With just 110 acres of land area and approximately 1,000 citizens,  Vatican City is the world’s smallest country.  The city mints its own euros, has its own army, issues passports to its citizens and has a flag of its own too!  There are no border controls or security checks to enter the city and it is just a road away from Castel Sant’Angelo.

Though small in size, Vatican City deserves one full day to explore its gems.  The main attractions are St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s square with the obelisk and Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel.

The Museum is known for its unique art collections gathered by various Popes.  With over 54 galleries on exhibit, it would take you weeks to see it all.  If you visit, you will probably visit the highlights, such as the Raphael Rooms, The Gallery of Maps, the Rotunda Room and The Tapestries Hall. Then, of course, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous frescoes in the world and unsurprisingly it’s one of Rome’s most visited and valued historic sites. Set within the Vatican City and Museums, the Sistine Chapel welcomes around 25,000 visitors a day who flock to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece and marvel at the feat of artistry. As cameras are banned, it’s one to make sure you don’t forget!

St. Peter’s Square, built in the 17th century, was designed and built by Bernini and is heavily inspired by Baroque style.  It is in the shape of an elongated Trapezoid with semi-cirlce in the middle of it.  The Obelisk stands in the center and was originally located in Heliopolis in Egypt, and brought to Rome in 37 AD.

The Museums will take several hours to maneuver through the crowds.  City Lights Tours can provide guided tours throughout the museum, Sistine Chapel and a secret passage into St. Peter’s Basilica.

The last Sunday of every month, entry to the Vatican Museum is free!