Audio Guide: Vatican Walking Tour (Self Guided), Rome

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for a common purpose.

Did you know that the obelisk of St. Peter's Square works like a huge solar clock that marks the hours and days? Although the height it has today is half the size of the Egyptian original, moving such a delicate structure to where it stands required the help of 900 men and 150 horses.

The largest Christian church building in the world, Saint Peter's Basilica leaves you speechless with its magnificence. Full of important statues and monuments, among which the stunningly beautiful Pietà by Michelangelo, it also affords nice views over Rome, provided you pay for the lift.

All arts and all periods – from Egyptian to contemporary painting – are covered in the Vatican Museums’ galleries nearby, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time, as there are many hours’ worth of exhibitions.

Other treats, such as the famous Sistine Chapel with its floor-to-ceiling frescoes, or the perfectly manicured Vatican Gardens, await you at the end of the itinerary.

With such a unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lying within the boundaries of this small state, follow our self-guided walking tour to find your way around and make the most of your time.

Getting to Sight #1. The first tour stop (St. Peter's Square) can be reach by Bus: Bus: 23, 31, 49, 490, 40 Express and and 116 electric bus; Train: FL3, Metro: line A.