Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the reigning Pope and is located in Vatican City to the northeast of St. Peter's Basilica. Not to be confused with the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's old summer house; the Apostolic Palace is the Pope's official residence. There are around 1,000 rooms in the palace, including various Papal Apartments, the Vatican Library, a few Catholic Church administration departments, and numerous private and public chapels, among other structures. The Apostolic Palace is made up of many places, including the Papal Apartments, and is officially where the pontiff gets his beauty sleep.

Although some sections of the Vatican are restricted to guests, you can still visit the Vatican Library and the Vatican Museums. Keep an eye out for the Swiss Guard, the Pope's personal army, which is still dressed in full medieval regalia, including striped tunics, white ruffs, and plumed helmets.

Location: Apostolic Palace, Vatican City
Time to visit the Apostolic Palace: Between the hours of 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, you can visit the Apostolic Palace's attractions.