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Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican is the most famous part of Rome, primarily due to its 2,000-year history. Every day, many tourists flock to the Vatican to visit the church and the Vatican Museums. The area, including the Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Gianicolo viewpoint, can be reached with a short walk.
Content
Vatican & St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museums & Castel Sant'Angelo
Gianicolo Hill & Villa Pamphili
Shopping Street: Via Cola di Rienzo & Restaurants
Foro Italico Sports Complex & Ponte Milvio
(all of the above-listed attractions are within easy walking distance of the Vatican)
1. Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican is a city-state located in the Italian capital, Rome, the seat of the Pope and the center of the Roman Catholic Church. This place attracts believers from all over the world and contains countless famous works of art and buildings. St. Peter's Basilica - a church of superlatives, the center of Christianity, and a destination for pilgrims from all over the world. Anyone visiting Rome, whether a devout Christian, an art history enthusiast, or simply exploring, cannot miss the landmark of the Eternal City. More than 20,000 people visit St. Peter's Basilica every day. The foundation stone for this was laid in 1506 and construction took around 120 years. Due to a lack of funds and the consistent implementation of many architects' plans, construction of St. Peter's Basilica progressed slowly during the Reformation. Bramante's successors included Raphael, Baldassare Peruzzi, and Antonio da Sangallo. In the 16th century, the sculptor and master builder Michelangelo Buonarotti took over construction management. He constructed the dome that makes St. Peter's Basilica so unmistakable to this day. Almost 30 years after Michelangelo's death, Giacomo de la Porta completed the dome in 1593. The architect Carlo Maderno, who worked on St. Peter's in the early 17th century, completed the church and its façade to the point where it could be consecrated by Pope Urban VIII Barberini in 1626. As early as 1624, the Neapolitan Gian Lorenzo Bernini contributed to the interior design of the church. Among the most important works by this representative of the Roman High Baroque is the bronze canopy above the high altar. Bernini's greatest work, however, is St. Peter's Square with its colonnades that border the square. Bernini himself wrote of his colonnades, consecrated in 1667: "They are suited to embrace Catholics and strengthen them in their faith." The Pietà by Michelangelo Buonarotti – Created when he was very young, it is located in the first chapel on the right side of the nave of St. Peter's Basilica and is one of the most enchanting sculptures in art history and one of the most important sculptures by this Renaissance genius. Dome of St. Peter's – The spectacular 136-meter-high dome, to which the basilica owes its majestic dominance, was designed by Michelangelo. The view from the dome of St. Peter's Square, the Tevere River, and the city is breathtakingly beautiful. Link: https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/de.html – Information about the Holy See, in German.
2. Vatican Museums & Castel Sant'Angelo
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - The buildings, which today house one of the world's most valuable art collections, were originally built as a palace for the Renaissance popes. The museum complex includes the Sistine Chapel, as well as Raphael's Rooms and Loggias. The walls of the Sistine Chapel, the largest chapel in the Vatican Palaces, were frescoed by the most important artists of the 15th and 16th centuries. The work culminated in Michelangelo's altar fresco, The Last Judgment, and the ceiling fresco. Link: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html - Information about the Vatican Museums, in German. Castel Sant'Angelo (Castel Sant'Angelo) impresses visitors even from the outside. Inside, its beauty is reflected in the pomp and wealth of the popes, and the museum showcases the building's diverse history. At the highest point of the castle is the observation deck with the 18th-century bronze statue of St. Michael the Archangel. The view from the terrace over the rooftops of Rome and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica is magnificent. Restaurants L'Arcangelo A simple restaurant that owes its reputation to its search for the finest ingredients, not only regional ones. Location: Near Piazza Cavour. Address: Via Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli 59
3. Gianicolo hill & Villa Pamphili
If you want a magnificent view of Rome, the Gianicolo Hill is the perfect place. Located in the heart of Rome, not far from the Tiber River, you'll have a particularly good view of the beautiful metropolis from up there. From here, you can admire the shimmering domes of Rome's countless churches and St. Peter's Basilica in the Italian capital. The Gianicolo Hill is also home to the large Garibaldi Monument, and a cannon shot takes place daily at noon. You can reach the Gianicolo Hill, approximately 80 meters high, with a short walk either from the Trastevere district or from the Vatican. If you enjoy being outdoors and want to spend your day in one of Rome's most beautiful and important parks, the Villa Doria Pamphilj is your ideal choice. The Villa Pamphilj is a hidden gem just outside the city center. It is the largest and most famous park in Rome, not only for its vast area of 184 hectares, but also for its wonderful 17th-century architecture, with palaces and fountains. Thousands of tourists and locals visit Villa Pamphilj annually. Villa Doria Pamphilj, named after the noble Pamphilj family, was built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Designed by Alessandro Algardi and Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi, the villa and park were intended to express the wealth and power of this noble family. Like all parks, Villa Doria Pamphilj is the ideal place for your morning workout, picnic, or photoshoot. Even more impressive is the proximity of the beautiful Lago del Belvedere. This stunning area of the park offers fantastic views, as the natural lake is surrounded by various trees, beautiful paths, and three viewpoints. Villa Pamphilj is located on the Gianicolo Hill, near the Vatican and the Trastevere district.
