Visit Vatican City
The Vatican City is the world's smallest sovereign state. What was once part of Rome was declared independent in 1929. The Vatican is the headquarters of the Holy Roman Church and it has fewer than 1,000 citizens. Inside its walls you will find vast collections of art, religious artifacts and rich traditions. If you want to visit the Vatican City and take in the sights, like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, you will need to plan ahead. The Vatican museums require admission and walking through the city may prove to be confusing on your first visit. Find out how to visit Vatican City.
Contents
Steps
Planning Ahead
- Plan your trip to see the papal address. This will require advanced planning because the pope only speaks on Wednesdays and Sundays. To receive his blessing on a Sunday, you will have to arrive long before noon to find a good place to see him in the crowded square.
- You can request tickets to see him give his Wednesday papal address if you visit between September and June. Go to vatican.va to fill out a request form and fax it into the number on the form.
- Research which Vatican activities are free and which ones require admission. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel cost approximately 15 Euros ($19, 12 pounds) and St. Peter's Dome is approximately 6 Euros ($6.4, 4.8 pounds). St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square are free.
- The admission to The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are combined. You cannot buy tickets for 1 of these places.
- Book your tickets in advance to see the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, especially if you are traveling around religious holidays or during the summer months. You will save waiting time at the gates. However, you cannot book discount or student tickets in advance, unless you are with a tour group that does it for you.
- Go to biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do to book these tickets.
- Book an official guide to tour the Vatican Museums and other parts of The Vatican City. Italy has a very strict rule that only licensed guides can tour these areas, so be sure to ask to see their licenses. There is such a wealth of art and information within the Vatican walls, that this is 1 place where your visit will be enhanced by paying a guide.
- Go to mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Servizi_Visite.html to see a description of the various tours you can choose. There is a link at the bottom of the page where you can book your tour as a group or an individual.
- Dress appropriately. The Vatican carries its own dress code. Ensure your knees and shoulders are covered, although some people wear long pants and long shirts as a sign of respect.
- Both men and women will be turned away if they do not have their knees and shoulders covered. This means tank-tops, sundresses and short shorts will not be tolerated. Women can modify their outfit by bringing a shawl and wearing tights.
- Italy and the Vatican City are extremely warm in the summer and they can be rainy in the winter. Bring lightweight clothing that dries easily. This will help you when you need to cover up during your visit.
- Wear good walking shoes. Many people spend a whole day on their feet in the Vatican City. Prepare in order to be comfortable on these hard surfaces and when you wait in line.
- Carry a small bag. Large bags, backpacks and all umbrellas will need to be checked in order to enter the Vatican Museums. This will be a hassle if you want to move freely within the Vatican walls, so leave the majority of your gear at the hotel.
- Prepare for pickpockets. Some years, the highest rates of petty theft are in front of Michelangelo's Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica. Always keep your small bag in front of you, with your hand on it.
- Never wear flashy jewelry or flash cash. Men's wallets in back pockets are particularly susceptible to theft. Buy a money belt and tuck in your shirt, if you want to be extra safe.
Vatican Transportation
- Take the metro to arrive at the Vatican City. You will need to walk a little if you choose this method. The Vatican is situated between the Ottaviano and Cipro metro stations.
- If you are heading straight to the Vatican Museums, the Cipro metro station will be a shorter walk. If you are heading to St. Peter's Basilica, a walk from Ottaviano will be shorter.
- Buy a bus map from a shop. There are approximately 10 routes that take you near Vatican City. The one you choose will depend upon where you start in Rome.
- Arrive at the north entrance to enter the Vatican Museums. Arrive at the East entrance to enter St. Peter's Basilica. Because the Vatican City is walled, it can take 30 minutes to walk between these entrances.
- Acquire a map of Rome in order to make sure you take the right route.
Vatican Museums
- Take your time when visiting the Vatican Museums. Although most people are more aware of the Sistine Chapel, there is plenty more to be seen as you make your way through the museums toward the chapel.
- Use the bathroom right before you enter the museums. There are not many places to use it while you explore.
- Bring your camera to take pictures in the museums. You are not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel; however, you can in most places in the museums. There will be signs to tell you when you can use flash.
- Spend extra time in the Pinacoteca. This is to the right after you take the entry escalator. Many people ignore this area, because it is the opposite way from the Sistine Chapel, but Italians think of the collection of Raphael, Da Vinci and Caravaggio works as a treasure.
- Bring water or buy it at the vending machines. Summer visitors can quickly become dehydrated, and the Vatican affords you fewer opportunities to buy food and drink than other places in Italy. Come prepared with some water, so you can stay healthy and longer.
- Exit the Vatican Museums and walk down the spiral staircase. This is a famous staircase that most visitors get to see and photograph.
- You can also try to take the "secret" door that will lead you straight to St. Peter's Basilica. If you exit through the right door when you leave the Museums, you will head straight to this place. You may be turned away, because it is technically reserved for tour groups. You will miss the spiral staircase if you take this route.
St. Peter's Basilica
- Walk around to the East entrance to enter St. Peter's Basilica. The following are some things you will want to find:
- Visit the Grottoes. This is where some royals and former popes are buried. You will need to line up near the entrance to enter this lower level of the Basilica to see it.
- View Michelangelo's Pieta. This statue of Mary with the baby Jesus is one of his best loved works. It sits behind bullet proof glass and there is usually a large crowd. You may have to wait for others to leave to get a good look, especially in the crowded summer months.
- You can sign up for free tours of the Basilica from the Vatican Tourist Office.
- Pay to climb the Cupola. To the right of the entrance of the Basilica and past the Holy Door, you can climb the 320 steps to the top for 6 Euros. You can also pay 7 Euros to take the elevator.
- Going to the top of the Basilica gives you an amazing view of Rome. For people in fairly good shape, climbing the stairs is well worth the effort it takes.
Tips
- Consider walking or riding the metro away from the Vatican City for lunch. Places right near the entrance are often overpriced and not the highest quality. You can find better fare if you go down Via Germanico to Via Marcantonio Colonna.
- Consider using 1 of the post offices in the Vatican City. These post offices have an excellent reputation and relatives love getting a postcard from the smallest sovereign state. Remember that postage from the Vatican City will not work in Rome.
Things You'll Need
- Metro map
- Bus map
- Vatican Museum Tickets
- Tour guide
- Map of Rome
- Entrance fee for the Cupola stairs/elevator
- Small bag
- Camera
- Long pants
- Long shirts
- Bus/metro tickets
- Walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Small, secure bag/purse
- Money belt
