Exploring the Vatican area – the City within the Eternal City
Rome, with all its size, history and grandeur, is an awe-inspiring city. However, as we have covered in a previous post, the main attractions can be found in an area small enough that getting around to all of them is easy!
So why not spend your next trip to Rome near the Vatican – the city within the city! The smallest state in the world by population and area, Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, with the Pope as the head of state.
Don’t worry, you don’t need a passport or a visa to enter Vatican City – access to Saint Peter’s Square & Basilica are free of charge, while the Vatican Museum charges an entrance fee, but it is worth it for the experience of the Sistine Chapel (just be prepared to queue to get in!)
Monastery Stays works with a range of guest houses near the Vatican, catering to the different needs and requirements of travellers. There are even two guest houses where you can stay on official Vatican City territory – now that is a once in a lifetime experience! Read on to find our where…
Located north-west of the center of Rome, the area around the Vatican is known as the Prati district. Easily accessible, beautiful and popular!
What the area offers
The Vatican and all it has to offer is often stop number one for visitors to Rome. But this part of the city has so much more to offer than St Peter’s Square!
- Easy access to the rest of the city: the area is well linked by public transport, with Metro stops just north of Vatican City taking you to Termini Station
- Great food and drink: like most of Italy, there is no shortage of cafes and trattorias in the area, with plenty of family run establishments offering authentic Italian cuisine!
- Attractions: while the Vatican and all it has to offer is the main point of focus, be sure to visit Castel Sant’Angelo, or head across the Tiber River to Piazza del Popolo or the Ara Pacis
- Relax: while the area is often bustling with locals and tourists, the venues we work with still offer a good nights sleep, with some including small gardens and terraces where you can unwind in peace
- Walking: from St Peter’s Square, the historic center of Rome can be reached on foot in less than half an hour
Staying near the Vatican
There are a number of very well reviewed guest houses surrounding the Vatican, we have included some top choices for you here:
- Casa Maria Immacolata (LAR210) is a popular offering in the heart of the tree-lined Prati district, with a Metro stop only two streets away.
- Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina (LAR208) has a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of St Peter’s Basilica and you are residing on official Vatican territory – ask the Sisters to take you to the roof and you’ll get a great view of a Papal Audience!
- Istituto San Giuseppe Della Montagna (LAR144) sits opposite the entrance to the Vatican Museum – a perfect location!
- Villa Angeli (LAR195) is in a quiet part of Rome, with peaceful gardens on offer to guests.
- Residenza Madri Pie Roma (LAR113) is immaculately presented and in view of St Peter’s Square.
- Casa Per Ferie Beata Madre Margherita Caiani (LAR131) is ideally located between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angleo with all the offerings of the Prati area on the doorstep.
- Casa Bonus Pastor (LAR165) is the guest house of the Vicar of Rome (the Pope!) a stay here is a wonderful experience and you can post a letter at reception and it gets an official Vatican stamp!
- Casa Per Ferie San Emilia De Vialar (LAR118) & Casa Tabor (LAR120) have the most captivating views of St Peter’s Basilica by night (bring your camera), with expansive gardens it is a peaceful oasis & you can take dinner at Casa Bonus Pastor (LAR165) over the road.
The Vatican area is a popular location for travellers – the attractions offered, dining options and public transport all make this an ideal part of the city to base yourself. Don’t delay, book your Monastery Stay today!
Want a Monastery Stays experience near the Vatican? Click here now!
Sunset a San Pietro – Phil Lynch ©