Today was the day to visit Vatican – the Holy City, where the pope resides.
- Piazza San Pietro, Vatican
- St. Peter’s basilica dome, Vatican
- St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican
- Ristorante da Enzo – Bottega Storica a Prati
The history of the Vatican begins with the establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire. The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, with an area of only 44 hectares (110 acres), and the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Vatican’s history can be traced back to the 4th century when Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. In the early Christian period, Rome became an important center for the growing church, and several popes served as leaders of the Christian community. However, it was not until the 8th century that the Vatican became the official residence of the Pope.
In the 16th century, the Vatican faced a significant challenge with the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther and other reformers challenged the authority of the Pope and criticized the practices of the Catholic Church. This led to a period of religious wars and conflicts in Europe.
During the 19th century, with the rise of nationalism and the unification of Italy, the Vatican’s political power was greatly diminished. The Papal States, which had been under the control of the Pope since the Middle Ages, were gradually taken over by the Italian government, leaving the Vatican as a small enclave within Rome.
In 1929, the Vatican City State was established as an independent state through the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See (the central governing body of the Catholic Church) and Italy. This treaty recognized the Vatican as a sovereign entity, granting it territorial independence and the right to conduct its own affairs.
During the 20th century, the Vatican faced various challenges and changes. It played a significant role during World War II, with Pope Pius XII speaking out against the atrocities committed by the Nazis. In more recent times, the Vatican has been involved in various social and political issues, such as the fight against poverty and inequality, as well as controversies surrounding sexual abuse scandals within the Church.
Currently Vatican has its own postal system, issues its own stamps, and has its own banking system, called the Vatican Bank. Furthermore, the Vatican Museums hold one of the world’s most extensive art collections, including masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. It even has its own newspaper, called L’Osservatore Romano, which has been published daily since 1861. Also the city has its own radio station, Vatican Radio, which was established in 1931 and broadcasts in multiple languages around the world. Interestingly, the Vatican City State is one of the few places in the world where Latin is still an official language, alongside Italian.
Almost 300 years later after killing Giordano Bruno in 1600, who proposed distant worlds revoling around suns, the Vatican Observatory, founded (in 1891) and it is one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world.
Piazza San Pietro, Vatican

The St. Peter Square Obelisk, also known as the Obelisco di Piazza San Pietro, is a majestic ancient Egyptian obelisk in the centre of Piazza San Pietro. Standing at an impressive height of 25.5 meters high. More about this obelisk read in this post.

In 1612, Pope Paul V rebuilt the Aqua Traiana aqueduct and renamed it Acqua Paola, providing the Maderno Fountain with a more abundant water source. Carlo Maderno, the architect, redesigned the fountain by constructing a new octagonal base and an irregular basin with steps and small columns to hold the water. He kept the lower stone vasque from the original fountain and adorned the pedestal with four stone scrolls. The smaller upper vasque was replaced with an inverted vasque covered in stone scales, creating a sparkling effect when the water flowed over it. Maderno also replaced the previous Popes’ coats of arms with plaques honouring Pope Paul V. The fountain operated by gravity, with the water shooting upwards due to the higher source of water, the Aqua Paola on the Janiculum hill.


The queueing depends on the day, sometimes it is 10 minutes, sometimes 40 minutes or longer. Make sure not to bring any sharp objects or other not allowed objects. You can normally carry a bottle of water with you. Also make sure to adhere a dress code (no shorts and tank tops or flip flops).
St. Peter’s basilica dome, Vatican
Ascending to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience that offers breathtaking views and a deep sense of history and spirituality. As one begins the ascent, anticipation builds, and with each step, the magnificence of this architectural masterpiece becomes more apparent. Of course, you can take a lift for the first part of the stairs if you don’t wish to walk all the way up.






