Understand

Vatican City (Italian: Stato della Citt del Vaticano) is an independent country that serves as the home of the Pope, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. Located within the city of Rome, Italy, Vatican City holds the title of being the smallest country in the world. In addition to the Vatican City itself, there are thirteen buildings in Rome and one at Castel Gandolfo that also have extraterritorial rights. It is a place of great historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Borgo, the closest neighborhood to the Vatican, is the fourteenth rione (ward) of Rome. It is an area rich in history and can be divided into different sections: Borgo S. Spirito, Borgo Pio, Borgo Vittorio, and Borgo Sant'Angelo. The main streets here are called "borghi" instead of "vie." The neighborhood becomes less touristy as you venture further from St. Peter's, although it is important to note that you may still encounter some touristy hustle-and-bustle. Prati, the twenty-second rione of Rome, is an elegant district that was constructed in the late 19th century. It was primarily designed to accommodate the civil servants of the newly-formed Kingdom of Italy. Prati stands out as a neighborhood that attracted the rising bourgeoisie of the city. It was the first area to be equipped with electricity in 1912, and its important squares include piazza Cavour and piazza del Risorgimento, located near the Vatican Museums. One of the notable streets in Prati is via Cola di Rienzo, renowned for its shopping opportunities. Monte Mario, the highest peak in Rome, offers a breathtaking view of the city from its summit known as the Zodiaco. While it is not among the city's historical seven hills, it is a beloved spot. Along the foot of Monte Mario, you will find two districts - Trionfale and Della Vittoria. These relatively recent areas provide more affordable housing options compared to Prati. Additionally, Trionfale boasts a lively food market on via Andrea Doria.

Get in

When it comes to visiting the Vatican, there are several ways to get there that will make your experience unforgettable. You can take a taxi, bus, metro, tram, or even walk from Rome. To make your journey even more exciting, you can start from piazza Venezia, walking along via del Plebiscito, corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and via della Conciliazione. This path will give you a taste of the grandeur and beauty that Rome has to offer. Another option is to take Metro line A to "Ottaviano - S. Pietro - Musei Vaticani" or tram #19 to piazza del Risorgimento for a convenient access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's. If you prefer the convenience of a bus, the #64 bus will take you directly to the southern end of the Vatican. However, do be cautious as this bus is a hotspot for pickpockets. It is important to note that visitors and tourists are not allowed to drive inside the Vatican without specific permission. So, choose one of these exciting ways to reach the Vatican and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

1. Carbonara: A classic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, pancetta (or guanciale), pecorino cheese, and pepper. The pasta, typically spaghetti, is cooked al dente and combined with the other ingredients to create a creamy sauce.

2. Cacio e Pepe: Another Italian pasta dish, this one hailing from the Lazio region. It consists of pasta, specifically spaghetti, tossed with grated pecorino cheese and black pepper, often without any additional water or oil. The heat of the pasta cooks the egg yolks and melts the cheese, creating a rich, unctuous sauce.

3. Margherita Pizza: A classic Neapolitan pizza featuring a thin crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The dough is traditionally made with just flour, yeast, water, and salt. This simple yet delicious pizza represents the quintessential Italian pizza experience.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing