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Recommended Reviews - Musei Vaticani
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The Musei Vaticani, or Vatican Museum, is a labyrinth of ART-ifacts. We purchased tickets (20€/adult) in advanced for a timed entry. Don't be tricked by the skip the line tickets, they're just re-selling you the timed entry tickets. Also tour groups did not seem to have any advantages, and at time were stuck to the spots the tour guides wanted to tell you more about. Bring your passport! Luckily I had my passport on hand because they wanted to confirm at least one passport with the names on the tickets. We came at an early time and it was already crowded. Seems like the crowds are inevitable here. The Vatican Museum houses an extensive collection of art, with most of the art being religious. The museum has collections and artifacts from ancient Rome, Egypt and early civilizations. Don't forget to look up at the ceiling. All of the ceilings have intricate designs of their own. My boyfriend joked that it hurt his neck to have to constantly look up the whole time. I thought it was also interesting that they would even display the art in its' broken form, and not as restored as other museums would. The main beloved piece of work here is the Sistine Chapel. However the space is extremely crowded, making it hard to fully enjoy. The feeling of being inside the Vatican museum is like being in a can of sardines. We came on a weekday, first thing in the morning, and yet there was no relief to the crowd. There were also some sus people who were touching everything. I thought that was disrespectful to ancient relics... but there wasn't any staff around to stop them.
No visit to Rome would be complete without a stopover to Vatican City. Situated on the banks of the Tiber River, sprawling over 109 acres within a 2-mile border, the Vatican is forever associated with the Catholic Church and began with the construction of a basilica over St. Peter's grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D. The name Vaticanus traces its etymology back to the word "vaticinium," which means "oracle," since many psychics used to occupy the place during the Roman Classical Antiquity. Millions of tourists make their way to the world's smallest independent city-state each year, whether they be devout pilgrims, art enthusiasts, history buffs, or just hopelessly curious. No passports required! Founded under the papacy of Clement XIV in the middle of the 18th century, the Vatican Museums were established to display the extensive papal collection, where my partner, our friends, family member, and I came in mid-September as first-timers. Reservations were easily made at the Vatican official website for 6 persons at the 8:30am tour, which we were lucky to get and was reasonably priced. On the day of the tour, don't arrive too early like us. The tickets were timed, and we had to step off the line until 30 minutes beforehand. After going through security, which did not take too long, we were on our way to pick up our audio headset and enjoyed the art and history deemed awe-inspiring. With thousands of people, one is herded through miles of long, huge, and spacious corridors, everyone inching along towards the prize of the Sistine Chapel. Our guide, to Michaela's credit, tried to point out and describe certain artworks. However, the art one's passing is almost impossible to see due to the incredible multitude of people. The route back was much less crowded, as most seem to go on to St. Peter's Basilica right from the Chapel. What an incredible experience, which we can recommend.
This place is a must see when you're in Rome! We came here specifically to see the famed Sistine Chapel but the journey towards it was full of art, culture, and history. It is definitely crowded but worth it. Be reminded of the dress code (modest, shoulders and knees covered) and be alert of signs and regulations because certains areas don't allow photography. Then, prepare for the journey of a lifetime!
Loved, loved this museum! Get the skip the line tickets- it's definitely worth it. Each room you walked through kept getting more and more beautiful- from Egyptian artifacts to Greek and Roman art. My favorite parts were seeing the papal vehicles/ carriages and the Sistine Chapel of course. There's also a little cafe here (although a little pricy). I wish I had been able to do the garden tour, but just seeing part of the gardens from above was amazing. It was crowded for sure (Friday during late July) and a lot of rooms only had the windows open or some fans for ventilation. It took me several hours to see everything (be prepared to walk several miles through the museum) and I felt like I could've spent more time reading through things at the end. Highly recommend 2025 #55
If you are a lover of art, the vatican museums are a must. While the majority is incredible Renaissance art, there are sections with Egyptian art and contemporary art. It's really quite amazing to see all of the frescos and imagine what it was like for Michaelangelo and Raphael and all the others painting so masterfully on high ceilings and walls. We have been here a couple of times before on our own, but this was the first time we had a tour guide, and I'm so glad we did. While I really like roaming around on my own, we learned so much that we wouldn't have otherwise. For instance, I did not know that after Michaelangelo's death, the council of Trent hired a painter to strategically paint drapes and fig leafs on the nudes in the Sistine Chapel, as apparently there was too much nakedness. The downside to these museums are the crowds and the lack of air conditioning in some galleries. It was sweltering in some. If you are planning on a visit here, I cannot stress to you enough to purchase tickets in advance. We were able to walk by the line (which we overheard was approximately 3 and a half hours long--just to buy tickets) and go right in.
