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Vatican City Sights

St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) : mid-17th century (1656 - 1667) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Constructed as a public location for the faithful to practice. The square contains a 13th century BC Egyptian obelisk, rising 40 m (131 ft.).

The bronze globe once atop the obelisk is believed to contain the ashes of Julius Caesar, and is now housed in the Capitoline Museums. The cross at the top of the obelisk is believed to preserve a fragment of the True Cross.

Carlo Maderno's Fountain 1611-12 : North of the obelisk

Bernini’s Fountain, 1675 : Designed to compliment Maderno's.

St. Peter's Basilica, 4th century origins, current construction from 1506 : Constructed by Christian Emperor Constantine on the burial site of St. Peter, the first pope. The basilica supports the largest dome in the world (designed by Michelangelo), and can house 60,000 worshippers, making it the largest church in the world. Now home to many important works such as Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Michelangelo's Pietà, 1498 - 1499 : Originally sculpted as the funeral monument for the French cardinal Jean De Billheres, moved to St. Peter's Basilica in the 18th century. Currently protected by bullet-proof glass after being damaged in 1972 by tourist with a sledgehammer.

Sculpture : Throughout the centuries, the Vatican has collected monumental works including monuments to historical figures, in particular a 13th century statue of St. Peter Enthroned by Arnolfo di Cambio which has become famous for its feet being worn down from centuries of visitors rubbing and kissing them. The 30 meter (90 foot) baldachin canopy above the main altar was designed by Bernini (note his fountain in the Square), using bronze from the Pantheon (circa 27 BC).

Holy Relics : The basilica preserves what is commonly believed to be the last remaining fragments of the True Cross (the cross upon which Christ was crucified). For security and preservation, they fragments are only displayed during Holy Week (the week preceding Easter Sunday).

Michelangelo's Dome, mid 1500s : 42.3 meters (138.8 feet) in diameter, 120 meters (393.7 feet) from the floor. 136.57 meters (448.5 feet) from the floor to the top of the cross on the dome. The dome of St. Peter's attracts visitors for its architectural genius, impressive views and long history.

Sistine Chapel, 1368; restored late 15th century : The Sistine Chapel is known for its Michelangelo frescoes, but also contains masterful works by many of the best artists of the day. The Chapel is also popular as the location of the Room of Tears, where newly elected pontiff contemplates his position, chooses his papal name, and dons his cassock for the first time. It is said that three sizes of the holy robes are hung in the room and the pope wears the one that fits best.

Apostolic Palace (aka Vatican Palace), renovated over several centuries : The palace presents many architectural styles from centuries of renovations, covering more than 1,000 rooms (the Palace, papal apartments, government offices, chapels, the Vatican Library and the Vatican Museums).

Vatican Museums, expanded over several centuries : The several museums can take days to cover, and contain rare works of art, ancient manuscripts and sculptures. From the Viale Vaticano, visitors can ride an elevator or climb the double spiral staircase leading to Vatican Hill.

Vatican Treasury : The Vatican Treasury preserves chalices, reliquaries, and artifacts that date as far back as the 4th century.

Vatican Library : Literally thousands of works collected over several centuries. By the year 2000, the number of collected volumes totaled almost two million works, with 6,000 added each year.

Vatican Gardens : 24.3 hectares (60 acres) surrounding the palace complex, supporting 7,000 plants, and lined with sculptures and fountains that draw water from Lake Bracciano.

Saint Stephen of the Abyssinians Church 6th century : Behind the basilica, this may be oldest church in the city state, dating back to the 6th century. Said to be the place where Charlemagne worshipped.

Vatican Mosaic Studio : This studio creates the stones and glass for the many mosaics found around the grounds using 20,000 different tints. Reproductions of paintings can be purchased here.

Barracks of the Army of Swiss Guards, 1497 : Home to the Army of the Swiss Guards

Tomb of St. Peter : 1st Century : Discovered in the mid 20th century. Tours must be arranged in advance, through the Excavation Office (Ufficio Scavi).