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Vatican - the tiny European city known for its rich religious and cultural history and its status as an independent country, is situated in the Italian capital Rome. As the headquarters of the Catholic Church and a major Christian pilgrimage site, Vatican City has become truly one of the world’s must-see destinations.

Tourists have been awed by the priceless, magnificent architecture, artwork and sculptures within the city walls. From its famous frescoed ceilings in St. Peter’s Basilica to Bernini's dramatic baldachin over the papal altar, there is so much to explore and admire.

Vatican City also hosts some of Europe’s most impressive museums. Hundreds of ancient artefacts, sculptures and artwork can be seen at The Vatican Museums. The gallery offers treasures from Egypt, Greece, and Rome dating back 1500 years ago. Another popular attraction is a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo’s renowned pieces of artwork.

In addition to art-related activities, there are churches and other attractions such as gardens and fountains located in the square near the chapel. The city provides a unique opportunity for tourists to get an insider look into Vatican life with the Papal Audience — a special ceremony approved by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.

The best thing about visiting Vatican City is the affordable local cuisine and drinks that go along with it. Although people who visit this area tend to sample gourmet Italian food, visitors should also try some of the flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients found in traditional Roman cuisine. Popular dishes include carbonara- a baked dish with bacon, ricotta cheese and eggs, fettuccine Alfredo - a creamy butter and parmesan sauce tossed with fettuccine- pasta, and tiramisu - an authentic Italian dessert made with coffee and mascarpone cheese.

For drinks, tourists like to try a few different types of Italian wines like Chianti and Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Be sure to also search for artisanal beers produced in Rome such as Birra Del Borgo, Fringuelli Ugly Duckling or Messico Lager for a unique taste experience!

Overall, Vatican City is an amazing destination full of art, history, culture and delicious food! While it can be expensive to stay overnight inside the holy city-state, luckily it makes for a great day trip from Rome or Milan if you don't have time for a longer stay in this fascinating nation.

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Attractions in Vatican

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Vatican Obelisk

The city of Rome harbours thirteen ancient obelisks, the most in the

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Cupola di San Pietro

Cupola di San Pietro is a tourist attraction, one of the Scenic

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St. Peter's Basilica

The Basilica of Saint Peter (lat. Basilica Sancti Petri), officially

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Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel (italiano. Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel

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Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums (italiano. Musei Vaticani) are the museums of the

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Ponte Milvio

The Milvian (or Mulvian) Bridge (Italian: Ponte Molle or Ponte

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Terrazza del Gianicolo

Terrazza del Gianicolo is a tourist attraction, one of the Scenic

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Saint Peter's Square

Saint Peter's Square (italiano. Piazza San Pietro) is located directly

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San Pietro in Montorio

San Pietro in Montorio is a church in Rome, which includes in its

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Trastevere

Trastevere is rione XIII of Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber, south

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Janiculum

Janiculum (Gianicolo in Italian) is a hill in western Rome. Although

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Borgo (rione of Rome)

Borgo (sometimes called also I Borghi), is the 14th historic district

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Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic

The Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (italiano. Policlinico

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Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace, also called the Sacred Palace, the Papal Palace

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San Pancrazio

San Pancrazio is a basilica church in Rome, founded in the 6th

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Vatican Library

The Vatican Library (Latina. Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana), is the

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Cortile del Belvedere

Donato Bramante's Cortile del Belvedere, the Courtyard of the

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Hotels in Vatican

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Residenza Paolo VI

starting $145

Cosy 1 bed with large terrace near St.Peter's

starting $0

Lunaria Suites Rome

starting $158

Vatican Bed And Breakfast

starting $101

Al Ponte Del Papa

starting $74

St. Peter's View Apartment

starting $74