Been fortunate to been here a couple times now Similar yet different experiences First time the line was super long around the Vatican walls outside but time things moved quickly yet still busy It can get warm with all the people and sometimes it bottle necks which is normal given everyone what's the picture or view Getting to the main Sistine chapel they make you work for it and even though it takes a loooong time for you to get in when you do it's worth it! The legendary spiral staircase that leads you out and feeling and seeing so much history not just from a religious standpoint but just for the country in general A must visit in Rome
Conclave. A papal conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals to appoint a new pope. So interesting to visit the Vatican during the Conclave. Even though the Sistine Chapel was closed, we still were able to see a lot on our guided tour of the Vatican Museum. Check in was easy. Nice to be able to skip the line. Booked a guided tour in English directly from the Vatican Museum for 40 Euros. Our tour guide, Erik, was a professor from Atlanta who has been working at a university in Rome for the past two decades. So lucky to get so much information on our tour. The Vatican Museum is filled with so many treasures. The museum was founded with a single piece. Laocoon and His Sons was found in 1506 by a farmer. This was collected by Pope Julius II on the recommendation of Michelangelo and became the piece that led to the Vatican Museum. Since then, so many priceless objects have been collected. The Bathtub of Nero. The Pinecone Courtyard. The Bronze Statue of Hercules. The Sarcophagus of Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine. The statue of Antinoos, the lover of Emperor Hadrian. Masterpieces by Leonardo DaVinci, Chagall, Van Gogh. Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts. Amazing. The Belvedere Torso inspired Michelangelo. He often visited this statue to explore the body in motion. This was important as models were expensive, and it was against the rules of the church to dissect cadavers. He used it as a reference when painting the Sistine Chapel, Apollo Belvedere was another Roman statue that Michelangelo used as inspiration for his art. In The Last Judgement, the face of Jesus shows a striking resemblance to the Apollo Belvedere. The Gallery of Maps is amazing. It maps all areas of Italy. The School of Athens by Raphael is truly a high Renaissance masterpiece. So much packed into the huge fresco. It shows a collection of the world's greatest philosophers, scientists and mathematicians gathered to represent the power of human knowledge. Check out the self portrait of Raphael and the portrait of Michelangelo as an artistic jab between rivals. Tip: Book your tour directly with the museum. The skip the line is a great time saver. Keep your knees and shoulders covered. Go to St. Peter's Basilica after exploring the museum and exiting though the Bramante Staircase. Such a great place to explore, the Vatican Museum with or without the Sistine Chapel being open is stunning. #2400
It would be criminal to come to Rome and not visit the Vatican. My first time here was 17 years ago during the summer and all I remember is that it was so hot. My clothes felt like it was sticking to my person. This was my fourth visit to Italy and second time here. This time around it was still unbelievably hot, but we're older and wiser so our tickets let us cut to the front of the line. And because we had a stroller, they let us cut through everyone else. Make sure you bring a form of identification because they do in fact check when you go through security. They make sure the name on the ticket matches with the ID. The entrance can be a little chaotic. The amount of tourists trying to get in seem endless. Unless you have the time to waste by standing in line to get in, I highly recommend buying skip the line tickets so that all you need to do is get to the front of the line when you get there for the time slot you signed up for. The earlier, the better. Once inside, the biggest challenge are the stairs. They never end. We were constantly having to carry the stroller by holding on to every corner so it wouldn't be too heavy. Much like the last time I was amazed at everything that I saw. The opulence. The grandeur. But boy are you packed like sardines with everyone else. We got so many steps in admiring all the things. Before leaving, we stopped by the cafe right in the middle of the garden for a quick snack. There's lots to see here I'd probably come back the next time I'm in Rome.
I had heard that you trudged through endless galleries before the Sistine Chapel. And that's right. You do. That said, it's like the history of western art: Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek, Roman .... Even modern art by Rivera and others. It is really impressive. The Sistine chapel itself is mesmerizing. Guards will guide you to the center to stare but there are benches on the outside. Binoculars are allowed; photography of any kind is not. Also there are clean bathrooms with both toilet paper as well as toilet seats. And double also, there are many food options at the end including a pizzeria, cafeteria and restaurant.
Book tickets in advance if you plan on coming here. We arrived early and had to wait before being allowed to enter. There are several long lines. Once inside, the experience was not great. It was overly crowded and I felt slightly claustrophobic as we were herded from room to room. Toward the end, you finally get to the Sistine Chapel.
Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance! We came by for 1:30pm in August and it was so so crowded. Not all the rooms have air conditioning, and there were just so many people everywhere - even on the line waiting to get inside. It's a short walk from the metro station including a flight of stairs up. I reserved the audio guide which included a self guided map. Maybe I'll do a tour next time.
