The Vatican (Rome)

A city within a city, the Vatican is the world's smallest state, comprising just 14 acres in size and surrounded on all sides by Rome. However tiny it may be, there is a wealth of things to see that really need a whole day to appreciate. However short your short breaks in Rome may be, a visit is bound to be one of the highlights. As the centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a place of pilgrimage but offers a fabulous range of art and history for everyone to enjoy. Latin is still an official language here and everything about the Vatican is pretty unique. No more so than the colourful Swiss Guard. The sight of these foot soldiers in full vivid regalia is a unique and captivating sight, especially for kids.

 

Making the most of its immense collections of art and history means an early start due to the vast crowds. They are even longer than usual on the final Sunday in each month, when entrance is free to all. Most people rush through on the way to savour the iconic ceiling of the Sistine chapel, but there is so much more besides this in the Vatican Museums. There are the beautifully adorned Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Tapestries and Maps and the Museum of Modern Religious Art.  On weekend breaks in Rome, you should also save ample time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, which has its own extensive art collection and museum; the view from the top of its ornate dome is simply awe inspiring.

 

Where time is short, it may be worthwhile investing in a guided tour of the Museums and beautifully ornate gardens, as you can get to see much more and skip the seemingly endless weekend queues. Cheap city breaks in Rome are often focused around an audience with the Pope as he addresses the faithful in St Peters Square each Wednesday, and Easter short breaks and visits during the festive season are always colourful and inspiring occasions for Catholics.