Vatican City Travel Guide: 10 Must-See Attractions and Ticket Purchases

4. St. Peter’s Square

Directly opposite St. Peter’s Basilica is the monumental St. Peter’s Square (Italian: Piazza San Pietro), designed by Lorenzo Bernini (“Bernini”). This is a must-see square in the Vatican. Here one can admire the colonnade consisting of 284 columns arranged in 4 rows and 140 statues on it. In the center of the square is the Vatican Obelisk. There are also many fountains in the square, but on Mass days and holy days, people mainly see the Pope from this square.

5. Audience with the Pope

The papal audience takes place every Wednesday at 10:30am in St Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Room (or both, depending on the number of people). To attend the papal audience, you must apply in writing or by fax to the Pope’s Office. Tickets are free but must be collected the day before or early Wednesday morning. If you are a believer, this is an event not to be missed because you will feel the joy and excitement. You can also reserve a place for the papal audience online, so that you can visit the Vatican Museums after the audience.

6. Attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

There are many masses every day in St. Peter’s Basilica, and attending a mass is another wonderful experience for the faithful. Don’t forget, this is a mass, not a photo opportunity for tourists, so please respect the place and the mass.

7. Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

If you want to enjoy a spectacular view of St. Peter’s Square and Rome, then the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is the best choice for you. As the highest point in Rome, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica allows you to enjoy a magnificent view in all directions. It costs 7 euros to take the elevator to the top of the dome, and 6 euros to walk up the 320 steps. It should be noted that if you suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia, it is best not to climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

8. Vatican Grottoes

After touring the cathedral, you can visit the Sacred Grotto (or crypt), which contains the tombs of many popes and other dignitaries. The crypt is located beneath the cathedral and was where John Paul II’s tomb lay until his canonization in May 2011. There is a glass wall behind the crypt that offers a bird’s eye view of St. Peter’s Tomb, which is located just below the papal altar in the cathedral.