Top shopping malls Holy see | shopping malls here

The Holy See, a sovereign city-state and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about shopping destinations. However, hidden within its sacred confines, you’ll find a surprising array of shopping malls that blend modernity with a touch of historical charm. In this article, we’ll explore the top shopping malls in the Holy See, where visitors can indulge in retail therapy while still being immersed in the city’s unique spiritual ambiance.

These shopping malls offer an unforgettable shopping experience, combining the convenience of contemporary retail with a respect for the Holy See’s cultural and religious heritage. From fashion boutiques showcasing the latest trends to artisanal craft stores boasting exquisite religious artifacts, these malls cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a devoted pilgrim seeking a meaningful souvenir or a fashion enthusiast on the hunt for high-end labels, the shopping malls of the Holy See have something to offer for everyone.

Join us as we take a fascinating journey through the shopping havens tucked away in the heart of the Holy See. Discover how these malls intertwine the modern shopping experience with the rich tapestry of the city’s history, allowing visitors to cherish both their faith and a delightful retail expedition.

Best shopping malls in Holy See

Here are some of the best shopping malls in Holy See that you can visit:

1. Vatican Museums Shop:

This is the official shop of the Vatican Museums, where you can buy products related to the art and history of the Vatican, such as books, posters, prints, sculptures, jewelry, and more. You can also buy tickets to visit the museums and the Sistine Chapel online or at the shop. The Vatican Museums Shop is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and on the last Sunday of every month from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

2. Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV):

This is the official bookstore of the Holy See, where you can find books and publications by the Pope and other Vatican authorities, as well as religious texts, liturgical books, magazines, and multimedia products. The LEV has several branches in different locations in Holy See, such as St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Apostolic Library. The LEV is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and on Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

3. Galleria Alberto Sordi:

This is a modern and elegant shopping mall that features a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and a cinema. You can find brands such as Zara, H&M, Sephora, Swarovski, and more. The Galleria Alberto Sordi is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

These are just some of the best shopping malls in Holy See that you can explore during your visit. Whether you are looking for something specific or just want to browse around, you will surely enjoy these shopping experiences in Holy See.

Where to shop in Vatican City

Vatican City is a small but fascinating destination for shopping lovers. You can find a variety of souvenirs, religious items, books, art, and fashion in this tiny state. Here are some of the best places to go shopping close to Vatican City:

1. Abitart Concept Store:

This is a trendy and colorful shop that sells clothes, accessories, and home decor designed by the Roman artist Vanessa Foglia. You can find unique and original pieces that reflect her artistic vision and style. The store is located near the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano.

2. Savelli At Saint Peter’s Square:

If you want to buy a sacred article as a souvenir from the Vatican, this is the place to go. Savelli is a family-run business that has been producing and selling religious items since 1898. You can find rosaries, crosses, medals, statues, icons, and more in this elegant shop on Saint Peter’s Square.

3. Castroni At Via Cola Di Rienzo:

This is a historic food shop that offers a wide range of gourmet treats from Italy and abroad. You can find olive oil, balsamic vinegar, wine, cheese, pasta, coffee, chocolate, and more in this Aladdin’s cave of edibles. Castroni also has a cafe where you can enjoy a cappuccino or a sandwich.

4. Coin Excelsior In Prati:

This is a department store that sells high-end fashion, beauty, and home products. You can find brands like Armani, Gucci, Prada, Dior, and more in this stylish and spacious store. Coin Excelsior also has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

5. Benedetto XVI International Bookshop:

This is a bookshop that specializes in books about the Vatican, the Pope, and the Catholic Church. You can find books in different languages, as well as DVDs, CDs, calendars, posters, and maps. The bookshop is located near Saint Peter’s Basilica on Via della Conciliazione.

6. Il Sellaio:

This is a leather shop that sells handmade shoes and bags made by the artisan Ferruccio Serafini. He has been making leather goods since the 1960s and has worked with celebrities like Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. You can find classic and elegant designs in this charming shop on Via del Governo Vecchio.

