The Holy See, also known as Vatican City, is a small independent city-state located within Rome, Italy. It is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
While Vatican City itself is relatively small, there are several important tourist attractions within its borders. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in the Holy See:
1. St. Peter's Basilica: This iconic church is one of the most important sites in Christianity. It is the largest and most renowned basilica in the world and is believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.
2. Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts amassed over centuries by the Catholic Church. Among the highlights are the Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes, and the Raphael Rooms, adorned with frescoes painted by Raphael and his students.
3. Vatican Gardens: Spread over 57 acres, the Vatican Gardens provide a peaceful retreat within the city-state. The gardens are meticulously landscaped and feature fountains, sculptures, and beautiful flora. Guided tours are available to explore this serene setting.
4. St. Peter's Square: Located in front of St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square is an iconic gathering place and the site of many papal ceremonies including the Pope's weekly addresses. The elliptical square is encompassed by columns and adorned with an ancient Egyptian obelisk in the center.
5. Apostolic Palace: The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope within Vatican City. While entry is restricted to certain areas, you can visit the public portion of the palace, including the Hall of Tapestries and the Raphael Rooms.
6. Vatican Necropolis: Beneath St. Peter's Basilica lies the Vatican Necropolis, also known as the Scavi. This ancient burial ground is said to house the tomb of Saint Peter. Guided tours can take you down into the necropolis to explore its history and significance.
7. Vatican Apostolic Library: The Vatican Apostolic Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world and holds an extensive collection of ancient manuscripts, books, and historic documents. It is home to over 75,000 codices and more than 1.1 million printed books.
8. Vatican Pinacoteca: The Vatican Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, displays a rich collection of paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The gallery features works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Titian.
9. Vatican City Walls: The fortified walls surrounding Vatican City are an integral part of its history and security. Visitors can walk along the top of the walls, offering panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican Gardens.
10. Vatican Post Office: The Vatican operates its own post office, where you can send mail with the renowned Vatican City postage stamps. It's a unique opportunity to send a postcard or letter that features stamps from the smallest internationally recognized state in the world.
11. Vatican Pharmacy: The Vatican Pharmacy, located within Vatican City, is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. It offers a range of pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies, and is open to the public.
12. Vatican Radio: Vatican Radio, officially known as Radio Vaticana, is the official broadcasting service of the Holy See. While not accessible by tourists, it plays a significant role in disseminating news, messages, and religious content worldwide.
13. Pontifical Swiss Guard Barracks: The Pontifical Swiss Guard is responsible for the safety and security of the Pope within Vatican City. While the private barracks is not open to the general public, you may catch a glimpse of the colorful Swiss Guards standing sentry at the entrances to Vatican City.
These are just a few examples of the tourist places you can explore within the Holy See. Don't forget to also take some time to appreciate the overall atmosphere, spirituality, and rich history of this unique city-state as you wander its streets and visit its landmarks.