Vatican City: The World’s Smallest Country
So, here's the thing. The Vatican City is not just some fancy church on the hill in Rome—it’s an entire country. The smallest country in the world, to be exact. Yes, you heard me right. This little slice of heaven (or, well, holy ground) is tucked away inside Rome, surrounded by an immense wall of history, art, and, of course, a lot of rules.
Now, when you’re rolling up to the Vatican, you’re stepping into a place that’s not only historically significant but also just a little bit intimidating. It’s home to the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, and some of the world’s most famous art. Oh, and did I mention it’s a country? Because, you know, that’s a flex in itself.
St. Peter’s Basilica: No Ticket Needed, Just Awe
When you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you're basically walking into a masterpiece. The sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. The towering dome, the ornate ceilings, the golden glow—it’s not just a church; it’s a statement. The best part? You’re allowed to take photos in here, so snap away at the grand architecture, the incredible sculptures, and the insane level of detail on every surface.
Dress Code Alert: Before you get too excited with your camera, just know that shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting the Vatican’s religious sites. No bare shoulders, no shorts above the knee. They take modest dress pretty seriously here. But don’t worry if you forget—cover-ups are available to rent at the entrance.
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. Yep, zero cost to stand in awe of that beauty. However, if you want to climb the dome (and you should, because that view is next level), it’ll cost you:
€8 for the stairs
€10 for the elevator
The Sistine Chapel: No Photos Allowed (But We Took Them Anyway)
Speaking of Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel is next on the list. This place is beyond words. The entire ceiling (painted by the master himself) is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s like stepping into a live-action painting where the sky is the limit (literally). Every inch of that ceiling is covered with intricate scenes from the Bible, all bursting with color and detail.
But here's the kicker, you can’t talk in the Sistine Chapel. And I mean, not a peep. So, when you’re standing there in awe, try your best not to let out an exasperated “WOW” or start chatting about how epic it is. You’ll be quickly shushed by a Vatican guard who’s probably seen it all.
So just take it in quietly, and remember… No photos!
But, like the terrible tourists we are, we snuck a few. Look, when you’re standing underneath Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, it takes some next-level willpower to just not snap a pic. The Vatican guards are watching, though, so if you get caught, expect a serious scolding (or worse, having your phone taken).
Now, if you want to see the Sistine Chapel, you’ll need a ticket to the Vatican Museums.
€17 for an adult entry
€8 for reduced entry (students, etc.)
You can also go for a skip-the-line ticket or guided tours, which are priced higher, ranging from €25 to €35 depending on the options.
Exploring Vatican City: Tiny but Mighty
After you’ve soaked in all the Vatican’s glory (and hopefully haven’t been busted for sneaky photos), you’ll want to explore the area. There are plenty of cute cafés just outside where you can sit down, grab a cappuccino, and reflect on the fact that you just visited the smallest country in the world.
Grab a table, watch tourists struggle with their maps (we were all there at some point), and just enjoy the charm of it all. And there are gelato spots nearby—because of course, there are gelato spots—where you can grab a cone and act like you’re in a travel commercial.
Final Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely.
Vatican City isn’t just a religious destination, it’s a world-class museum of history, art, and culture. Sure, it’s small, but there’s nothing “small” about the experience. From sneaky photos (shhh) to gawking at the Sistine Chapel, it’s a bucket-list place you’ll never forget.
So, next time you’re in Rome, take the time to cross the border into this teeny tiny country. There’s so much packed in, you won’t regret it (even if you did sneak a pic or two).