The Vatican City, specifically the Musei Vaticani, was one of the top places on my list to visit while I was in Roma. Growing up Catholic, this is pretty much the mecca of the religion so I couldn't leave without seeing it. It made the most sense to book the museum while visiting Vatican City, so I made plans and then we made our way over during our second day in Roma. The Musei Vaticani are a collection of multiple museums within the Vatican City - there are several packages you can purchase via the official website, and I went with the one that gave us access to the gardens and all the museums - including the Sistine Chapel. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially if you come during the high tourist seasons. After entry we were led straight through to the main outdoor plaza which had loads of photo ops of the gardens. Surrounding us were the museums, each containing art and exhibits from around the world and different time periods. There are honestly so many museums one could spend hours exploring. We eventually wanted to make our way to the Sistine Chapel which is conveniently the final attraction point before the museum exit. It's a relatively lengthy walk to get there, however along the way there are multiple mini museums where we stopped to take in the culture. This was my favorite part of my visit as the ornateness of the interiors were magnificent. After living my best Catholic life in the Sistine Chapel we made a pit stop at the gift shop and then exited. Overall, well worth the trip over - there's so much art and history compacted into a relatively small space. I admit it may be a little daunting to get through, but I definitely recommend taking the time to explore.
Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in the long lines and people trying to get your attention. You can spend hours and hours here. From statue heads to giant statues to art on the ceiling it is amazing. It will be crowded and it's huge so bring your walking shoes. I love the amazing hallways because they are picturesque. Don't forget to take a some photos outside the Vatican. read more
7 years ago
Last....The Vatican Museum. We did not encounter bands of gypsy pickpockets, nor did we feel unsafe in any part of Italy. Our only logistical issues were with tourists in Rome... sadly the Vatican was the top of the list for pushing and shoving. We went thru in the early morning with a skip-the-line group. They simply sell too many tickets during time slots. It so crowded it was was miserable. I also quickly became desensitized to opulence... the sheer number gilded and gaudy items was astonishing. This is a huge building, and it went on-and-on. I suppose if you wanted to see certain church artifacts, this might be of great interest to you. 4 things stood out for me... the exterior, the ceilings, the huge ancient Maps, and the Borgia Apartments.... Bernardino di Betto (Pinturicchio) and his studios were commissioned to paint frescos on the walls.... stunning When we could see and hear our guide, she did an adequate job of providing information. Notice I do not say the Sistine Chapel... After what seemed like hours, being pushed and shoved, struggling to keep from being cut off from our tour group. we are told... *the Sistine Chapel is that way, when you are finished please exit*. Suddenly the lecture on the contents of this work at the beginning of our tour made a modicum of sense. I know I am not the first person to be disappointed with the Sistine Chapel... sadly it was on the top of my list to experience IRL. I certainly did not expect to see a *story board* of rectangular paintings....! The scale was completely off from the floor, the overall design was dull, unimaginative, and many components were poorly executed ...even from 40 ft away. Overall Papi's House was a confusing combination of an ostentatious show of wealth, the overly opulent decorative arts, and some genuinely beautiful items. read more
6 years ago
There is a free entry option to the Musei Vaticani on the last Sunday of the month (subject to opening and closures). Children under 6 years are always free. There are so many options for visiting the museum that it will make your head spin, however the cheapest is to buy your ticket online from the official Vatican Museum website. Once you have purchased your ticket download the map of the Vatican Museum. The museums are vast and complex and if you do not have a full day or perhaps two, the map will guide you to areas of most interest efficiently. Visit early in the morning or after 6 pm to avoid possible massive crowds. The Vatican Museum recommends that you do not miss these areas: the Spiral Staircase, Raphael's Transfiguration, Pincona Levityard, Lacoon, Apollo Belvedere, The Rotudra Room & Porphyis Basin, Tapestry Hall and the Maps. The Sistine Chapel painted (1508-1512) is included in most tour packages. Most tours are three hours long. Without a tour you can not visit the Pope's Garden. They offered a guided tour which was 3 hours long and conducted in 6 languages. The tour was 41.3 Euros and enables you to skip the ticket line which is often a 30 minute queue. It included the Raphael Rooms, Tapestry Gallery and the Sistine Chapel. I opted for the skip the line 28 Euro tour which came with an audio-guide in 10 different languages. The guide took you through 9 miles of historical Renaissance masterpieces. No flash photos are allowed. Photos for personal use only., No tripods or professional equipment. No telescopic "selfie sticks". The Sistine Chapel is particularly monitored and does not allow photos or film with any type of electrical equipment or phone subject to immediate cancellation of your tour. read more
