Vatican
- Address: Viale Vaticano, Vatican City
- Hours:Open Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm (last entry 4pm)
- Admission:€12-18
10:01 PM Sunday, May 27
Passing clouds. Pleasantly warm.
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The popes were among the very first royalty to open their vast art collections to public viewing. Pope Julius II (1443 - 1513) began collecting sculpture during the Renaissance and, ever since, most popes have taken an active interest in art and in commissioning the best artists of their time.
Today you can view the Vatican's incredible collection while touring the so-called 'Vatican Museums', a huge complex of galleries and museums showcasing painting, sculpture, frescoes, tapestries and classical antiquities including Roman, Greek and Egyptian. There are, of course, also collections of religious art, papal portraits and, less obviously, carriages and automobiles.
Any visit to the Vatican should also include the famous Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. Leave plenty of time for winding your way through the museums and the narrow connecting corridors and staircases.
Latest Reviews All Vatican Reviews »
We were very happy with our guide and tour in Rome. The whole tour was well organized with clear instructions where and when to meet. Being led past the lines of people waiting to get into the Vatican was a bonus. The guide provided historical and factual information but held our interest with amusing stories as well. The small group of ten was perfect. I can't imagine trying to take this tour on your own with only a guide book or an audio description. This was a fantastic tour!
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Both my wife and I enjoyed this tour our guide Tiffany certainly knew the Vatican history and what lies within even to the point of informing us that all our belongings were now owned by the Pope although there yours again once you leave the Vatican. The only downside were the idiots taking pictures inside the sistine chapel which not allowed of all nationalities, come on Vatican officials please enforce this so that the frescos will last for generations to come
David
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Excellent choice if you want to skip the treacherous lineup at the Vatican museum. You get taken across the security line, get your tickets, and you're off!
Unfortunately you don't get a tour guide included in the price, however if you want to explore on your own or rent audio guides it is well worth it.
Practical Info
The Vatican stands at the heart of Vatican City, and the Vatican Museums stand at the heart of the Vatican (much of which is closed to the public for security reasons).
Metro line A stops Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano or Cipro. Tramway 19 to Piazza del Risorgimento, or various buses. You can also walk from the centre of Rome across Ponte Sant'Angelo and through the Piazza San Pietro for the most breathtaking approach, then head right towards Via Vaticano.
Please note: The entry lines into the Vatican can be painfully long - lines two and three hours long wind around the block, especially in summer. We highly recommend pre-purchasing a 'skip the line' ticket to the Vatican; see the Tours & Tickets tab for various options.
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