The Insiders Guide to the Vatican

Vatican City - officially the "State of the Vatican City" - is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. At approximately 44 hectares (108.7 acres) in area, and with a population of around 900 people, it is the smallest independent state in the world by both population and area.

However, what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for it in reputation, power and history as the home of the Roman Catholic Church, where the Pope resides. The Vatican is one of the most visited places of worship in the world with more than 25 million devotees coming every year.

The Pope is the only absolute Monarch in Europe, and is elected for a life term by the College of Cardinals.

For all the obvious reasons, the Vatican is a hugely popular spot for tourists (and Catholics) worldwide, so if you're thinking of actually staying in the area of the Vatican during your trip to Rome, why not browse our selection of Vatican Apartments available for Short-Term Rental accomodation - perfect for your vacation, holiday or business trip.

The Atmosphere in Vatican City

The Vatican City is found just across the river Tiber, west of Rome's city center, walking distance from Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori and linked by three bridges: Ponte Principe Amedeo, Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II and Ponte Sant'Angelo.

The area surrounding the Vatican is a middle class residential area called Prati, busy in the day with Vatican tourists and locals - however at night becomes a quiet and (relatively) peaceful corner of Rome. The area around Saint Peters Basilica is called the Borgo, it's the oldest part of the Vatican and has many characteristic trattorie and outdoor cafes.

As you go further north the buildings are newer, and the area takes on a more orderly feel. The main shopping street of Cola di Rienza stretches from Piazza Risorgimento all the way to the Tiber River near Piazza del Popolo, via Cola di Rienzo is a broad boulevard with all of Italy's fashion stores represented and has its own daily fresh food market, unlike the historic centre there are broad footpaths made of smooth pavement and the area has a more orderly feel than most of the historic centre.

If your main reason for visiting Rome is the Vatican, then this area is perfect, as the accommodation here tends to be slightly less expensive also. If you have a young family or people whose choices tend more towards daytime, then this area is also a good choice.

Transport in and out of Vatican City

Metro: There are 3 metro stations around the Vatican attached to the A line that can take you directly to The Spanish Steps as the San Pietro station that is attached to the FR 1 regional line that goes north to Viterbo.

Bus: An abundance of buses run throughout the Vatican area to all parts of Rome.

Car: Information on keeping your rental car in Rome