Vatican City represents an intriguing destination for many travelers. Some want to visit for religious reasons, given that the place is the spiritual center for people who follow the Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. Others want to see in person the famous architectural buildings like St Peter’s Basilica and artworks The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo. And then some just want to be able to say they were in the smallest country in the world.
Whatever your reasons for visiting may be, here is what you need to know.
Dress Code
In order to get into the Vatican, you will have to be adequately dressed since you are entering what is considered a holy place. Therefore, the dress code doesn’t allow revealing clothes like shorts and short dresses and skirts, flip flops, and hats, among other things. You will also not be able to bring sharp objects.
Strict Photography Rules
Vatican City also has strict rules when it comes to photography. For example, you can’t snap photos at the Sistine Chapel and there are guards tasked with enforcing the rule. In the Vatican museum, you can take pictures but can’t use flash. Also, recording videos is forbidden in most locations.
Long Lines
The lines for almost all Vatican City’s attractions are long. Be prepared to sometimes wait for an hour or even more before being able to enter the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican Museum. There are some skip-the-line options, but they come at a steep price.
See the Pope in Person
You will be able to see Pope in person during your visit to Vatican City. However, you will need to go there on Wednesday, when the head of the Catholic Church holds a general audience. The audience starts at 10 a.m. and is held in either Nervi Hall, Saint Peter’s Basilica, or Saint Peter’s Square depending on the number of visitors. While you can attend the general audience for free, you will have to reserve your seat in advance.