The Vatican

As the seat of the Pope, the veritable epicenter of the Catholic faith, and the place in which many priceless artifacts and works of art are displayed, it’s safe to say that for many people The Vatican is a very important place.

I do have to stress that even if you’re not catholic it’s worth a visit to hear its stories, see the art, and marvel at the hub of one of the most powerful organisations on the face of the planet. Just know that there are a few rules that you are expected to follow.

You will be required to pass through a metal-detector, so be prepared for that, but there are also clothing rules that everyone must obey. You will need to make sure that your shoulders and lower legs are covered. This means no shorts, capris, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts. This applies to everyone, men and women, young and old. I was twelve when I visited, an age at which my family considered me young enough to be considered a child and therefore exempt from the dress code. I was turned away for my knee length shorts, I had to borrow a pair of slacks from Grandpa Lostman.

Entry is free, and once inside you can take all the photos you want, as long as you don’t use flash. The exception being the Sistine Chapel, which you may not photograph or record at all. This is to help preserve the painting, so it’s worth taking note of the rule.

You should also be aware that this is an active place of worship. Masses are held all the time in the Cattedra and the Left Transept, so try to give those attending mass their space. You don’t want to be forever known as the person who got excommunicated for stepping on a cardinal’s robes while you were trying to get a selfie with Jesus.

On that note, while I do recommend giving yourself time to explore on your own, you should also definitely get a tour of the place because there is so much to learn, and any tour will barely scratch the surface of that knowledge. The history of the catholic church is a sordid one, full of secrets, scandals, and desecration. From the censoring pope who had every nude figure covered, to the incredible pettiness of one pope’s burial of another, the Vatican is as rife with political intrigue as it is with religious fervor. I could probably fill a whole blog with it’s history and I don’t know all that much of it myself!

During your visit you may also see some men in colorful outfits with poofy pants. Those are members of the Swiss Guard. They, like the Queens Guard in England, follow what seems to be a tradition of dressing deadly individuals in silly outfits. They are there to protect the Pope, and while the ones in renaissance dress may not be carrying guns at any given time, the ones wandering around in modern dress are armed. Leave all of them well alone.

Other than that, the Vatican is supposed to be a place of peace and a welcoming space for all, so even if you’re of a different faith or no faith at all, don’t be afraid to go in and have a wander. It’s really and truly worth it!

Are there any places of worship you particularly like to visit? Leave a comment below!