The Vatican Museums, located within the walls of Vatican City, has one of the most spectacular collections of art in the world and also the home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums can be reached by metro (either Cipro Musei Vaticani or Ottaviano) or bus, or on foot, if you’re lucky to be staying in a hotel within walking distance of the museums. The museums are closed on Sundays and holidays except the last Sunday of the month, when admission is free. Keep in mind that these special Sundays are usually the most-packed ones. Opening hours vary by date but for the most part, it is open from 10am to 3:30pm.
Admission is € 13 for adults, € 8 euros for students (under 26 years) and children under the age of 14. It is free for children under 6 years and disabled people. For students, you must bring a valid piece of ID (i.e. a school student card or ISIC card).
The best times to go to the Vatican museums are in the afternoons and on Wednesdays. However, the museums take up a great portion of your time, especially if you’re keen on seeing everything. This may require you to wait in line before opening. We took the metro to Cipro Musei Vaticani and walked a short distance to the entrance and arrived there at 10am. They had already started to let people in but the line was massive! Luckily, the line moved quite fast and by the time it was 10:25am, we’d paid our admission. Some days, you may have to wait a few hours but we were lucky that day.
The collections are absolutely amazing and I’ve never seen so many Renaissance works of art. The Vatican Museums are truly not to be missed, especially the Egyptian collection! There are a few courtyards for tourists to relax but my favourite had to be the one prior to Sistine Chapel. There’s a lovely garden and fountain that provide people with great photo ops! Sistine Chapel is at the very end of the museums and certainly the most popular one. It’s over-crowded and sadly, there are people breaking the rules by taking photographs and videos of the frescoes which are a huge no-no. The guards are constantly shushing people and it can be very over-whelming in that atmosphere. If you want a picture, buy a postcard at the gift shop - it’s that simple. The Sistine Chapel is more beautiful in life and much larger than you would ever imagine it to be!
Overall, the Vatican Museums were one of the highlights of my trip to Italy. I would absolutely recommend it and if you can, try to get a tour guide for an even more personal experience!
Tip: No shorts/skirts above the knees and bare shoulders are allowed. Bring a pashmina shawl for easy cover-up – esp. if you’re entering religious sanctuaries!
by pointofnoreturn on July 23, 2007
Vatican Museum
Viale Vaticano Rome, Italy 00193
+39 (06) 69883333