www.vatican.va Where to start with the Vatican? Firstly, it is a must-see in Rome. You simply can't go to Rome and not say you've been to the Vatican. We bought our tickets online as we had been advised to do so. The cost was Euro15 each plus a 'reservation fee' of Euro4 per person. We did feel the fee was a bit steep, but had been told the queues were ridiculous, especially in high season. It was August so we decided to suck it up and pay the fee. You can also choose which time of day you will be visiting during the booking process. The Vatican is about 5km from the centre of Rome - a short train ride. It would be walkable if you were ...  Read the complete review

The Vatican is the spiritual home of all the Roman Catholics in the world, and is also the actual home of the Pope and a select array of his priestly minions. It's a stunning repository of the Church's wealth, some of which is displayed in the Vatican Museums. The entrance to the museum is outside the main entrance and around the walls - follow the sign and take careful note of the restaurants on the right hand side of the street, because by the time you've finished hiking the halls of the museum you'll probably be starving. Most of them do good tourist menus. Once you arrive at the museum, be prepared to wait a while in line. I've a friend who ...  Read the complete review

Sistine Chapel ------------------- The Sistine Chapel was commissioned in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV and this is where the name comes from too. It was designed for the Pope, as his chapel and is still used as today. The Papal elections also take place within the walls of the Sistine Chapel, and the important ritual of Conclave. The entrance to the Sistine Chapel is not visible from the front (or what I call the front - St Peter's Square) you must walk round the walled state going right. I would say the entrance is virtually half way round the entire state (so directly half way from the entrance at St Peters). I would call this the back. The ...  Read the complete review

The Vatican City is the spiritual home of one billion Catholics. Inside the city you'll find St Peter's Basilica - the largest church in the world. It was built on the site where Nero martyred St. Peter and designed as a celebration of his life. Part of the magnificent basilica is the famous Sistine Chapel. Even if you're not Catholic, you'll appreciate the beautiful frescos and all the fine detail. Before you see the Chapel itself, you will get to see the treasures inside the Vatican museum - sculptures, rugs - all beautiful. Do be aware that you are not allowed to photograph anything inside the building. This doesn't mean you'll come ...  Read the complete review