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Best places to visit in Holy See (Vatican City State)

The Vatican is a very small state which would allow you to roam around it in a day, but just to make sure, do not cram the entire Vatican in a day. Enjoy your time seeing the sites. It is always best to start outside going in when touring a place.

If you want to witness a remarkable view of the Vatican, it is recommended that you go atop of Monte Mario which is the largest hill in Rome. This spot will give you a beautiful sight of both the Vatican and of Rome across the Tiber River.

Once you have seen the great view, make your way to Castel Sant’Angelo. The building was constructed as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian around 135 and 139 AD. The mausoleum was then incorporated to serve as both residence and castle of the medieval Popes. The building also served as a prison, but it is currently a museum.

The great dome is also a must-see when at the Vatican. The St. Peter’s Basilica was designed by the great artist Michelangelo. The massive structure will leave you breathless. Seeing everything from the view below is very different form the view on top. If you wish to see the basilica from the top, you may take the elevator or stairs, but be wary of the physical strength the stairs will require of you.

The Piazza di San Pietro is another location that must be seen. The fountains found in the square were made by two different architects. These were Maderno and Bernini. Together with the fountains is an obelisk that was originally from Egypt. It was transported by Emperor Caligula around 37 BC and it was to mark the spine of the circus where St. Peter was killed.

Also, do not forget to visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. Both house some of the greatest works of artists of that time. All in all, you will enjoy touring the Vatican.