4. Shopping Street: Via Cola di Rienzo & Restaurants
In the Prati district, near St. Peter's Basilica, lies the shopping street Via Cola di Rienzo. This long street is very popular with Romans. It is mainly home to boutiques and high-end shoe stores. Several good Italian restaurants are also located in this area. This street is easily accessible on foot from the Vatican and Piazza del Popolo. Via Cola di Rienzo is a great place to do some shopping. As you stroll down this famous street and look around, you'll certainly notice the shop windows of Calvin Klein, Zara Home, Guess, Nuvolari, Timberland, David Naman, Diesel, Nike, Brandy Melville, and Alviero Martini. For jewelry and gadget lovers, there are at least three reference jewelers: Celluprica Gioielli, Gioielleria Raggi, and Cataldi Gioielleria. There are also Swatch and Swarovski stores, where you'll find gadgets for every taste and age. For clothing, you'll be spoiled for choice: Cliché, TM Women's Clothing, Sisley, Colonna, Luisa Spagnoli, Armony, Carla G, and Dan John, to name just a few. If you're looking for lingerie, check out Yamamay, Armony, and La Perla. If shoes are on your shopping list, you can't miss Centodieci Calzature, Geox, and Timberland. Caffè Portofino Here you can try small dishes like tartine, pasta, and tramezzini. Good beer and a tasty spritz are also available. You'll also find good Italian gelato here. The staff is knowledgeable and you can choose between indoor and outdoor seating. Address: Piazza Cola di Rienzo 116, Rome (centrally located on this shopping street) Caffè Ciampini Marco Ciampini This café offers good food and a place to relax after a long walk on Via Cola di Rienzo. Here you'll find tartine, spaghetti, and delicious pizza. Also perfect Italian gelato. The café has a pleasant atmosphere and competent staff. Address: Piazza Cola di Rienzo 87, Rome (the café is centrally located on this shopping street) Zig Ristorante Roma Prati Lovely restaurant, centrally located on the shopping street. The service is friendly, fast, and attentive. Good value for money. Ideal for a small snack and a midday rest, for example, after a visit to the Vatican or after a day of shopping. Address: Via Cola di Rienzo 263, Rome Phone: +39 06 32 12 342 Castroni Restaurant, roastery, bar, meeting place for all gourmets, national and international. Here you'll find: Italian products, divided by region. International products, divided by country of origin. Various and almost impossible-to-find tools for preparing ethnic recipes. Gift boxes of all kinds and prizes, containing a selection of savory, sweet, or mixed treats. Address: Via Cola di Rienzo 196/198, Rome La Mela Stregata Ice Cream Parlor For those who love homemade ice cream, there's "LA MELA STREGATA" at Piazza Pasquale Paoli 1, on the corner of Lungotevere and Corso Vittorio. The place is primarily known for its ice cream, but you can also enjoy excellent cocktails outside, with tables and umbrellas. The ice cream parlor is located near Castel Sant'Angelo, but on the other side of the Tevere River. Address: Piazza Pasquale Paoli 1, Rome Gelarmony Ice Cream Parlor This is one of Rome's best ice cream parlors. It's located near the shopping street Via Cola di Rienzo, easily accessible from Piazza del Popolo. Just to let you know: Gelarmony ice cream parlors can also be found in other parts of Rome. Address: Via Marcantonio Colonna 34
5. Foro Italico sports complex & Ponte Milvio
The Foro Italico, formerly the Foro Mussolini, is a monumental sports complex built between 1928 and 1938, initially serving as the paramilitary, physical education-focused youth organization of the Fascist regime. It hosted numerous sporting events, including the 1960 Summer Olympics and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The Foro Italico is best reached by tram from Piazza del Popolo / Piazzale Flaminio. Stadio Nicola Pietrangeli - The stadium was built in 1934 within the "Foro Italico" sports complex. The steps of the stands leading down to the tennis court are made of Carrara marble. 18 statues depicting Olympic athletes (also made of Carrara marble) surround the stadium. Stadio dei Marmi - This stadium is located next to the larger and more famous Stadio Olimpico, in the "Foro Italico" sports complex. It is one of the most impressive sports facilities, built in 1932. The attraction of this venue lies not only in its scenic location between the foothills of Monte Mario and the banks of the Tiber, but above all in the elegant architectural structure of the enormous rows of steps, surmounted by 60 large white marble statues. Ponte Milvio - This striking pedestrian bridge spans the Tiber, a direct extension of the Via Flaminia. Originally built as a wooden bridge in 207 BC and later heavily fortified, it was the main entrance to Rome for travelers from the north for centuries. Link: https://www.atac.roma.it/en/home - ATAC homepage for bus connections in Rome. Information in English. Link: https://www.prolocoroma.it/ - General tourist information about Rome, only in Italian. Markets Antiques Market at Ponte Milvio - It takes place on Sundays between Ponte Milvio and Ponte Duca D'Aosta. Here you can find antiques and collectibles, as well as second-hand dealers and exhibitors of curiosities.
Piazza di San Pietro
Tiber - River near the Vatican
View of Rome from Gianicolo
Ponte Milvio
Piazza San Pietro
Garibaldi Monument on the Gianicolo
Castel Sant' Angelo