Vatican City Off The Beaten Path

  Castel Sant'Angelo
by hopang
 
  • Castel Sant'Angelo
      Castel Sant'Angelo
    by hopang
  • The lovely bridge
      The lovely bridge
    by hopang
  • Full view of Castel Sant'Angelo
      Full view of Castel Sant'Angelo
    by hopang
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Pod
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Pod
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The Vatican Gardens

by traveldave

The grounds of Vatican City contain extensive parks called the Vatican Gardens. Covering 57 acres (23 hectares), they take up about one half of the territory of Vatican City. The gardens date from medieval times when orchards and vinyards were planted to the north of the Apostolic Palace. In 1279, the gardens were enclosed within walls by order of Pope Nicholas II after he moved his residence from the Lateran Palace in Rome to Vatican City. At that time, the gardens consisted of lawns, an orchard, a vinyard, and gardens. Later, Pope Nicholas V had the orchard and vinyard replaced by a series of formal gardens that could be used in ceremonies of the Papal court, and for the Pope's personal enjoyment. Today's gardens are smaller than those constructed by Pope Nicholas V, but they retain the same general design. Features include lawns, extensive flower beds, a topiary, a seven-acre...

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Egyptian Mummy in the Vatican Museum?

by icunme

Yep - right there in the Egyptian Room of the Vatican Museum. The Egyptian Museum, inaugurated by Pope Gregory XVI, contains objects and works of art that came from monuments and ancient collections located mainly in the area of Rome and its environment (Villa Adriana). You can find basalt statues of the priests of the seventeenth Dynasty and the big fragment of the seated statue of Ramsee II, the Pharaoh who persecuted the Hebrews. The mummies in their sarcophagus are the real attacation of this Museum, especially that of a princess of the 21st Dynasty - skin turned a dark blue - her hair coloured with red henné - her left eye filled with fabric, as her brain was removed through this eye.VT friend, Phil, and I had lunch today and talked about what can be found in this Museum - we agreed that people seem to rush on to the Sistine Chapel and bypass so much that is there to be seen -...

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Castel Sant'Angelo

by hopang

We placed Castel Sant'Angelo under our "off the beaten path" tip for Vatican City simply because the castle has a history which linked very closely with Vatican City even though it is located just outside the Vatican City. In fact St. Peter's Basilica is connected to Castel Sant'Angelo by a wall and was once influenced by the Pope. Castel Sant'Angelo is located just opposite St. Peter's Basilica. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Rome and a very popular tourist attraction. The castle is located along the bank of Tiber River. A lovely bridge was constructed across the river just opposite the castle. The history of the castle and the bridge is closely related to that of the Vatican city. Castel Sant'Angelo was constructed between 123 AD and 139 AD under the reign of Emperor Hadrian to serve as a mausoleum. Today it is home to the National Museum of Castel...

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St. Peter's Square at dusk

by fairy_dust

OK so St. Peter's Square is not exactly off the beaten path, but most people don't think to visit it in the evening. Everyone comes during the day when the basilica and other places in the area are open, but it's worth a visit in the evening too. The weather is cooler, there are barely any crowds at all, and it is sooo beautiful while it's getting dark out! Even if nothing is open at that time of day, it's totally worth it to just walk around and admire the beauty.

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Visiting the dome of St. Peter's Basilica

by Diana75

At first sight, climbing the dome of St. Peter's Basilica could be a tiring experience, but I wouldn't miss for anything the occasion to enjoy an exceptional view of the cupola and all Rome.For EUR 7- you can take the elevator up to the roof of the Basilica, and continue on the stairs that climb to the very top of the dome or spare EUR 3- and do some exercises up to the top. I've tried both options and all I can say is that the view looks even more fantastic when you don’t use the elevator…

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Electing a new Pope: the Holy Smoke

by Diana75

The Holy Smoke it is the sign used during the election of a new Pope in order to inform the people gathered in St. Peter's Square about its result.The Conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel and the roof of the chapel can be seen from St. Peter’s Square.In case of negative result of the election the smoke is dark, but lately chemicals have been added to the ballots burnt at the end of the vote in order to produce the dark smoke.The white smoke indications that a new Pope was chosen, but since 2005 there is also a bell ringing in order to mark a successful election, in case of smoke vaguely white.

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Passetto

by Diana75

"Passetto" is the name given to the special passage built along the long wall linking the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo.Alexander VI Borgia was the one who wanted to walk discreetly from one building to the other and, if you wish, you can follow his steps with a guide, at certain times of the day.

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Vatican Gardens

by Diana75

I only had the opportunity to admire the view of these beautiful gardens from St. Peter's dome, as the visit is allowed only based on special request.The gardens are decorated with sculptures and monuments offered by various countries and one of the interesting buildings around is Pius IV's "casina" dating from the 16 century, adorned with stuccoes and paintings.

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Volunteer for the Great Jubilee in 2000

by Diana75

Off the beaten path indeed...The Jubilees are celebrated every 50 or 25 years and in the twentieth century were held in 1925, 1933 (in commemoration of Jesus' death), 1950, 1975, 1983 (Holy Year of the Redemption) and 2000.Thus participating to the Great Jubilee in 2000 not only as simple pilgrim but also as volunteer was one of the greatest experiences of my life.I have spent almost three weeks in Rome working 6-8 hours per day in different locations, doing everything it was necessary: arranging the seats in St Peter's Square for the Mass, offering information to the pilgrims visiting the Papal Basilicas, organizing the visits to the main attractions, even walking on the streets in order to see if everything went as it was planned.I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, who, just like me, wanted to bring their small contribution to this special event.To see more...

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Vatican CITY Tour

by icunme

It is ironic that Vatican City itself is off the beaten path. Few people realize that it is possible to tour the City - it is separate from the Basilica, Museum, Gardens, and Scavi (and new Necropolis) Tours. The Leonine city occupies 108.7 acres with a population of just over 1000. Several thousand additional employees, officials and workmen do not live there.You will see:*Arco delle Campane - a marble disk marks the spot where the oblisk originally stood.*Paul VI Auditorium - 12,000 capacity used for Papal audicences. Unusual architectural style with impressive interior - grandiose bronze and copper sculpture of the Ressurection.*Piazza di Santa Marta - largest square in Vatican City with great view of Basilica apse.*Vatican law courts*House of the Archpriest of the Vatican*School of Mosaics - responsible for maintaining the vast mosaic works.Church of Santo Stefan of the...

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Reviews and photos of Vatican City attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Vatican City sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

Irkita62 profile photo

Q:  How I can book tickets for the visit of Vatican Gardens in minibus and than museums of Vatican? In thw website I find the Vatican... 

goodfish profile photo

A: The only thing I can find for the gardens that mentions a minivan - and it isn't even very definite - is this... 

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