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Shopping in Holy See

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When shopping in the country, you'll find lots of items made locally. As the third smallest country, you will be surprised by how big the variety of handicrafts and foods you have to select from.

You will have no problem finding gifts for your loved ones as well as treats for personal spoils. If you are wondering what to purchase here, you’re in the right place. To help you find that perfect memory or keepsake from your trip, here is our guide to shop in Holy See.

The country’s shopping culture is surprisingly impressive. There are plenty of traditional and modern products located within the Holy See, and the fact that items in the republic are tax-free means tourists can find products at a rather cheaper price than in Italy.

Malls across the country are open every day of the week, and remain busy, especially during the peak visitor season. The country is famous for several products, including ceramics, stamps, collectible coins, and iron products.

Traditional Products

The old streets of the city center are home to an amazing range of ceramic goods, stamps, and gold coins. These have made the republic quite famous among avid shoppers.

Tourists can move down the main streets of Holy See City’s old town district to find rows of shops selling these well-known products. The ceramic goods are intricately designed and outstandingly beautiful, which is why they are commonly bought as souvenirs. Within the old town square, collectors can find stamps and coins that are popular.

Holy See is supported financially by Peter’s Pence contributions from Roman Catholics across the world. Profits from souvenirs, publications, and stamps merchandised here go to the Church, as do museum admission fees.

While far from a shopping destination in its own right, the city-state provides a wide selection of mementos and religious souvenirs that aren't found elsewhere. Souvenir shops and stalls where bartering is not unheard of are marked among the colonnades outside the basilica.

The gift shops within the Museums and St Peter’s Basilica are a step up from these shops, selling high-quality gear at rates to match. Among the religious articles found here are crucifixes and crosses, angels, and nativity sets.

Religious artworks such as paintings, ceramics, mosaics, and busts of Popes are also common. There is also the Vatican Bookstore where bibles and literature on Popes, Holy See, and Roman Catholicism, among other things, can be found, as well as a pharmacy.

"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey

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