safe travelers! read more

What an amazing place this is. Literally. The smallest country in the world but what an amazing experience. We took the tour of the museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's basilica. It took us about 4-5 hours to see it all but we could have easily stayed for another few hours. The art and spiritually of the place was without compare. I highly recommend a visit if you visit Rome. read more

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A must see if you are in Rome even if you aren't Catholic. Great artwork, history, sculptures, architecture, etc. The Swiss Guards take their jobs very seriously so keep that in mind. I would suggest paying for a guided tour. You learn a lot more than do without it. You get inside the gates quicker. read more

Does it get any better than Vatican City. I think not. We had a fabulous time visiting and seeing the sights. The pope mass was earlier in the day but we missed it. If you are in Rome/Italy this is a must visit. Enjoy read more

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This place lives up to all the splendor. It was crowded but if you want to move to the head of the line buy a ticket with a tour group. They will walk you past everyone and straight inside. Once inside you can wonder around and see the beauty of the place. read more

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March 2025, we had enjoyed every moment here at Vatican, specifically during this Jubilee Year since we decided last minute to book the trip to Italy. Everything went smoothly, got a lot of assistance during this trip. Thank God for always listening our prayers. read more

Insanely crowded, very different than I expected. We went mid October and there were people everywhere. Also part of every building is under construction for the "year of Jubilee". Loved the artwork, exquisite ornate detail and beauty. Beautiful courtyards- be sure to take time to visit them and also look out the windows, it's actually peaceful and quiet outside for brief moments. Very Challenging place for anyone with disability or wheelchair. Note before you start your tour/ there is Only one restroom in the entire place and its at the entrance it's HuGE! read more

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Amazing visit. Be sure to book a private tour with one of the touring companies. You'll get instant access and a professional guide who are well trained to provide an excellent visit. Tours vary on areas accessed and time. read more

Best three hours spent here today. The art, how it's been maintained, the history, the artists and everything else is worth the time. But I would also say - it was so much better experience because we had a tour guide. Hire a guide form a reputable company or go with a tour group. Educational for kids and adults. We paid $100 for two people for three hours - would do it again. Simona was great. read more

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I wish I have more time here! We spent a lot of time in the Vatican Museum, and security closed the shortcut from Vatican Museum to Saint Peter's Square. We must walk a big circle before returning to Saint Peter's Square. The Vatican City is not huge. But don't trust your Google map. Some roads look like you can go through very quickly, but you have to walk around outside of Vatican City into the very busy street in Rome. I think it is for the reason of security and traffic control. The building is lovely to see on my own. I love the feeling of standing in the middle of Saint Peter's Square. We're fortunate in there on a quiet day so that we can enjoy our time there. Vatican Museum is part of Vatican City. We checked out lots of collections in the museum too! read more

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What can I say? Vatican City and the Basilica are absolutely stunning! Being Catholic and formerly living in NYC, St. Patrick's Cathedral was our impression of what a grand church looks like. It pales in comparison to the Basilica and is approximately 1/7 the size in volume (thanks Wikipedia). The Vatican and Basilica are for the most part a museum and have on display priceless works of art that run the gamut from sculptures, paintings and tapestries. The ceiling in the Sistine Chapel is impressive to say the least. I respected the rules and didn't take any photos however, many people did. There are cameras everywhere in there. We took a tour last Thursday and it was packed. In fact it was overcrowded and a bit dangerous. It was raining outside and the floors and stairs here are made of marble. I overheard several other tour guides saying things to the effect, "pure money grab", "too many people and tours" and so on. They were pretty much right. However, it was the week past Easter and Rome at this time of year is filled with tourists. Based on the buildings and grounds alone, this would be an over "5" review. The crowds and organization of the tours it's a "2." We weren't rushed though and we had ample time in the Basilica to roam around and take as many photos as we wanted. Even after our tour ended we were allowed to re-enter the Basilica which is very nice. Again, the turnoffs were the large crowds and possible overbooking of tour groups. Often the crowds were packed into the small spaces during the tour. And, upon exiting from St Peter's Square you go right onto a street (that is closed) that has street hawkers, crappy gift shops, panhandlers, buildings with graffiti and cheap food carts etc.. To me that's kind of cheesy. However Vatican City is a must when visiting Rome. Definitely book a tour for this with City Walk through Viatour. Our guide was great and you bypass the three hour wait to get in. read more

