Overview:

St. John's Tower, also known as St. John Tower, is a small castle-like building found in the heart of Vatican City. It is in close proximity to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, and other popular landmarks associated with the city. St. John's Tower is an ancient structure built centuries ago, and is the only surviving remnant of the "old" Vatican. Its current purpose is to act as a museum of the history of the Papal See, and visitors can explore several interesting artifacts and displays documenting the long-standing history of the Holy See. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The St. John's Tower is a prominent feature of the Vatican City in Rome, Italy. It is located near the ancient Aurelian Walls, and is the highest point of the Vatican. The tower offers a unique and spectacular view of Rome and the Vatican gardens. The rooftop terrace provides an even more panoramic view of all of the historic sites of the city, including the Colosseum. The tower is named after St. John the Baptist, and is also known as the Torre San Giovanni in Laterano. The tower was constructed in the 11th century as part of the 10th century Lateran Palace. It was renovated in the 15th century for Pope Nicholas V and again in the 17th century for Pope Innocent X. The tower is 75 meters tall and is accessible by an elevator for visitors to the gardens and panoramic views. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

St. John's Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vatican City, located near St. Peter's Square. It was constructed in the 15th century and stands as part of the fortified walls surrounding the Vatican Palace. It has a unique structure, as it is octagonal in shape and has a conical roof with an open oculus at its peak. The tower was originally conceived and designed in 1450 by the Roman architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, and it was built in 1748 under the direction of Pope Benedict XIV. It was originally used as a ceremonial lookout which gave the watchman a good view of the city and the Vatican gardens. However, over the centuries, it has served different purposes such as a beacon light or a bell tower. It also served as the official residence of members of the papal army who served as guardians of the sacred enclave in the 1940s. Today, St. John's Tower is mostly used for ceremonial purposes. Every year, on the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, the pope visits the tower to commemorate his feast day, and it is also visited by tourists. The tower also serves as a watchtower, providing a spectacular view of the historical monuments located around it. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The St. John's Tower is the tallest tower in the Vatican City and one of the most impressive landmarks in Rome. 2. It was built between 1656 and 1667 by Pope Alexander VII to honor St. John the Baptist. 3. The tower is topped with a bronze statue of a dove, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. 4. The tower is considered one of the major tourist attractions in Vatican City, with visitors often crowding around it during the day. 5. The tower is said to have been connected to the original walls of the papal city and the area was often referred to as the ‘Sacred Heart of Christianity’. 6. Legend has it that the tower was once used to imprison a Polish prince and a French Countess. 7. The tower is believed to be named after a lion statue with a cross on its forehead, which is said to have been placed on its roof. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.