Vatican City is amongst the most important historical and religious sites in the world; it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. The smallest state in the world, it occupies only about 0.44 square kilometers (0.17 square miles) near the center of Rome and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vatican has figured in key events throughout history and is further significant because of its superlative architectural, religious and artistic attractions. It was Pope Julius II della Rovere in the 16th Century who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the history of creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel - just one of the Vatican's world-renown cultural and artistic jewels. Others include St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Among countless other notable events, the Vatican also hosts the convening of the College of Cardinals upon the death of a reigning Pontiff, to elect a new Pope. No visit to Rome is complete without an excursion to this magnificent location, a place steeped in history and tradition.

Designed by some of Italy's most famous master artists, St. Peter's Basilica is not only the world's largest church but also one of its most spectacular. Originally built at the site of St. Peter's grave around 349 CE by Emperor Constantine, the basilica, as it stands today, was consecrated in 1626 at the culmination of over 120 years of construction. The original designs were laid out by Bramante in 1506; however, over the following years, the ambitious designs were altered by several renowned architects, including Michelangelo, Giacomo Della Porta and Carlo Maderno, each adding their own personal touch to the magnificent design. St. Peter's Basilica now enshrines some of the world's most famed artworks, including Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Baldachin. An intricately adorned dome that is revered as Michelangelo’s most grand architectural legacy crowns the splendid facade and riches that lie within. The Pope delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing each year on the occasion of Christmas and Easter from the basilica's central balcony, attracting millions of devout pilgrims to the threshold of St. Peter's each year. He remains the only one who can serve at the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica.

Opgedragen door Marcus Agrippa, gerestaureerd door Domitian, en gedeeltelijk herbouwd door Hadrian (wie de dom toevoegde), werd het Pantheon als kerk ingewijd vroeg in de 7e eeuw door Paus Bonifatius IV. De enige bron van licht in het gebouw is de opening in de dom's top (de oculus); volgens een populaire legende vormde dit de basis voor de bronzen dennenappel die nu op het Vaticaanse Pigna binnenhof staat, waar hij wordt gebruikt als fontein. Veel beroemde Italianen zijn begraven in het Pantheon, waaronder de Renaissance schilder Raphael en Koning Vittorio Emanuele I.

A bygone beacon of the Roman Empire, the Foro Romano was the nucleus of social, political and economic life in this historic city. Located between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, it was a revered meeting place that witnessed the alpha and omega of a thriving empire. Triumphal processions raked the regal roads of this plaza, while morbid silences hung in the air after trials and executions that were carried out. Among the priceless vestiges that remain today, the most salient ones include the Regia, the royal residence, the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Saturn. Towards the northwest, the Umbilicus Urbis indicates the symbolic heart of Ancient Rome, and the northern aisle of the Basilica of Maxentius still stands in grandeur. While their transient glory is lost to the ravages of time, what is left behind is not less than awe-inspiring. Worn columns, near-crumbling facades of ancient marble and stoic triumphal arcs still dominate the ruins' antiquated skyline.