I have no connection to Catholicism. I was raised Jewish and have never been to mass. Despite this, the Vatican absolutely blew me away. It is one of the most ornate and beautiful structures I have ever visited, and the amount of history contained within these walls left me in awe. It was so over-the-top that it reminded me of the Palace of Versailles.
With thousands upon thousands of pieces of art spread across multiple museums within the Vatican complex, the Vatican Museums consist of one of the best art collections on earth. They have Egyptian art, Etruscan artifacts, Greek and Roman statues, massive tapestries from the 1500s, religious paintings, and so much more.
I visited Vatican City in the summer of 2009. In addition to wandering through the museums and basilica, we also went into the crypt and saw the tomb of John Paul II, though I wasn’t allowed to take photos down below. Here is a collection of some of my favorite photos I took on that trip.
I saw these priests walking along the corridor of St. Peter’s Square:
I ascended the dome of the basilica and took this photo of my view of St. Peter’s Square:
The Vatican Museums are shockingly huge (yes, the Vatican has many museums in the complex), and I was fascinated with the animal room, full of eerie statues of creatures:
I caught a glimpse of one of the Swiss Guards. The papal Swiss guard was founded at the Vatican in 1506:
One of my favorite parts of the Vatican Museums was the map gallery, filled with large, painted maps of various parts of the world:
The Vatican is almost disturbingly opulent, with gilded moulding and ceilings with murals:
While I loved the famous “Laocoön and His Sons” sculpture, I also was captivated by this statue of Saint Longinus by Bernini (how the heck do you make marble look like gathered fabric?):
I took this photo of the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica after ascending the dome. I’m higher up than you think–look at the people in the pews: 
One of the most famous works in the Vatican is Michaelangelo’s Pieta, which I photographed below. It sits in St. Peter’s Basilica behind a glass case:
You aren’t supposed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel, but I had to sneak one in. Don’t tell….
While there were many curious non-religious tourists like me, there were also many Catholic devotees here:
I snapped this photo of two nuns walking out of St. Peter’s Basilica:
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So cool!!! I’ve always wondered what Vatican City is like! Thank you for giving me a little glimpse!
Emily, great succinct intro.
You take me back nearly 40 years to 1972, when my family and I visited Rome and the Vatican. Michelangelo’s Pieta was still accessible. Two months later it was attacked and damaged. The Sistine Chapel was stunning, and that was before the restoration. The Sistine Chapel was my only disappointment, bc the visit was rushed by our guide (IMHO). I was getting a sore neck from looking at the ceiling and I needed to lie down or find somewhere where I could lean back and behold.
The view from the top of the dome is, as you show, spectacular.
That day far exceeded my usual capacity for museum-visits, 1.5 to 2 hrs. Have to dig up my pix.
Thanks, Russ
Thanks, Kelly! I’m glad you enjoyed it–it’s truly a spectacular place.
Russell, thanks for your kind words and for sharing your experience! I was so sad when I learned that the Pieta had been damaged–how cool that you got to see it before it was encased in the glass (my photo of it looks funny because that window is a reflection from the glass). I also got a sore neck from the Sistine Chapel, and we too only had a few minutes in there. It really would have been great to lie down and soak it in! Regardless, it was still fun to marvel at it in person.
Loved this! I always find that any spiritual place has that special feeling, even if it’s not your own religion. Great photos! It’s been so many years since I’ve been able to go, and seeing this makes me want to go back asap! (I also happen to be Catholic!)
Seriously have never seen any images of inside Vatican City, wow. So awesome.
Gorgeous photos. I haven’t been to the Vatican in awhile but I’m headed back in a few weeks. Thanks for the revisit.
These are gorgeous shots, Emily. I really enjoy posts where the photos (mostly) speak for themselves, so thanks for the photo essay style post.
“Almost disturbingly opulent” I can relate to that. When I see ancient, epic churches in person or photos, I’m just overwhelmed. The attention to detail and the luxurious materials are mind blowing. Vatican City seems like it would be too much for me IRL! Thanks for sneaking a shot of the Sistine Chapel to tide me over until I bring myself to visit in person.
Peace,
Lauren
Great photos! I went to St. Peter’s Basilica last year, but unfortunately Sistine Chapel was closed! It’s neat to take a peek a little bit here through your post!
Lovely photos. Take me back to my time in Italy. I’d like to go back!
Beautiful shots! Isn’t it odd what we’re drawn to visually? e.g. I am not religious at all (though I was raised Southern Baptist, in the heart of the Bible Belt), yet after city escapes, I find myself returning with a whole memory card of exterior and interior church shots!
Beautiful photo essay! Vatican City is still on my list of places to see.
I like the shot of the Bernini sculpture. I’m always fascinated when marble can look like gathered fabric or a draped veil
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Thanks for the kind words, guys! So glad everyone enjoyed these photos.