This is the Vatican City, Borgo & Prati chapter from Lonely Planet’s Rome 7 guidebook.

Over the river from the historic centre, the Vatican is home to two of Rome’s top attractions – St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (where you’ll find the Sistine Chapel) – as well as hundreds of overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops. In contrast, nearby Prati offers excellent accommodation, eating and shopping.

• Gazing heavenwards at Michelangelo’s cinematic ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. See God pointing his finger at Adam and pinch yourself that you’re looking at the original painting, not a dime-a-dozen poster copy
• maps
• Being blown away by the super-sized opulence of St Peter’s Basilica
• transport
• restaurants & bars
• Trying to line up the columns on Piazza San Pietro – it is possible

Coverage includes: Neighbourhood Top Five, Borgo & Prati, Local Life, Getting There & Away, Sights, Vatican City, Borgo, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife and Entertainment.