The Vatican City
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See our most helpful articles on the Vatican from purchasing tickets & tours to what to see once you are inside. The best way to have a positive and memorable visit to the Vatican is to do a little research and find an option you feel is best for you. We recommend tours as they help curate and add depth to your visit that you really can’t get on your own. But our content provides info to help you on a self-guided visit as well, so read on.
The Catholic Church is the oldest running institution in western civilization dating back to the first bishop, or pope, St. Peter himself. According to Catholic dogma and substantial facts, Peter began his papacy around 33 B.C. until his death by the hand of Nero in 64 A.D.
The Vatican started off as a small “cult” surrounding the life and message of Jesus Christ and St. John the Lateran before exploding in Rome and eventually overthrowing paganism with Emperor Constantine the Great.
While the Catholic Church has been long established, the Vatican we know today did not always look like it does now. Much of what you have seen, or will hopefully see, was the product of the Renaissance and the great “builder popes” like Pope Sixtus IV, Alexander VI, Julius II, Paul III, and other ambitious popes of the 16th and 17th centuries.
These Popes were less like the beloved John Paul II and Francis of today. These Popes were ambitious kings of kings who controlled money, power, and influence throughout Europe. They did not have to threaten death to gain control, just damnation to everyone.
Many people criticize these popes for corruption and immorality and they likely would not be wrong. That said, they built the Rome we know today and the Vatican you and millions of people want to visit.
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Top Small Group Vatican City Tours
The Tour Guy offers a variety of small group and private tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Our tours are the best choice since we have many start times, durations, and group sizes to choose from. We have a special agreement with the Vatican that lets us offer you exclusive entry times and after-hours access. The Vatican is best seen through the eyes of a passionate local guide. We secure the most exclusive tickets so you can have the best experience possible.
Best Exclusive Vatican Tours
Tips For Visiting The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
We believe the best way to visit a major attraction is with an expert guide and will recommend that as much as we can. That said, if you are going to try to brave it alone, we still want you to get the most out of your visit. Below you’ll see our best and most-read advice on visiting the Vatican. This way you get the most out of your visit.
10 Things to See Near the Vatican
Castel Sant’Angelo, local markets, underground passageways, and of course the Vatican gardens. Check out what to see and do near the Vatican!
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Where to Eat Near the Vatican
Hunger is a feeling stimulated by the brain when it notices you will soon need more calories to go on. Visiting the Vatican will put your brain to work so here are some restaurants nearby – pasta time!
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Who Painted the Sistine Chapel
Did you know Michelangelo was not the only person to paint the Sistine Chapel? He also didn’t do it all at once. Read more about the other Renaissance masters who painted the Sistine Chapel and got NONE of the credit!
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Latest Vatican City Articles
The Papal Conclave: What Happens When a Pope Passes Away?
Wondering how the next pope is chosen? Learn what the papal conclave is, who votes, and why white smoke signals the big announcement.
Continue Reading The Papal Conclave: What Happens When a Pope Passes Away?
Can You Visit the Vatican After Hours?
Most people will never experience the Vatican after hours. Instead, they’ll have to navigate through the chaos of crowds. But we’ve got insider tips that unlock a rare opportunity to explore the Vatican after dark—an experience that only a few ever get to enjoy.
Secret Neighborhoods of Rome | The Vatican (Prati) Neighborhood Guide – 9 mins
If you are looking stay in Rome then you don’t want to miss one of the secret neighborhoods of Rome . There is a neighborhood in Rome that has tree lined boulevards, shopping, cafes and hotels near the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Neighborhood of Prati is a quiet oasis and the perfect…
Continue Reading Secret Neighborhoods of Rome | The Vatican (Prati) Neighborhood Guide – 9 mins
How to Visit the Vatican Neighborhood Video Guide – 9 min
If you are looking where to stay in Rome then don’t miss this Secret Neighborhoods of Rome series. The Vatican City Neighborhood of Prati is one of the best places to stay in Rome and a secret neighborhoods of Rome. Today we are covering Secret Vatican city Neighborhoods of Rome and why you should stay…
Continue Reading How to Visit the Vatican Neighborhood Video Guide – 9 min
St. Peter’s Basilica COMPLETELY EMPTY Video Tour – 1 h
Guess what? We’ve accomplished the impossible: capturing St. Peter’s Basilica EMPTY! No tourists, no religious folks—just you and the splendor of this magnificent place. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience! Get ready for an hour-long walkthrough where you can truly appreciate the basilica without the crowds. It’s like having your own private Vatican adventure. https://youtu.be/-IiYZTTMBe8
Continue Reading St. Peter’s Basilica COMPLETELY EMPTY Video Tour – 1 h
How to Pick the Best Vatican Tours to Take — Backed by 10,000+ Guests
The Vatican is one of the most visited places in the world, and without a solid plan, it can feel more exhausting than awe-inspiring. With endless museum corridors, timed entry tickets, and strict dress codes, the best way to actually enjoy it is with a well-chosen tour and an insider who knows their way around.…
Continue Reading How to Pick the Best Vatican Tours to Take — Backed by 10,000+ Guests