Finally! I've been wanting to visit here for a while and my chance to visit finally came this month when I visited Rome. Buying a ticket in advance is a must unless you enjoy hanging out in queue for over an hour. I bought my ticket online and was able to walk right up to the entrance while passing so many people waiting. If they have a regular ticket sold out, look around for other tickets. I ended up paying extra 20€ for combo garden tour ticket, just to secure general museum admission ticket. I didn't use the garden tour ticket but that extra 20€ I paid was worth it. It would have been difficult to wait in such a hot weather. So the museum... I enjoy reading about Greek gods and Roman and Greek history books, including kids book Percy Jackson' Greek Gods. They are just fascinating to me. For those who like that, you will really enjoy immersing yourself with all the Greek gods you know from the story. I had both SLR and iPhone with me but most of the time, I forgot to take pictures and just took them in to enjoy. I spent 4 hours here and thought it was just about enough time to enjoy. Get your ticket in advance and enjoy! read more
This museum - just like any major museums that lives to the "city's greatest" title - houses more art works one can view on just one day. So this is awesome. No AC in the summer is pretty grim, but most rooms tend to have windows open, and given its hilltop location, there will be some breeze even in August. So the aweful part is the "no photo rule" in the Sistine Chapel. I'm guessing that most people don't know that taking pictures are perfectly okay (Nippon TV's exclusive license ended more than two decades ago, and it wasn't subjected to the public in the first place anyway). So all those news articles (that dates back as long as 1990) that reports that it is okay to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel, the museum somehow tries to restrict all tourists from it (and utterly failed from enforcing it). However, a few guards use this opportunity to yell in people's faces (even to children) saying such things like "this is my ground, now get out!(Mean face)!!" read more
6 years ago
I came here Monday morning around 10am with an English tour that also gave access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. They do have inclusive luggage storage, which is a bit of a hassle to collect afterwards because the tour ends in St. Peter's Basilica and you have to exit the basilica and walk all the way to the exit of the Vatican Musuem to get your stuff. Overall, this tour was absolutely amazing. The museum itself was fantastic, there were so many famous paintings by famous artists like Michelangelo, and walking through all the rooms, you can see the amazing art and sculptures. Having a tour gave so much more context, details and history that really helped you to connect with everything. Our tour guide was very detail oriented and knew so so much about everything. They helped us navigate the dense crowds and gave us the best views and tips. I visited Italy in November, and the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel were by far the busiest and most touristy filled place in all of Italy! The tour was fun, I learned a lot and would definitely recommend to anybody who's eager to learn a lot about the Vatican. read more
9 years ago
A famous site worth the wait ... but here's how to AVOID THE LINES! There are a lot of famous sites in Rome, some of them disappointing and quite overrated. But the Vatican Museums will not disappoint! It was everything it was supposed to be, and more! Our knowledgeable private guide, whom we booked a month in advance, was able to secure tickets, explain the works of art to pay attention to and which to ignore, and most importantly suggest the best time to tour the Vatican. We'll get to that. But the ceilings were unbelievably beautiful throughout the museums, even more beautiful than the overrated Sistine Chapel. The stellar collection of beautiful and valuable pieces in the Vatican is every bit as impressive as some of the most notable museums in the world. And once you make it through the maze and out the other end, departing the surprisingly disappointing Sistine Chapel, you'll discover St. Peter's Basilica, the most amazing church in the world! But how do you avoid the block-long lines at the Vatican??? We were told to meet our guide at 3:30 p.m. on a Saturday to avoid the lines. Sure enough, we never waited in a single line and we got photographs of the museum with practically no one in it. By the time you reach St. Peter's, the sunlight will be streaming through the cupola windows for great pictures. Fantastic tourist site, perfect time to go. read more
4 years ago
This surpassed my expectations by a huge margin I'm not a museum guy but there was some great stuff here I loved the map corridor and the Cellini art was awesome. read more
Absolutely incredible! Not only was this one of the highlights of the entire trip for me, but this is, without a doubt, one of the greatest experiences I've had in all my travels to date! Luckily we went in slow season (December), bought our tickets online (well worth it, especially "skip the line" privileges), and arrived bright and early on our first full day in Rome, which was a Wednesday. We basically were the VERY first people through the door that day, which led to no crowds and a leisurely stroll through all the amazing wonders housed here in the Vatican Museum! To be able to see the works of Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, and Raphael was beyond incredible! The Gallery of Maps is breathtaking and you could literally spend an entire, neck-cranking day taking in all of the beautiful art over head. There are seemingly endless amounts of frescoes, sculptures, and paintings to be in awe of! But, for me, the highlight of it all was stepping into the Sistine Chapel! It is one of those experiences I will remember for as long as I still live and breathe! Although I consider myself more of a Christian than a Catholic, I have a profound appreciation and respect for the history and beauty of this amazing display! 5 stars! read more
