▲An elephant skeleton was discovered under the Vatican's Belvedere Courtyard in 1962. The jumbo pet, named Hanno, belonged to Pope Leo X, who was elected pope in 1513. After the beast died, the pontiff had him buried within the Vatican grounds—where his bones still lay today. Pictured is a sketch made by Raphael of the celebrated animal.

▲Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1580, it took friar and geographer Ignazio Danti three years to complete the 40 panels.

▲A tiny bathing chamber in the Vatican's papal apartments is notorious for its frescoes, painted by Raphael in 1516. The secret room is normally off limits to the public.

▲The necropolis was originally a burial ground built on the southern slope of the Vatican Hill. Archaeological excavations in the '40s revealed ancient mosaic artwork.

▲In the same museum is the modern equivalent. Built in 1932, the impressive double helix design draws inspiration from its 16th-century counterpart.

▲Originally built as a mausoleum to hold the ashes of the Roman emperor Hadrian, the Castle of the Holy Angel was later used by popes as a fortified residence and a prison. It's now a fascinating museum.

▲The colorful candy-striped uniform of the Vatican's official military guard is wonderfully Renaissance in appearance. But don't be fooled. The force is highly trained in unarmed combat and small arms use.

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Standing on Aventine Hill is the Priory of the Knights of Malta. From a keyhole in one of its doors you can peer into the gardens and the perfectly framed dome of St. Peter's Basilica—easily the quirkiest view of Vatican City and a novel way to end your sightseeing experience.

▲The largest church in the world is also a celebrated Roman landmark, a sumptuous example of Renaissance architecture and one of Catholicism's holiest shrines.

▲St. Peter's Square and the city of Rome viewed from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

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An undoubted museum highlight is the Michelangelo-painted Sistine Chapel.

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The necropolis is believed to house the tomb of the Apostle Peter. Guided tours of the site conclude at the supposed burial place.

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An essential part of the Vatican Museums' experience is admiring the 16th-century topographical maps of Italy painted on the walls as large-scale frescoes.

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An elevated passage that links the Vatican City with the Castel Sant'Angelo, this was once the Pope's secret escape route.

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A world-famous work of art, Michelangelo's sculpture Pietá ('The Pity') is housed in St. Peter's Basilica.

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Set underneath St. Peter's Basilica is the Vatican Necropolis, parts of which date back to Roman times.

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Centuries old, the passage was used by Pope Clement VII during the plunder of Rome in 1527. It now greets visitors for a limited period each summer.

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The Vatican Museums boast one of the world's greatest art collections. Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs, exhibits include classical statuary and masterpieces of Renaissance art.

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Open to bona fide academics and researchers, the Vatican Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world. The Vatican Secret Archives were housed here until the early 17th century. Pictured is the library's fabulous Sistine Hall.

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Peaceful and verdant, the gardens offer tranquil respite from the overwhelming impact the Vatican's cultural riches often have on the senses.

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Adorned with subliminal frescoes painted by the hand of the great master of the High Renaissance, the rooms constitute the public area of the papal apartments. The phenomenal fresco pictured is 'The School of Athens.'

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Dating back to 1626, its principal architects were Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Carlo Maderno.

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The Vatican obelisk, a needle-like monument brought to Rome from Egypt by Caligula in 37 AD, originally stood near the present-day sacristy. It was moved to St. Peter's Square in the late 16th century.

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Located in the gardens behind St. Peter's Basilica is the grandiose Governor's Palace, the seat of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.

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The Ponder the extraordinary tapestries lining this 75-m (246-ft) gallery. Each took years to make and were woven in Rome and Brussels using wool, silk, and gold and silver thread.

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The Pope's official residence, this complex hosts the papal apartments along with world-class visitor attractions including The Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel.

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This Vatican Museum is a veritable palace crammed with priceless art. Head-turning masterpieces include Caravaggio's 'The Entombment of Christ.' But look too for Olivuccio di Ciccarello's 'Opere di Misericordia,' Raphael's 'Transfiguration' (pictured), and Leonardo da Vinci's 'St. Jerome in the Wilderness.' Stunning!

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Michelangelo's stunning frescoes decorate the chapel's interior. The ceiling is especially decorative and includes the iconic 'The Creation of Adam' panel (pictured). The other great fresco is 'The Last Judgement,' which illustrates the entire altar wall.

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There are two Bramante staircases in the Vatican Museums. This is the original, dating back to 1505 and found in the Pio-Clementino Museum.

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The Basilica and Ponte Sant'Angelo, seen from the River Tiber.

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Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world. But within its boundaries can be found a staggering collection of religious and cultural attractions that dazzle in both their richness and their rarity.

Browse the gallery and feast your eyes on this art-splashed destination.