1200 Rooms In 12 Years? A Journey Through The Vatican Labyrinth

A non-negotiable must see when visiting Rome for the first time is the Vatican Museums. Specifically, the Sistine Chapel is what most tourists come to see and it is located at the very far end of the museum from the entrance. If you are on a short and brief visit, you may consider keeping your museum tour minimal by walking through the entire museum (about a 30 minute walk) and finally arriving to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces inside the Sistine Chapel. However, should you have a bit more time to explore, a guided museum tour is highly recommended as there is nothing explained or posted about these extraordinary masterpieces and with a guide you are sure to see the most important highlights without getting lost and not knowing what it is you’re seeing. As the saying goes “Rome wasn’t built in a day” which of course suggests that it would also be impossible to see it in that period of time. Therefore, it is wise to choose your priorities.

Whether you decide to take a quick look or soak it all in, prepare to face long lines if you do not book a tour. The dress code is also very strict and if not dressed properly you will be turned away, no exceptions. Both women and men must have their shoulders and knees covered. The safest way to go is to wear long pants. If you happen to find yourself there and “improperly dressed” no need to worry as many souvenir shops and local newsstands sell disposable paper pants or scarves which run for about 5 euro each.

On the last Sunday of every month, you can enjoy free entry into the Vatican Museums. However, you may think twice about this offer as the lines can be extremely long given that everyone else is thinking the same. A good option to avoid the wait time is to line up about 2 hours before the closing time when the majority have already been inside or have gone to lunch. The only risk might be not making it in at all, as at closing time the guards simply close the doors and anyone left outside will not be granted access, so only try this if you happen to be around and it’s not the only chance you have to visit. If splurging is in your budget (by about 1700 Euro), then you may consider booking an after-hours visit with a private guide.

Once inside the museums, you can sit around in the various sunny gardens and peek out the windows to see the Pope’s backyards. If you’re fortunate enough and happen to be standing by the many doors around, you may just be able to catch a sneak peek at some of the Pope’s private quarters.

As many tourists also wish to see St Peter’s Basilica and maybe even sneak a peek at the Pope, this is actually possible if you plan your itinerary well. The Pope gives mass on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM from the outside of St. Peter’s Basilica and can be seen on Sundays from his residence window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Opening and closing hours at the Vatican Museums vary according to season and there may also be some last minute holidays in which the museums may close. Also, remember that the last entry into the museums is about an hour and a half earlier than the actual closing time, so it is good to arrive well in advance in order to enjoy all the wonderful sights the Vatican has in store.

By: When In Rome Tours

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Article contributed by Danielle Russo of When In Rome Tours WhenInRomeTours.com, Experts in Vatican Tours and Rome sightseeing Private-Tours since 1999.