The Vatican is home to some of the greatest artistic treasures and relics on the planet
The Vatican houses some of the most important relics and artifacts in Christian history, each offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries of religious and cultural heritage. These are the relics and attractions you can visit, either with a group tour or a private tour.
Many treasures in the Vatican archives aren’t open to the public, including Henry VIII’s love letters to Anne Boleyn. The Vatican has two millennia worth of history in its archive, so there’s a lot to explore.
As you walk through the Vatican Museums, you’ll encounter masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio, culminating in the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling’s intricate frescoes will leave you gagged.
St. Peter’s Basilica – The Tomb of St. Peter
The Vatican’s crowning jewel, St. Peter’s Basilica, is built over the tomb of St. Peter, one of Christ’s apostles and the first pope. Beneath the basilica, the Scavi Tour takes you to the necropolis where St. Peter’s tomb lies, a deeply spiritual and historic experience.
The Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)
Believed to be the steps Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate, the Scala Sancta is one of Christianity’s most sacred relics. Pilgrims ascend the stairs on their knees in reverence. Located near St. John Lateran, these stairs are a highlight of any Vatican visit.
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The Spear of Longinus
The spear said to have pierced Christ’s side during the crucifixion is housed in St. Peter’s Basilica. Known as the Holy Lance, it is displayed as part of the basilica’s treasured relics, though its authenticity remains a matter of debate.
The Vatican Necropolis
This underground network beneath St. Peter’s Basilica contains ancient tombs and relics, including mosaics and artifacts dating back to early Christianity. Accessible only through special tours, the necropolis offers a rare and intimate look into the origins of the Vatican.
The Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s Frescoes
While technically not a relic, the Sistine Chapel holds some of the Vatican’s most brilliant religious art, including Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam. VIP tours can provide private access to the chapel, allowing you to take in its beauty without the crowds. If you’d like a private tour we can arrange one for you.
Relics in the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house countless relics, including:
- The True Cross: Fragments believed to be from the cross on which Christ was crucified. Relics of the True Cross spread so widely in the Medieval era, there’s no way they could have been authentic: there were just too many of them. Nonetheless, it’s interesting to see something that purports to be a Relic of the True Cross.
- The Papal Tiara: Elaborate crowns worn by past popes, symbolizing their authority.
- The Apostolic Library Treasures: Manuscripts and texts with connections to early Christianity.
The Chair of St. Peter (Cathedra Petri)
Housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, this ancient wooden chair is believed to have been used by St. Peter himself. It is encased in Bernini’s golden sculpture in the basilica’s apse and represents the papal authority handed down through generations.
The Vatican Gardens
Although not a traditional relic, the Vatican Gardens are filled with chapels, fountains, and sculptures that reflect centuries of religious devotion. We can arrange a private tour so you can explore some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy without the crowds.
The Apostles’ Relics in the Basilica of St. John Lateran
The Basilica of St. John Lateran, the official cathedral of Rome, houses relics of St. Peter and St. Paul, including fragments of their skulls. It is one of the holiest sites for pilgrims visiting the Vatican.
LGBTQ+ History and the Sistine Chapel
While the Vatican is often associated with tradition and religious history, its artistic treasures also carry fascinating connections to LGBTQ+ history. Among the most iconic works within the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel ceiling stands out as a masterpiece with subtle yet profound ties to the LGBTQ+ community.
The ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is celebrated for its stunning depiction of biblical scenes and the human form. Michelangelo’s remarkable focus on the idealized male body is evident throughout the frescoes, showcasing his unparalleled understanding of anatomy and aesthetics. This focus, however, is not merely a technical achievement; it also reflects Michelangelo’s personal admiration for male beauty. Historians and art scholars widely believe that Michelangelo was gay, an interpretation supported by his poetry, letters, and deep affection for his muse, Tommaso dei Cavalieri. These elements of his life offer a glimpse into how his sexuality influenced his art.
The ceiling’s figures—from the muscular prophets to the dramatic portrayal of Adam in The Creation of Adam—highlight a sensuality and reverence for the male form. While these works adhere to the biblical narratives commissioned by the Catholic Church, some view Michelangelo’s celebration of the human body as a subtle assertion of his personal artistic vision, one that transcends the moral constraints of his era.
Visitors to the Sistine Chapel often marvel at its grandeur, but viewing it through the lens of Michelangelo’s life and identity adds a richer dimension. His work not only reflects divine themes but also a deeply human one: the ability to express individuality and admiration through art, even within the confines of strict societal norms.
As you explore the Vatican, considering Michelangelo’s legacy offers a compelling intersection of faith, artistry, and LGBTQ+ history. His ceiling frescoes remain a testament to the enduring power of personal expression within one of the world’s most iconic spaces.
VIP Access to Hidden Relics
For a truly exclusive experience, VIP tours provide access to hidden Vatican rooms, private Sistine Chapel viewings, and areas like the Niccoline Chapel and Borgia Apartments, which are typically off-limits to the public. Along with our partners in Rome, we can arrange tours of the Vatican, including the places most tourists don’t see.
