Making the most of your journey in Rome
Covering an expansive 49 hectares, the Vatican City State, is a true international treasure. Home to such household names as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums,. the city state is bursting with wealth and cultural heritage and a must-see for anyone who visits Rome.
If you want to fully enjoy a journey through the Eternal City, you should make time to admire the Renaissance architecture of the vast St. Peter’s Basilica, discover Michelangelo’s frescoes (including “The Last Judgment”) and learn all about the fascinating history of the Vatican. Private Vatican tours, with a personal guide and reserved entries without queuing, are the way to go for you!
Vatican City and its history
The Vatican City – of which the official Italian name is “Lo Stato della Città del Vaticano” – is the smallest independent city-state in the world both by area and by population. I To give some perspective on its 49 hectares, that is about as large as an average city park!. It lies on Vatican Hill in northwestern Rome, just west of the River Tiber.
It may cover only 121 acres, but the Vatican City exercises spiritual influence over millions of Roman Catholics. And although it lies entirely within the city of Rome it is foreign soil to Italian citizens.
It has been an independent sovereign state since the signing of the Lateran Treaty of 1929 and, although distinct from the Holy See, it nevertheless falls under its full ownership, exclusive dominion, sovereign authority and jurisdiction”.
The Vatican City serves as the spiritual and governmental center of the Roman Catholic Church. The crucible of this Christian epicenter is St. Peter’s Basilica – the Christian largest church in the world – and whose ruler is the Pope, who is also the bishop of Rome.
High stone walls surround most of the city. The irregularly-shaped area within these walls contains picturesque buildings in several architectural styles. It also contains many courtyards, landscape gardens and quiet streets. The Vatican is dominant indeed architecturally. Throughout your time in Rome, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of St Peter’s stately dome.
Discovering the Vatican
No visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican. With the official Vatican tourist guides you can skip the line and get priority entrance to the Holy See.
The tour is exclusive for you and the people in your group and will be adapted to suit your tastes and interests. The entrance precedes that of the general public – a truly memorable experience!
This remarkable private experience affords guests the privilege of being able to admire not only the sections open to the public – such as the stunning Sistine Chapel -, but also those that are usually not accessible – like the must-see Cabinet of Masks. Your guided tour itinerary may include:
- Visit to the Vatican Museums and their various galleries (Gallery of Candelabra, Gallery of Geographic Maps and Gallery of Tapestries).
- Raphael’s Rooms
- Bramante’s Staircase
- The Cabinet of Masks
- The Nicolina Chapel
- The Sistine Chapel, where you can admire the ceiling decorated with magnificent frescoes including the Last Judgment, one of Michelangelo’s most beautiful creations.
- St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most famous architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance.
Walks Inside Rome – Your private Vatican tours
Walks Inside Rome is an agency of travel services and guided tours which has been operating in Rome since 1999. We specialize in private and small group tours of no more than 12 participants, giving you a much more personalized experience at just the right pace.
Moreover, with priority entrance to Rome’s most famous destinations – including the magnificent Vatican City – you’ll have more time to nourish yourself with knowledge and lose yourself in wonder.
With us, you can discover Italy’s most spectacular destinations at your leisure through personalized tours led by our exceptional guides. You and your family can enjoy incredible trips discovering the Bel Paese thanks to our family tours.
We are open 7 days a week, contact us for any questions and for any further information. Fill out the form on our website, send us an email, call us or chat with us on WhatsApp.
We look forward to meeting you soon so we can start exploring Italy together!