Everyone told me that to Rome during a jubilee year was a risk, but I thought it made my travel even more special. There were religious pilgrims and a little extra pomp-and-circumstance, especially with a new pope that was selected only a few days before I arrived. Based on how busy it was, a 4 hour tour was enough to leave me satisfied with seeing the Vatican City.

Our Vatican City and Sistine Chapel Tour (affiliate link), entered the Vatican City through thick 9th century walls. The group tour offered headsets, “skip the line,” and a tour guide that seemed to know his shit. With a tour guide, they show us the highlights inside the Vatican Museum and lead us around the property, through the Sistine Chapel, and gave us information throughout the tour about religious site. As a non-catholic, I knew very little about the Vatican or the church itself, so it was helpful for me to know why these spaces were important and which pieces of art I should pay attention to.

One particular highlight, and the main reason many tourists visit Vatican City, is to see the Sistine Chapel. Knowing that a new pope was just chosen in that chapel just a few weeks ago, it felt particularly moving to be in that space (religious affiliation be damned). One thing I learned in the 10 minutes I had inside the Sistine Chapel: there’s numerous depictions of Old Testament stories and figures, connecting the religions in a sacred space. There’s no New without the Old.

I also learned that Michelangelo, in his mid-30s at the time, originally turned down the commission to paint the ceiling because he didn’t think he was a talented painter. See, even Michelangelo had imposter syndrome (he’s just like me for real).

My favorite part was Saint Peter’s Basilica, where we were left to wander on our own to appreciate the mosaic work that tiled the floors, walls, and ceilings. Everywhere, gold. Everywhere, beauty. Everywhere, money.

Saint Peter’s Basilica