Outstanding! The artwork, the statues, the indoors and outdoors, all leave you speechless. It will take you a couple of hours to go through here with all it has to offer. It was fairly busy when we went in April, I'm sure it gets even busier in the summer. Be prepared for some pushing and shoving. read more
7 years ago
5 years ago
The Vatican Museum is really interesting. The Sistine Chapel a must visit. To see Michelangelo's work an experience in itself. Worth going once in a lifetime. But not twice. I would not go again because the waiting in line is ridiculous. I had a fast pass....still a long waiting. The amount of people inside is absurd. If they limit the amount of people it would have been a more pleasant visit. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Woot!!! If you are in Rome, I reckon a visit to the Vatican Museums is a must! We lucked out and came on a rainy Saturday and it was the perfect day to spend (mostly) inside. The staff here are so wonderfully warm and helpful! I would also recommend doing a tour - we booked a Splurge, a new tour called "Waking the Vatican" that's only been running 6 months and it involves being a group of only 20 seeing the galleries before the museum opens up for the day and as an extreme rarity, we can take pictures and speak in the Sistine Chapel! However, Iit's a 3.5 star review for me for the Vatican restaurants! We tried x2 of them - 1 at breakfast and another at lunch, and skipped the pizzeria. The breakfast was superb! Fabulously rich scrambled eggs (and I don't generally _like_ scrambled eggs!) and amazing bacon! Plus freshly made pancakes that were addictive with a hint of fresh vanilla wafting as they were made, and the taste was equally delicious! They also had a variety of lovely sweet cakes and croissants and wonderful coffee and tea varieties. Lunch was a bit more uneven. The lunch was €9.50 and it was two kinds of pasta (50 cents more for getting two varieties), a piece of bread and bottle and water and then you could get a piece of fruit, or yogurt or dessert (which was a cake that didn't look super appetizing to us). Of our two kinds of pasta selections, I thought the gnocchi was much better tasting than the pork ravioli, but the pasta sauce with the ravioli was great! The oil sachets we got with the bread was excellent as was the soup. Honestly, it's not a bad deal and don't forget to check out the 18th century brass cookware displayed around in the glass cabinets. They have a fascinating history involving Napoleon and his dream of being crowned King if Rome that you can find out more about on the information board next to the cookware! Apart from the food, I was amazed at the artwork and sculptures and just really overwhelmed a little bit by so much beauty!! Words just won't do justice to all that I got to saw and experience, so will just end the review by saying, COME HERE! Yelp 260/ 2018 read more
6 years ago
We took a tour through this museum and it was a fantastic experience. Especially while recalling what I learned in 7th grade about Roman and Italian history! It was so amazing walking through something that was so important in history hundreds of years ago. Taking pictures of the Vatican City with myself in them made me feel like I was part of the history lol. I would recommend getting a tour because it's a lot more organized than just going there by yourself and battling the crowds of other people who also don't have a tour. Everyone without a tour just stares at the inside of the museum with no context of what they are looking at. A tour guide provides you information for everything you are looking at, and it's more efficient. Everything from the frescoes to the amazing Sistine Chapel and all the paintings by the famous Michelangelo are breathtaking. Overall, if you're visiting Rome, make sure you come here and find an inexpensive tour that will give you a great experience of this amazing destination! read more
You can't travel to Italy and not spend a day at the Vatican Museum. I was just so amazed with so much awed with admiration and disbelief on how detailed and elaborate of the art, paintings, and architects. You can't compare this museum to anything around the world. It doesn't matter on your beliefs on religion. I guarantee that everyone will appreciate their visits. Make sure you book your tickets ahead of time via online before coming or it would be at least a 3 hours wait. Audio tours are provided at the museum for 7 euros. If you plan to spend the whole day here, I highly recommend you pay for the audio. i recommend that you give yourself at least 3 hours to check out the museum. The must see is to check out the Sistine chapel in great details. Pls also mindful to wear long sleeves or pants that will cover limbs if you plan to view the sistine chapel. They will not let you in if you're not all covered up from the neck, legs, and arms. The sistine chapel is located towards the end of the museum and down the stairs. Photography is prohibited and sound has to be kept to the minimal. The venetian hotel in Las Vegas has nothing compared to the incredible detail art that took many devoted years to finish the final master piece. The walls and ceilings were covered entirely with different stories. I spent a good 30 mins admiring the work. Lastly before you exit to your left, you should continue heading towards to the back corner to check out the St Peter's Basilica. The museum admission allows you to go directly to the St Peter's Basilica without going outside. I highly recommend you spending another 1 hour at St Peter's. The view from the inside is by far more magnificent compared to the St Peter's Square. if you are to enter St Peter Basillica from the outside, you can easily wait another 1-2 hours. You can always check out the St Peter's Square after you finish the Basilica. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
