Vatican City
Vatican City ·
Description
The Vatican is a universe of art and spirituality concentrated in 44 hectares. St. Peter's Basilica, crowned by Michelangelo's dome, guards the first Pope's tomb. In the Sistine Chapel, the same genius painted Creation and the Last Judgment. The Vatican Museums hold treasures from every civilization Rome conquered or inspired.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
The Vatican represents the spiritual center of Catholicism and houses Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums contain one of the world's greatest art collections, with works by Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being the center of Catholicism and containing Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini.
It was inscribed in 1984 under criteria (i), (ii), (iv) and (vi).
Within Rome, Italy; it's an independent state of 44 hectares.
Book online weeks in advance; visit early morning or Friday afternoon.
General audiences on Wednesdays; Sunday mass in St. Peter's Square (free but must book).