Apostolic Palace, Official papal residence in Vatican City
The Apostolic Palace includes multiple state rooms, private papal apartments, offices of the Roman Catholic Church, and several museums containing extensive art collections.
Construction of the current palace structure began in 1589 under Pope Sixtus V, replacing earlier papal residences that dated back to the 5th century.
The Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms within the palace complex contain significant Renaissance frescoes depicting biblical and historical narratives.
Visitors can access specific sections of the palace through guided tours, which require advance booking and adherence to strict dress codes.
Pope Francis declined to reside in the traditional papal apartments, making him the first pope since 1903 to live outside the Apostolic Palace.
Location: Vatican City
Inception: April 30, 1589
Architects: Donato Bramante
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
GPS coordinates: 41.90361,12.45639
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:13
These palaces serve as official seats for monarchs and presidents. The buildings combine historical architecture with political function and document the evolution of state power. The rooms and gardens showcase various architectural styles and political periods of their respective countries.
Sistine Chapel
178 m
The Creation of Adam
206 m
Sistine Chapel ceiling
206 m
Pietà
209 m
The Last Judgment
203 m
St. Peter's Dome
289 m
Raphael Rooms
0 m
Restoration of the Sistine Chapel frescoes
173 m
Cortile del Belvedere
151 m
Borgia Apartment
119 m
Gallery of Maps
151 m
Cappella Paolina
177 m
Sala Regia
166 m
Niccoline Chapel
149 m
Vatican Christmas Tree
213 m
Bronze door of the Apostolic Palace
102 m
The Vision of Constantine
155 m
Vatican loggias
0 m
Museo del tesoro di San Pietro
158 m
Belvedere Villa (Vatican)
152 m
Collection of Modern Religious Art, Vatican Museums
119 m
Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss
39 m
Santa Maria in Turri
186 m
Arco delle Campane
235 m
Fontana del Sacramento
241 m
Tomb of Pius VII
256 m
Fountain
82 m
Fountain
82 mReviews
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