The Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo

Vatican City

GPS coordinates
41.9022, 12.4567

In Vatican City, house of the Pope and the smallest independent State in the world, believers from all countries gather to listen to the Holy Father, visit San Pietro Square and to admire the magnificent piece of work made by Bernini. Even if it is a small State contains precious and rare treasures and monuments like the San Pietro Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Vatican Museums

GPS coordinates
41.9066, 12.4535

Founded by Pope Giulio II at the beginning of the 16th century the Museums contain one of the widest art collection of the world. In addition to Egyptian and Etrurian findings, in the “Pinacoteca” you can admire the paintings of Caravaggio, Raffaello, Giotto and Leonardo Da Vinci. In the Museums is also hosted a modern religious art collection with paintings of Van Gogh, Matisse, Dalì, Kandinsky and other famous Impressionists.

Castel Sant’Angelo

GPS coordinates
41.9031, 12.4663

It was built as a sepulcher wanted by the Emperor Adriano in an outer area of Ancient Rome, but in 403 d.c. became a true Castle to defend the city. In 1367, after being assigned to the Pope Urbano V, it became a refuge for the Popes. Inside the Castle the Archives and the Vatican Treasures are preserved. The Sant’Angelo Castle is open to visits and offers many thematic routes, among the others the visit to the Pope’s chambers.