Modern shopping malls in Vatican

Here are some of the malls that you can find near or within the Vatican:

1. Caput Mundi:

This is a new mall that opened in March 2023, just off St. Peter’s Square. It has three entrances, one of which is on Via della Conciliazione, the main street that leads to the Vatican. The mall features a cross-section of works of contemporary art, including five original pieces by Andy Warhol. It also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services, such as a bookstore, a pharmacy, a beauty salon, and a travel agency.

2. Trajan’s Market:

This is not exactly a mall, but rather an archaeological complex that holds the Museum of Imperial Forums. It is considered to be Rome’s first “shopping center”, dating back to the 2nd century AD. It has six levels where there were once up to 150 different shops and apartments. You can visit the museum and see the ancient ruins, as well as some modern exhibitions and events.

3. The Shopping Mall Porta di Roma:

This is a large and modern mall with a variety of stores, including global brands. It is located near the center of Rome and is accessible by car or bus. The mall also has a mega multi-sala movie theater with 24 different screens.

4. Via Cola di Rienzo:

This is a beautiful upscale street in Rome famous for its high-end boutiques and restaurants. It’s less touristy than Via del Corso and still manages to have some of the best stores in Rome, such as Falconeri, Intimissimi, and Zara Home. The street starts just behind Castel Sant’Angelo on the Tiber River and ends just before Vatican City.

5. Via del Governo Vecchio:

This is a pretty cobbled street in the Centro Storico near Piazza Navona. It’s home to several quirky shops, including some great resale stores, and it’s packed with lovely boutiques of all sorts, from reasonable to pricey. There are also a few excellent vintage stores here, like Omero & Cecilia and Cinzia

Shopping experiences in the Vatican

Shopping in the Vatican can be a great way to find unique souvenirs and gifts, as well as to experience the culture and history of this amazing place. There are many options for shopping near the Vatican, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some suggestions based on the web search results:

If you are looking for classic Italian products, such as pasta, chocolate, coffee, wine, and spices, you might want to visit CastroniAd, a store that has been operating since 1932 and offers a wide selection of high-quality goods. You can find Castroni on Via Ottaviano, 55, just a few minutes walk from the Vatican Museums entrance.

If you want to enjoy a VIP experience and enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before the crowds, you might be interested in the Vatican Museums Early Morning Prime Tour2, which gives you exclusive access to the museums even prior to the early morning entrance. You will also get to visit St. Peter’s Basilica (except on Wednesdays) with a private tour guide who will share with you the stories and secrets of these amazing artworks. You can book this tour online or by phone with Eyes of Rome, a tour operator that specializes in customized tours of Rome and the Vatican.

If you are looking for a spiritual souvenir, you might want to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful and important churches in the world. You can admire the stunning architecture and sculptures by Michelangelo, Bernini, and other masters, as well as see the tomb of St. Peter and other popes. You can also climb up to the dome for a breathtaking view of Rome and the Vatican gardens. Inside the basilica, you will find a gift shop where you can buy rosaries, medals, statues, books, and other religious items.

RECOMMENDED:

Fashion boutiques near Vatican City

Here are a few options for fashion boutiques near Vatican City:

Via Cola di Rienzo: This popular shopping street, located just a short walk from the Vatican, offers a mix of high-street brands, local boutiques, and fashion stores. It’s a great place to explore trendy fashion options.
Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps): While not extremely close to Vatican City, this famous square is within a reasonable distance and features luxurious designer boutiques and high-end fashion stores.
Via del Corso: Another bustling shopping street in Rome, not far from Vatican City, offering various fashion boutiques, clothing stores, and international brands.
Prati District: Located next to the Vatican, the Prati neighborhood has several fashion boutiques and stores, ranging from stylish Italian

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments in the box below. We hope that this information aids in your planning for your shopping vacation in this wonderful nation.