My husband and I came to Rome for our honeymoon and of course, we had to come to the Vatican. We had a lovely time, but there are a few things we hoped our friend's who have visited would have told us... 1) it's crowded, even on the off season 2) the basilica is definitely something you want to visit 3) there's a lot of walking involved (make sure to hydrate beforehand) If you go to the top of St. Peter's Basilica, be prepared to walk up over 300 stairs in a very enclosed space with few windows. Not suitable for people who don't like crowds or tight spaces. read more
One of the most worth it thing we did while in Rome! This where you gain access to the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's Last Judgement and Ceiling Frescos. Several other prominent sculptures and paintings available here as well: Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci Last Sunday of the Month is free from 9 AM to 2 PM, last entry is 12:30 PM. The lines are ridiculously long (2+ hours) I recommend going with a guided tour, the line is faster and they explain things really well. Our guide was awesome! Learned so much throughout the museum. And told us about the most famous/interesting pieces. Some tours do allow wheelchairs, At times it is hard to navigate through the museum in a wheelchair as the place is packed past fire safety standards. Was told wheelchair access was restricted, but several wheelchairs were around us no matter what part of the museum we were in. read more
The Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums) are a huge collection of artifacts that was started by Pope Julius II in the early 1500s. Enriched over the years, the museums contained the works of renowned artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, and Caravaggio among others. Simply put, there were just too much to see and grasp in such a short amount of time. Even with a tour guide, the vast amount of information will be a lot to absorb, unless you're probably well-versed in the subject matter. We had seen reviews and photos of how crowded the museums could be in the daytime so we decided to take advantage of the seasonal Night Openings during our visit. For a minimal fee, we booked our reservation online using their official website (https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do). We thereby skipped the ticket line and headed straight to the ticket window. Since the tour will culminate in the Sistine Chapel, strict dress code was enforced. Just like every place of worship, bare shoulders and knees were prohibited. Those that were not properly dressed were given translucent cloths that they had to cover themselves with. We were part of a large crowd that entered the premises, but it was not the elbow-to-elbow, packed-like-sardines phenomenon. However, some of the attractions (e.g., the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)) were closed at night. Nonetheless, there were plenty of collections that we saw during our allowed timeframe. My top five picks were: Cortile della Pigna (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/musei-vaticani-roma-2?select=VvNVwrcfIiyhmzYXIszUXw) - This was the lovely courtyard inside the premises. There was still enough daylight to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the Fontana della Pigna (Fountain of the Pine Cone) and the Sphere within Sphere sculpture. Galleria della Carte Geografiche (Gallery of Maps) - There were several maps frescoed on the walls, but it was the well-lighted decor on the vaulted ceiling that was the eye-catcher, head-turner, or maybe neck-breaker. Stiff neck and all, the ceiling was worth it. Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms) - Four rooms with frescoes done by the great Raphael and his pupils. Each room had a different theme which were carried out on the walls and ceilings. These are timeless masterpieces. The Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling and on the altar wall (The Last Judgment) were the fitting climax of the tour. They were elegance and beauty at their absolute zenith. Along with the frescoes in the Raphael Rooms, Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel constituted the High Renaissance in Rome. The Modern Bramante Staircase - This was not labelled on the map as part of the exhibits, but I found it to be really captivating. I had packed my camera as we were about to exit, but the sight as I looked down the stairs made me pull my camera out once again. It was enchanting! I respect the strict dress code, but I just found it too ironic that this was being carried on in a place where some of the paintings and sculptures were of naked men and women. Sarcasm aside, I thought it would be harder and more cumbersome to enforce the checkpoint at the Sistine Chapel so doing it at the main entrance was acceptable. There is a "No photo / video policy" inside the Sistine Chapel and this was something I can't seem to let go. I read that Nippon TV was awarded exclusive photo and video rights as part of the restoration they financed back in the 1990s. Even after their contract expired, the Vatican continued to administer the rule which, in my honest opinion, could have been altered to restrict flash photography only. And if they were really determined to make the chapel a place of deep contemplation, they need to tell the guards to stop shouting, "No photo! No video!" and make a more peaceful approach to this mayhem. This was the lowlight in an otherwise gratifying trip to the Vatican Museums. Anyone should be allowed to bring home a keepsake from this historical place other than postcards from the souvenir shop. read more
