How to visit the Vatican

Video: Visiting the Vatican - How to Plan Ahead

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 4: Planning for the Future
Method 2 of 4: Transportation in the Vatican
Method 3 of 4: Vatican Museums
Method 4 of 4: St. Peter's Basilica
Tips
What do you need

The Vatican is the smallest sovereign state in the world. It was once part of Rome, but declared independence in 1929. The Vatican is home to the headquarters of the Holy Roman Church, with fewer than 1,000 citizens. Inside its walls, you will find a huge collection of artistic and religious artifacts and rich traditions. If you want to visit the Vatican and see sights such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, then you need to plan ahead. The Vatican Museums are in need of renovation, and walking around the city can seem confusing at first. Find out how to visit the Vatican.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Planning for the Future

1 Plan your trip to see the Pope's apartment. This will require some prior planning as the Pope only speaks on Wednesdays and Sundays. To receive his blessing on Sunday, you will have to arrive there well before noon in order to take a good seat and see him in the crowded square.
- You can book tickets to see it on Wednesday if you arrive between September and July. Go to vatican.va to fill out the form. Send it by fax to the phone number indicated on the form.
2 Find out which attractions in the Vatican are free and which require an appointment. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel cost approximately € 15 ($ 19, £ 12), while the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral costs approximately € 6 ($ 6.4, £ 4.8). The Cathedral and St. Peter's Square are free.
- The passes to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are combined. You cannot buy a ticket to one of these places.
3 Book your tickets in advance to see the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, especially if you are traveling during religious holidays and during summer. You won't waste time waiting at the gate. However, you will not be able to get a discount or student card in advance unless you are with a tour group who does it for you.
- Visit biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do to book these tickets.
4 Book an official guide to tour the Vatican Museums and more. Italy has a very strict rule that only licensed guides are allowed to tour this area, so be sure to ask for a license before booking. There is a wealth of art and information within the walls of the Vatican, so this place is worth paying for a guide.
- Go to mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Servizi_Visite.html to see a description of the different tours you can choose from. There is a link on the button of the page where you can book excursions with a group or individual.
5 Dress appropriately. The Vatican has its own dress code. Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered. Also, some people wear long skirts and shirts as a sign of respect.
- Both men and women will not be allowed to visit unless their shoulders and knees are covered. This means that tops, summer dresses, and short shorts will not work. Women can change their outfit by bringing a shawl and tights with them.
- Italy and the Vatican are very hot in summer and can be rainy in winter. Wear lightweight items that dry quickly. This will help you when you need to cover up during the trip.
- Wear walking shoes. Many people spend the whole day on their feet at the Vatican. Prepare yourself so that you are comfortable in these conditions and when you are queuing.
6 Take a small bag. Large bags, backpacks and umbrellas will be checked before entering the Vatican Museums. This can be a lot of hassle if you want to freely enter the Vatican walls. Therefore, leave most of your belongings at the hotel.
7 Get ready for pickpocketing. For several years, most petty thefts were committed in front of Michelangelo's Pieta, in St. Peter's Basilica. Always keep your little bag in front of you with your hand on it.
- Never wear flashy jewelry or a lot of cash. Men's wallets in back pockets are especially popular with pickpockets. Buy a money belt and tuck it into your shirt if you want extra security.

Method 2 of 4: Transportation in the Vatican

1 Take the metro to get to the Vatican. You will have to walk a little if you decide to use this method. The Vatican is located between Ottaviano and Cipro metro stations.
- If you are heading directly to the Vatican Museums, the Cipro Metro Station is closer. If you are heading to St. Peter's Basilicas, then from the Ottaviano station you will get faster.
2 Buy a bus map from the store. There are about 10 routes that run around the Vatican. The route you choose depends on where you are in Rome.
3 Drive to the north entrance to enter the Vatican Museums. Come to the east entrance to enter St Peter's Basilica. Since the Vatican is fenced in, it can take about 30 minutes to get from one entrance to the next.
- Get a map of Rome to make sure you take the right route.

Method 3 of 4: Vatican Museums

1 Take your time while visiting the Vatican Museums. While most people know about the Sistine Chapel, there is still a lot to see on your way through the museums towards the chapel.
- Use the restroom in front of the museums. There are a few places ahead where you can use it during your research.
- Take your camera with you to photograph in museums. It is not allowed to take pictures in the Sistine Chapel, but you will be able to take pictures in many other places. You will see special signs on which it will be written where it is allowed to use the flash.
- Spend more time at the Pinakothek. It is located to the right of the escalator entrance. Many people bypass this place, as it is located on the opposite side of the Sistine Chapel, but Italians consider the collection of Raphael, Da Vinci and Caravaggio to be a real treasure.
2 Get some water or buy it from the vending machines. Visitors quickly become dehydrated in summer, and the Vatican has fewer opportunities to buy food or water than elsewhere in Italy. Prepare the water so you can stay in good health for longer.
3 Exit the Vatican Museums and head down the spiral staircase. This is a famous staircase that many visitors can see and photograph.
- You can also use the "secret" door that will lead you directly to St. Peter's Basilica. If you exit through the right door when you leave the museums, you will be taken directly to this place. You may have to come back as you are technically tied to the tour group. You will also miss the spiral staircase if you take this route.

Method 4 of 4: St. Peter's Basilica

1 Walk around the east entrance to enter St. Peter's Basilica. Below are some of the things you might want to look for:
- Visit Grottos. This is the place where some members of the royal family and former popes are buried. You will have to queue up at the entrance to go down to the lower level of the basilica to see this place.
- See Pieta Michelangelo. This statue of Mary with the baby Jesus is one of his favorite works. She stands behind bulletproof glass and usually has a large crowd near her. You may have to wait until the rest of the people leave to get a good view, especially during the summer months.
- You can register for free guided tours of the Basilica at the Vatican Tourist Office.
2 Pay to climb to the domes. To the right of the entrance to the basilica and behind the holy door, you can climb 320 steps to the top for 6 euros. You can also use the elevator for 7 euros.
- Climbing to the top of the basilica, you will see an amazing view of Rome. For people in good physical shape, it takes a lot of effort to climb the stairs to the top.

Tips

Consider leaving or taking the metro from the Vatican for lunch. The seats right next to it are often very expensive and of poor quality. You can find the best prices if you drive down through Germanico to Marcantonio Colonna.
Consider using one of the post offices in the Vatican. These post offices have a very good reputation and your relatives will be delighted to receive a postcard from the smallest sovereign state. Please be aware that delivery from the Vatican does not work in Rome.