Attraction in Vatican City
Apostolic Palace
UNESCO World Heritage
The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope and the administrative centre of the Holy See, a vast complex of 162,000 square metres developed mainly between 1471 and 1605. It encompasses the papal apartments, the Vatican Library, private chapels including the Cappella Paolina, and the suites of galleries now open to visitors as part of the Vatican Museums. The Raphael Rooms within the palace, decorated by Raphael and his workshop between 1508 and 1524, are among the finest examples of High Renaissance fresco painting.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vatican City
Vatican City is an open destination accessible within Rome. St Peter's Basilica and St Peter's Square are freely accessible during opening hours. Entry requirements for Italy, through which you must pass, depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Vatican City page at Yoogo.
Vatican City uses the euro (EUR). It mints its own euro coins, which are legal tender but highly collectible and rarely seen in circulation. Cards are accepted at the Vatican Museums and official shops. Carry cash for the surrounding area.
Vatican City is one of the safest destinations in Europe. The Vatican Gendarmerie maintain strict security. Pickpocketing can occur in the large crowds at St Peter's Square and around the Museums; keep valuables secure. The surrounding Borgo Pio neighbourhood in Rome is also generally safe.
Vatican City is tiny at 44 hectares and is explored entirely on foot. The nearest Rome Metro station is Ottaviano (Line A), and several bus lines stop nearby. St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums are within easy walking distance of each other. Guided tours are available and add significant context.
The Vatican Museums attract enormous crowds year-round. The quietest times are weekday mornings in January, February, and November. Summer is the busiest season. Book tickets for the Vatican Museums online well in advance to avoid long queues. Papal audiences in St Peter's Square take place on Wednesday mornings when the Pope is in residence.
Italian is the primary working language of Vatican City. Latin holds official status as the language of the Holy See and is used in official documents and liturgy. The multinational Swiss Guard uses German as a working language. English, French, Spanish, German, and many other languages are spoken by Vatican staff and clergy.
No vaccinations are required to visit Vatican City. The standard health requirements that apply to Italy apply here. Ensure routine immunisations are up to date. Healthcare facilities in Rome are readily accessible.
Vatican City has no restaurants or hotels in the conventional sense. In the Italian establishments in the surrounding area, the same tipping norms as Rome apply: a service charge is often included; additional tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.
Vatican City itself has no public mobile network, but Italian mobile coverage from Rome's networks is available throughout the area. Free Wi-Fi may be available at some points. Italian SIM cards or travel eSIMs work seamlessly in the Vatican area.