Vatican City is a must. Start here. At the Musei Vaticani, It's the best flow because of the position of the entrance to Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Pictures are allowed throughout most of the museum. You can snap beautiful pictures of sculptures, murals, paintings, tapestry, artworks of wall size maps. I did a guided tour through an agency not through the museum. Go online, I always recommend guided tours but the outside agency not so much. The only problem with the tours is that they only highlight certain things. You will miss out if you stick by their side which is what most people do. I'm the one that chooses to stay at the very end because I walk away to see other things and read on my own. I try to stay close enough to the group where they don't start to go in and out of my ear piece. Or I get ahead of the group, the problem with this is that the tour guide really doesn't like this, just stand firm you are not following his/her orders. They won't kick you out of the group. Take a break outside on the benches, people watch, or admire their new modern Sphere Within a Sphere. I highly stress you read everything about Michelangelo's Grand Hall ceiling masterpiece where cardinals meet to elect a new pope. No pictures or talking allowed once you actually go in to the Sistine Chapel to see it. You will get the most detail and information outside. In the Grand Hall you can only admire it for what it is, the real thing, yet you are still so far away. I still can't believe I was here and saw the things I saw. ME! read more
Once upon time in a faraway land, filled with pizza, pasta and gelato, Janice indulged on every carbohydrate that you can think of. Ignoring the fact that she had to get up at an ungodly (ha!) hour to meet the tour group, she slumbered restfully while dreaming of carbs. Waking up the next morning was a challenge and rushed through breakfast to be at the tour office by 8:45am. "this better be worth it!" as she mutters to herself. She was pleased that their guide is at least a George Clooney look alike, though the real version is probably lounging on his speedboat in Lake Como, not holding a red umbrella leading the pack while speaking into a static-y microphone. After oohing and aaahing at the various museums inside the Vatican, we finally come to the entrance of the famed Sistine Chapel. At the Vatican Museums, you can see the best collections of everything you've heard in art history class but THIS. IS. IT. Our guide reminded us again before entering the chapel: no talking. no photos. just stare and be at awe. * GOT IT! Can we just go in now?!?! Geez, for the love of God .... * Ooooh!! W O W ! No words can ever describe this! I took out my iphone and started snapping away. Click, click. "YOU! NO PHOTO! GET OUT!" He couldn't mean me?! * la polizia shoves me out of the chapel * Oh thank God it was just a dream! Me? little Miss I follow the rules all the time, CAN'T be kicked out of the Sistine Chapel! my pious grandmother will turn over in her grave! * looks at photos * what?! I did THIS?!?! NoOoOoo ..... 5 somewhat-embarrassing-but-really-amazing stars! read more
11 years ago
Everything was soooo beautiful... From the reviews I was afraid that the line getting into Vatican would take "2 hours"... But to my astonishment, we got in within an hour which was awesome! When we got in, we paid €5.00 each to get to the dome... I am pretty happy that we did that... The view from up there is pretty awesome! And the church itself was just amazing.... I personally loved the popes' resting places... Reading about different popes were pretty cool... As I mentioned in my tip, they don't allow shorts nor sleeveless shirts... So don't plan to wear either if you are visiting the vatican... Besides that I thought everything was beautiful... We got to see the Mass which for me was the first and I thought it was very nice and calming... read more
11 years ago
What can I say? This place is breathtaking! So much to see and learn. So little time. 2 words of advice, buy your tickets in advance through their official website and join a tour group. By purchasing your tickets online ahead of time, you will avoid the dreaded 3+ hours standing in line. By joining a tour group you get to surpass any line whatsoever and gain immediate access into the Vatican, plus the tour guides are very knowledgeable. If you are planning on visiting St. Peters Basilica (right next door) afterwards, being in a tour group is helpful once again. Though entrance is Free into St. Peters Basilica, if you aren't with a tour group, you will have to stand in another 2+ hour line to get into the building. Add the Summer heat to that, and it can be quite exhausting. Being in a tour group will take you through a different entranceway. So that once you are done touring the Vatican, you can go straight into St. Peters Basilica without ever having to wait in a line. A beautiful and memorable experience indeed. read more
6 years ago
Everything you heard about the Vatican is probably true. Thousands of years of history and treasures stored within. Way too crowded and a logistical nightmare to enjoy properly. Hundreds of guides all around trying to make a quick buck off of you. Few of them are actually good. Tons of people on the street waving selfie sticks in your face. Go there to enjoy the history. Go there to say you've been. Go there to see the legacy preserved generation after generation. There is literally nothing quite like it. But to be quite honest, it was really hard to enjoy it fully given the atmosphere. read more
11 years ago
WOW! WOW! WOW! Yap, that was exactly how I felt when I walked in the museum!!! SUPER IMPRESSIVE~ The best museum I have been to in my life. So much to see.... be prepared to spend HOURS inside the museum. YES, photography is allowed. Just no flash. Yeah!!! The history and art pieces... it is so amazing to see in my own eyes. It is definitely HAVE TO see when you come in Rome. Tried to get the ticket in advance... so no waiting in long time to buy the tickets. Also, be prepared for your "neck" exercise because you are going to look at the ceilings a lot! All the details on the ceilings.... unbelievable!! read more