But the journey to the top is not yet complete. As you continue upward, the stairs seems become narrower and curvy to accommodate the dome curvature. In some places you have to squeeze in and for a bigger person it could be a problem (though I doubt they would climb here in the first place). Finally, you emerge onto the rooftop, where a breathtaking panorama unfolds before your eyes. The vastness of Rome stretches out in all directions, with its iconic landmarks such as the the Fatherland Altar, to the left of it Colosseum and the Pantheon in the distance as well as the Tiber River.
The view from the dome provides a unique perspective on the city, offering a glimpse into its rich history and the layers of civilisations that have shaped it over centuries. It is a chance to marvel at the architectural marvels of Rome, to appreciate its beauty from a different angle, and to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.







St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican
St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics. The history of St. Peter’s Basilica dates back to ancient times.
The original basilica was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine I, who legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. It was constructed on the supposed burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the first Bishop of Rome. The original basilica stood for over a thousand years but was crumbling and in need of restoration by the 15th century.
In the early 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned the construction of a new basilica to replace the decaying one. The design competition attracted some of the most talented architects of the time, including Bramante and Raphael. However, it was the renowned architect Michelangelo who was eventually chosen to oversee the project.
Michelangelo worked on St. Peter’s Basilica for several years, creating the iconic dome that still dominates the Rome skyline today. His design incorporated elements of classical architecture and grandeur, showcasing his mastery in blending aesthetics and engineering.
After Michelangelo’s death in 1564, several other architects continued the project, each making their own contributions. Carlo Maderno, for instance, extended the nave and added the façade with its grand colonnade, giving the basilica its distinctive appearance.
Construction on St. Peter’s Basilica was finally completed in 1626, more than a century after it began. The basilica stands as a testament to the grandeur of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, combining various styles and influences.
Over the years, St. Peter’s Basilica has undergone various restorations and renovations to preserve its splendour. It has been the site of numerous historical events, including papal coronations, funerals, and important religious ceremonies. It is currently the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica, which can accommodate over 60,000 people.




The Papal altar in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican has a rich and storied history that dates back to ancient times. The original altar, known as the Confessio, was built in the 4th century on top of the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope. This revered site became an important pilgrimage destination for Christians from all over the world. Over the centuries, the original altar was modified and enhanced multiple times.
In the 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned the famous Italian architect Donato Bramante to design a new basilica to replace the old one. Bramante’s plan included a new altar located directly above the Confessio, which would serve as the focal point of the new basilica. However, Bramante’s design was never fully realised due to various complications.
In the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII commissioned the renowned Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini to create a grand altar for St. Peter’s Basilica. Bernini designed a stunning bronze canopy, known as the Baldacchino, which stands over the Papal altar. The Baldacchino, completed in 1633, features intricate details and stands an impressive 96 feet tall.
Throughout the centuries, the Papal altar has witnessed many important events in Papal history. Popes have celebrated Masses, made important statements, and conducted various religious ceremonies from this altar. It has also been the site of numerous Papal coronations, including the well-known ceremony of Pope Francis in 2013.
Beneath the basilica lies the Vatican Necropolis, also known as the Scavi. It is an ancient burial ground where St. Peter’s tomb with his bones are located, the first Pope, straight beneath the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. It can be reached by the stairs on left leading down to it, but it is considered a very holy place and due to respect to the dead taking photographs is not allowed down there.




The Swiss Guard, a small force of Swiss soldiers, is responsible for the security of the Vatican. Their colourful uniforms date back to the 16th century.

One funny fact about Vatican that it has its own football team, called the Vatican City national football team, which plays friendly matches against other national teams and amateur clubs.
There is an optical illusion in Piazza San Pietro. Bernini’s design for the colonnade of St Peter’s Square aimed to create the impression of a “forest of columns” using travertine stone. Walking through the colonnade evokes the feeling of being in a forest, although this perception changes depending on one’s viewpoint. Standing on the grey disk in the centre of the square and looking at the colonnade no longer gives the impression of a “forest” of columns.
Ristorante da Enzo – Bottega Storica a Prati
After visiting Vatican we went to Ristorante da Enzo – Bottega Storica a Prati. The food was Ok, but the bill was €123. A little bit of tourist trap.






