#11 Vatican City

People have greatly different views on the Vatican City. If you're a catholic, then this is the mother ship. All your greatest wishes all wrapped up in a nice package and put in one spot. If you're a christian, then you will probably still enjoy the religious signifigance of the place. On the other hand, if you're a hard bitten atheist, you will still enjoy the sheer opulence of the place, the amazing architecture and just the sheer size of St Peter's basilica. On the other hand, I've heard some people are disgusted at the sheer opulence of the place and think all the gold should be melted down and given to charity. Whatever your position, you can't help but have an enormously strong reaction to the basilica. There's also the majesty of the Sistine chapel and the whole Vatican rooms. It's great and not to be missed.

My hot top is to join the long queues and climb all the way to the top of the dome of St Peter's. You get an amazing view of the city of Rome, plus you get to see the saints atop the piazza up close.

Also be careful what you wear. No matter who you are, no matter how hot it is, the guards will not let you into the basilica if you're not wearing long clothes that cover your shoulders and your legs. You'll be surprised how many people turn up, queue for ages, only to be turned away because they're wearing shorts.