Vatican Area
 

The Vatican area sits on the west bank of the Tiber River in the Borgo district of Rome, close to many important historical monuments and tourist sites. The Vatican City, a sovereign state and the home of the Popes for six centuries, is perhaps the most visited area of Rome. This area, although crowded during the day, provides a quiet refuge from the city's nightlife for residents.

          Vatican City

Vatican Museums

The Vatican museums house the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Room and several self-contained museums, the most important of which is the Museum Pio-Clementino where some of the most wonderful works of classical sculpture are exhibited, including the Apollo Belvedere, Hermes, the Laocoon, Meleager, the Sleeping Ariadne, Wounded Amazon, the Cnidia Venus, the Belvedere Torso, a collection of busts, sarcophagi, reliefs and vases, mosaics, and three statues by Canova.

Vatican Garden

The Vatican Gardens designed for ceremonies of the papal court, as well as for the Pope's personal use and enjoyment.

Papal Audiences

Papal Audiences are held every Wednesday by Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Basilica.

Necropolis

Necropolis is the site of St. Peter's (a Roman apostle) tomb.

Passetto

The "Passetto" is a small passageway, also known as the corridore di Borgo, which sits atop a long 30 foot high wall, starting from the Vatican and leading to Castel Sant'Angelo. Originally built as a defensive wall in the sixth century, the wall was re-built with the intent of providing a concealed safe passageway for Pope Clement VII, enabling him to escape from his apartments in the Vatican to the safety of the castle when Rome fell under the siege in 1527.

          Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is a cylindrical building, located along Rome 's Tiber River. The building of the castle (117-138) was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for his family. For more than a thousand years, this structure served as a fortress and castle, and is now open to the public as a museum.

          Via Cola Di Rienzo

Via Cola di Rienzo is a main street which runs from the Vatican to Piazza del Popolo. This street is lined with shops and cafes. On the streets that run parallel to Via Cola di Rienzo, there are many restaurants, including a famous restaurant among the Romans, called Il Matriciano.

          Where to Eat

La Fornace

La Fornace is a casual restaurant, specializing in Roman cuisine. Largely frequented by Romans, and many famous Italians. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly.

 

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