The Vatican: a Tourist Attraction

Indeed, there is no doubt that the Vatican is a tourist attraction. Many people plan for a lifetime to visit this popular location. And interestingly enough, it is not only Catholics who make the journey. In fact, people of all religious denominations and atheists alike are eager to visit the Vatican, also know as Vatican City or Vatican City State.

Aside from the religious aspects of Vatican City, the location has substantial historical significance. The walls that surround the city are made from Medieval and Renaissance eras and Vatican City is the last remaining piece of the original Papal States. Another reason for such a large tourist draw is the fact that most of buildings within the city were built by famous architects and artists from the Italian Renaissance.

The famous ceiling and wall paintings done by Michelangelo, Sandro, Botticelli and Raphael are among the main reasons millions of people visit the Vatican. In addition, the Vatican houses several museums with fine works dated over five hundred years old. The Vatican's library is another attraction as it contains a magnificent collection of ancient manuscripts as well as more than one million bound volumes.

Even the gardens give reason to visit the Vatican. They are truly spectacular dating back to medieval times in 1279. Through the centuries, the gardens have changed but to this day still delight the tourists with their beautiful monuments and fountains. For the car buffs, they might see the present Papal Vehicle as well as the historical vehicles of the Pope.



Of course, the last reason and probably the most obvious reason to visit the Vatican is to see the Pope himself. He holds regular public audiences and thousands of people book tickets in advance so that they have the opportunity to see him and also to be blessed. All accounts that come from people who have witnessed these events state that it is awe-inspiring.

And if you are still not convinced that the Vatican is a tourist hot spot, take a look at these travel facts and figures.

  • The funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 attracted over three million visitors to the Vatican.
  • Site seers are encouraged to arrive very early and queue up at the entrance to the Vatican Museum, as over four million people per year travel to view these fabulous artifacts, paintings, sculptures and historical significant items.
  • St. Peter's Basilica can hold up to 60,000 people.
  • Unless tourists do not mind waiting hours in line to pay for admission to visit the Vatican, it is recommended that they fax their request and provide a local number in Rome where they will be contacted.
  • The Vatican is a money making institute collecting admission fees to the museums, selling stamps, coins, books, publications and tourist souvenirs or mementos.
     

Views of The Vatican

Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palaces Vatican Museum St. Peters Square Sistine Chapel

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