Vatican City packs Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums' 70,000-piece collection into 0.49 square kilometres, the world's smallest sovereign state.
Highlights
St. Peter's Basilica
Sistine Chapel
Vatican Museums
St. Peter's Square
When to Visit
Apr-May
Easter Mass brings hundreds of thousands to Saint Peter's Square, and the Vatican Gardens' Wednesday tour pleasant in spring with Saint Peter's dome at peak photogenic.
Jun-Aug
Rome hits 35°C and the Vatican Museum queues become punishing without timed entry, but evening Saint Peter's Square at sunset remains memorable.
Sep-Oct
Cooler weather, queues marginally shorter, and the Vatican Museums at their most pleasant for the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms.
Nov-Mar
Christmas Mass on December 24 fills Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Christmas tree in the square, and the museums quiet from January through Lent.
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