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Vatican City was on the agenda when I went to Italy. I was with a tour group and I enjoyed the atmosphere. I spent most of the time at the Vatican. I've got a photo of the tour group standing in front of the Vatican. For me growing up Catholic this was a once in a lifetime experience. Over the years my memories are fading. I'd need to get out the photos to revive my memories and the attached emotions! I'm sure I've got souvenirs like postcards. I'll post some things when I find them. Just remember I'm highly recommending the experience. The architecture and artwork in addition to the culture of this City are priceless! read more

After everything, I am left feeling that it is inappropriate for the Vatican/ Pope to have so many items such as gold meanwhile talking about world poverty. They should sell the gold and use the money to help teach the poor of the world farming and help fund the farms start up. Working hand do more than praying hands. Instead of talking to and praying for the poor, they should help the poor in a positive way that has long term change. read more

The Vatican city was so ornate. Not as ornate as when you get into the Vatican with al the saints, art, marble, and cleanliness. I wanted to go but only spend an hour there then go to the Pantheon because I knew at noon the Pope came out to wave ho and I guess bless everyone. I'm not Catholic and I am not impressed by celebrities. I lived in California. They're just like us. I know the pope isn't a :celebrity " I don't want to offend anybody. My Mum used to be Catholic so she was curious. So we came here and exchanged money (they played us) then went on to Rome. Anyways, we stayed way too long so then the Pope came out. I didn't see him. I was trying to get my Mum, sister, and I out of the crowd whi h was suffocating and stifling. I was sweating and trying my best not to trample on anybodys toes. Anywho, please watch your purses and wallets. Able bodied gypsies are there to either take your money or beg for the very money you are using to get ice water because it was so hot! I was embarrassed thar someone would ask you for money you were literally using to buy goods. It's a nice walk to go to the Vatican city and walk around. Enjoy yourself! read more

Vatican City - Local Flavor Near Me - Rome, RM

Cool experience to visit the Vatican City. 1) Remember to bring your passport as it is needed for entry. 2) Bring water/fan to cool yourself down 3) Wear sneakers 4) Avoid the summer months as many buildings aren't AC so it was hard to appreciate the art. 5) Bring some covering for shoulder and knees so you are presentable/decent. read more

Having a younger brother who spent several months out of each year working from a suburb of Rome really had its benefits. Let's just say that his job took him to every continent except Antarctica, and he had earned so many frequent flyer points that he offered to fly both me and my youngest brother over to Europe. The only correct answer was: yes! So, one morning, we three brothers parked the rental car in a residential area, and took Rome's public subway (where I was almost pickpocketed by a gypsy who was carrying a baby - that's another story, lol) into the heart of the city. My adroit and experienced brother found a British expat who offered to meet us "on the other side" of the paid entry point, where we paid her to give us a tour of the Vatican areas that were open to public access. The experience was phenomenal. The Sistine Chapel was the epitome of beauty. There were so many awesome marble sculptures, paintings, and other displays of art. I'm not a religious person at all, but this site was just such an amazing conglomeration of Western art that I owed it to myself to experience it and attempt to soak it all in. We ended up spending the entire day there, and I'd estimate that we didn't end up leaving until about a half hour before closing. My only regret is that we didn't return and spend another day there. No matter your religious experiences, preferences, etc., I highly recommend visiting here if you ever find yourself in Roma. read more

A wonder of the world. Amazing!! Warning-very very crowded!!! Pay to skip the lines. Also the summer heat here is punishing if not used to the humidity. read more

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The Vatican is actually considered another country. In case you didn't know. We enjoyed this tour, it was through and informative. But book it online. We booked ours online and were able to show up 30 min before the tour. I felt bad for the people waiting 3-5 hours just to get into the Vatican. We were able to see all of the museums and the Sistine chapel. If you can go in the morning, I would highly recommend that. But do NOT just show up. You will waste your entire day. read more

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Vatican City with St. Peter's Basilica, & the Sistine Chapel are not something you would see everyday:) It's one of the most beautiful places on earth:) The architecture is truly amazing!:) Renaissance sculptures are huge like one story:) The photos you will get here are timeless:) read more

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Even if you are not Catholic you must see the beautiful art . There is so Much to see. Rooms and rooms of art and beautiful tapestries foods even decent in the cafe read more

St. Peter's Square, good hall, The Raphael Rooms, Appartamento Borgia, and Cappella Niccolina, picture gallery, post office, souvenir shops, cupola, papal grottoes, library, religious art, Museums, sculptures, bookstores, tombs, gardens, courtyards, oblidisk, fountains, Sistine Chapel, .... So much to see in the Vatican City it was very easy to spend all day here. read more

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