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Apostolic Palace, Vatican

Apostolic Palace, Vatican

The Apostolic Palace in Vatican City is one of the most significant places in Rome. It has been considered to be the official residence of the Pope of Rome for six centuries. This building is also known as the Papal Palace. However, its official name is Palace of Sixtus V. The palace consists of constructions of different styles and time periods. It is located to the right of St. Peter's Basilica (if you are facing the palace). The Papal Palace possesses:

  • a library,
  • museums,
  • chapels,
  • Papal Apartments and the Secretariat,
  • halls for audiences and many other rooms.

The Sistine Chapel from the 15th century is one of the palace’s highlights as well as part of the museum. However, the church still uses it for the conclaves.

The museums of the Apostolic Palace own priceless globally important pieces which do not relate only to the development and establishment of Christianity. There are Renaissance paintings, sculptures, jewelry and other exhibits that belong to Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Syrian culture.

Pope’s private rooms and offices are located on the second floor of the palace. On Sundays believers gather on St. Peter's Square to listen to the traditional homily. The Pope addresses them from his office window.

History of the Apostolic Palace

It is still unclear when the Papal Palace was founded exactly. It is quite possible that the first building was constructed here in the 6th century, but it never survived to the present day.

Throughout many years the Apostolic Palace remained barely used and later on ended up abandoned. The Lateran Palace became the new papal residence.

Pope Gregory’s XI return to Rome from Avignon in 1377 played a huge role in shaping palace’s destiny. He officially moved his court to this place. Colossal construction works had begun and lasted for almost two centries. The palace was completed in the 16th century under the rule of Sixtus V. Then during the 18th-century museums were being built and in 20th-century new exhibition halls were created.

How to get

The nearest subway station at the entrance to Vatican City is Ottaviano (line A). The palace is a 15-minute walk from here.

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