Vatican City
The seat of the Pope, the worldwide head of the
Catholic Church, the Vatican is an independent state within Italy. Many
pilgrims make the journey to Vatican City every year, and many of these attend
a public appearance from the Pope or attend mass. Vatican City includes the
Saint Peter’s Basilica (Cathedral) and Piazza (square), the Vatican Museum, and
the gardens. Much of Vatican City is not open to the public, guarded by the
Swiss Guards who wear distinctive uniforms.
Entrance to the Basilica is free, but there is a fee
to climb the 323 steps to the top of the dome, and for a bit extra, you can
take an elevator up part of the way. Below the main level, visitors can see the
tomb of Pope John Paul II. A dress code is enforced for entrance to the
basilica – no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed.
The Vatican Museum contains the Sistine Chapel, with
the world famous ceiling frescoes of Michelangelo.
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