Italy offers the unique opportunity to be in one nation and step into another without ever hopping on a plane or in a car, leaving the boot in the rearview mirror. You can do this in the Lazio Region by visiting the Vatican, established as its own nation in 1929 by Lateran agreements approved by both the Church and the government of Italy. The name Vatican comes from the once marshy area along the Tiber River once known as the Ager Vaticanus. The Vatican is large in importance regarding faith, art, culture, and global affairs, but it is small in size, holding it all within a two-mile border.
The sovereign nation is home of the Catholic Church, the largest organized religion in the world. It is where the pope lives and carries out his ministry as the Vicar of Christ and the head of Vatican City State. The Vatican is also where pilgrims can visit the tomb of the first pope, St. Peter, who as one of the first twelve apostles gave his life for Christ and the Church some two thousand years ago. Visitors wait for hours to see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens, and the pope.
Step outside St. Peter’s square and you are back in the Eternal City of Rome, established in 753 B.C. According to legend, Ancient Rome was founded by two brothers and demigods Romulus and Remus. Rome is the capital city of Italy, located in the Lazio region in the central part of the peninsula. With a population of more than four million, Rome is the most populated city in Italy. For over a thousand years, Rome controlled Western civilization in Europe and parts of Africa until the Empire slowly collapsed due to numerous challenges at home and abroad, until it was sacked by the Visigoths in A.D. 410. Fortunately, many of the original and famous structures survived.
Rebuilt over the centuries, Rome has given us historic churches, museums, monuments, architectural wonders, impressive piazzas, fountains, parks, and important archaeological sites. All of this attracts so many tours every year that it is one of the world’s most popular destinations. Rome is called the “Eternal City” due to its enduring legacy, cultural impact, and historical significance.
Although one can easily spend weeks—even months—in Rome exploring the endless churches, museums, monuments, and piazzas, we’ve put together a top ten list of the major sights you don’t want to miss. If you only have a few days in the Eternal City, these “must-see” sights can be covered with the help of a guide. If you have at least a week in Rome, be sure to check out other “must-dos” in this chapter—including the list of my favorite churches—some of which can be visited on self-guided tours.
VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL
The Public Museum of the Vatican City (including the Sistine Chapel) contains an immense collection of art, including the most renowned Roman sculptures and Renaissance art in the world.
FOUR MAJOR BASILICAS:
■ St. Peter’s Basilica—built over the shrine of St. Peter the apostle
■ St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
■ St. John Lateran
■ St. Paul Outside the Walls
CASTEL SANT’ANGELO
Along the Tiber River near the Vatican, this beautiful castle once served as a papal fortress and is now a museum. It is a fun place to visit especially for the terrace. Don’t miss the special statue of St. Catherine of Siena facing the Tiber.
PANTHEON
This former Roman temple was converted into a Catholic church dedicated to Mary and the martyrs in A.D. 609. Today it is one of the best-preserved monuments of Ancient Rome.
COLOSSEUM
This ancient Roman amphitheater is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world today.
ROMAN FORUM
A historic landmark of the old Roman public meetings, laws, courts, and ceremonies.
ROMAN CATACOMBS
Ancient underground burial places in and around Rome. Be sure to check out two along the Via Appia: St. Callistus (the largest) and the nearby St. Sebastian.
BORGHESE GALLERY AND GARDENS
A beautiful place to take a break to explore famous art and stroll the gorgeous gardens.
SPANISH STEPS
This beautiful gathering spot is named for its proximity to the Spanish embassy. To the right of the Spanish steps is the famous Column of the Immaculate Conception. Each year on the feast of the Immaculate Conception the pope places a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the Blessed Mother.
TRINITA DEI MONTI
Walk up the Spanish Steps and visit the church where St. Thérèse, the Little Flower prayed before a painting of the Blessed Mother, asking for God to give her the grace to enter the convent at age fifteen.
TREVI FOUNTAIN
Located in the Trevi district, this eighteenth-century fountain is the most famous of the three hundred monumental fountains in Rome.
Isola Tiberina
Treat yourself to some island time in the middle of Rome. Grab some wine, cheese, and don’t forget the camera as you head to Isola Tiberina, between the Jewish Quarter and the Trastevere neighborhood. The lower part of the island is home to a local hospital but also includes a greenspace that welcomes visitors. Climb down the steps along the river, sit close to the rushing water, and watch the world go by in the Eternal City.
Beautiful Churches To Visit
Once you’ve seen St. Peter’s and the major basilicas, there are several beautiful churches that I love to visit. These can provide such a profound spiritual experience just from their pure beauty.
SANTA MARIA TRASTEVERE
This beautiful basilica of Our Lady is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Located in the heart of our favorite Roman neighborhood, Trastevere, it is known for its mosaics.
SANTA CECILIA TRASTEVERE
Mosaics of Santa Maria Trastevere
Built on the home of St. Cecilia, this stunning church is tucked away in a quiet area of Trastevere with a museum and chapels connected to the martyr. This church was also visited by St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, during her trip to Rome.
SANTA MARIA DEL POPOLO
Located in the Piazza del Popolo and home to amazing works by Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio, this church is run by the Augustinian Order.
SPIRITO IN SASSIA
This beautiful church near St. Peter’s Square is dedicated to the Divine Mercy and St. Faustina. Adorned with many paintings and frescoes span ning different time periods, this is a wonderful place to pray and meditate.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART
This parish houses the Museum of the Holy Souls, also known as the “Little Purgatory Museum” (Piccolo Museo Del Purgatorio). This is located in Prati near the Tiber River and is not far from Castel Sant’Angelo.
SANTA MARIA DELLA VITTORIA
In this beautiful church, dedicated to the Virgin, you will find Gian Lo renzo Bernini’s masterpiece, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, located in the Cornaro Chapel.
SANTA MARIA SOPRA MINERVA
This Dominican church, located behind the Pantheon, houses the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena.