Finally got to see the Musei Vaticani! When I arrived in Rome on Saturday October 15, 2011 they just happened to be having some serious strikes and civil unrest, so we didn't get to go on our tour of the Vatican on Sunday which was the next day. To think I missed possibly seeing the Pope was kind of a let down, but I'm not Catholic so I guess I shouldn't dwell on that too much. Thank goodness our Insight Escorted tour was coming back to Rome for a day after Florence. October 21, 2011 was the day I got to tour the Musei Vaticani and it was incredible. Unfortunately, a lot of my photos were blurry because we were constantly moving and it was packed full of tourists as you can probably imagine. Moving tourists in the photos probably ruined at least half of them. We weren't permitted to take photos in the Sistine Chapel and the guards were always yelling at everyone to be quiet too. They should just tell you when you walk in and basically chill out or quietly escort you out. The constant yelling of the guards was enough to frazzle my nerves. Entrance to the museum was relatively easy because our group had reservations as well as a local guide to escort us. We just got off our bus, walked up the sidewalk and walked right in the museum. I have a couple of tips for anyone who wants to come to the Vatican City: 1. Make reservations and use a real person as a guide. I know there are plenty of audio tours you can get on your i phone, but it won't be as time effective. It would have taken me a whole day just to get around and then more time to find the information on a particular piece of art I was looking at. 2. Eat a nice meal or good snack before you go in because you are going to be there awhile. Our group went right before lunch and I think I was thinking more about food the last half of the tour. Then we ended up spending too much money on food that wasn't the greatest on the main street by the Vatican City. 3. Cut back on the caffeine before you go because you are going to have to be really "PATIENT" with the horrendous amount of tourists and security guards that like to yell in the Sistine Chapel. 4. Don't bring your kids here. They won't like it and you're crazy if you think they will. 5. Do some research on the place ahead of time, so you know what you are looking at. I bought a book, "Eyewitness Top 10 Rome", but I didn't really absorb it like I should have. 6. Dress appropriately and watch your valuables. This is a place that pick pockets go to. I love the Pac Safe handbags. They have extra concealed locks and are slash proof. read more
We did the Viator skip the line tour and it was great! We had a train to catch so we ended up going away from our group and finishing the museum by ourselves, for a much quicker tour. If you are going in the summer and you are debating whether the skip the line is worth it, just get it you will be so happy that you did. So the line for the normal entrance is so bad, we couldn't imagine spending hours on your precious vacation time just to get in, not to mention standing in the 90 plus degree heat of summer! The Viator ticket vouchers did not include the museum tickets so be prepared in most cases to pay for the tickets on that day. I believe we ended up paying about $110.00 for the two of us, like I said it is worth it. We didn't have to wait to get in and even though you are in a small group it is organized fairly well! Once in I mean, I can go on about the museum but from the architecture to the modern artwork...amazing. You have to experience the contents yourself. All I have to say is, if there is one museum you do in Italy this one is worth your time with the skip the line. Just grab some water before you begin, there is a cafeteria but the lines can get crazy. Enjoy and take in the culture! read more
The Catholic Church should be ashamed of itself for hoarding the worlds most religious, historic art and charging €33 to see it. It would do much more for the reputation of Christianity if this church had the true charity in its heart to share this religious art with the world. Art is an extremely important way for everyday people to connect with the spirit, but unfortunately the Vatican only wants to offer that to people with money. Being here made me understand the anger Jesus felt overthrowing the money changers outside the temple. How dare you charge this much money to see Christlike work and cram people inside. The collection is everything. Especially with the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Room. Unfortunately, they have only one Leonardo da Vinci work and it's the unfinished painting that looks like Golum from Lord of the Rings. All in all, watching a program on History Channel or National Geographic would provide a more intimate, detailed and informative experience. read more
My husband is Catholic, so Vatican City was a must for him. The museum is the largest part of the tour of this, St. Peter's Basillica and the Sistine Chapel. The museum is huge and has nice architecture and exhibits but honestly for me it was a little boring. I enjoyed St. Peter's Basilica and The Sistine Chapel more. Definitely book with a tour guide to skip the line. Audio sets for tour guides are given out right outside the entrance. We loved our tour guide Max from Green Line Tours. The bathrooms by the entrance inside weren't bad at all and only the tapestry part of the museum has AC. There's also drinking fountains outside at the museum too. read more
The Vatican Museums are amazing. It's been a few years since I've been but the architecture, paintings, and sculptures there are just amazing. Yeah, I know I said that twice. We had a tour guide walk us around the first time in a large group. We had one of those ear phones with the tape recorder so we could hear what he was saying. The place was super crowded so that really helped. Be sure to check out the Sistine Chapel, The Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms, and St. Peters Basilica to name a few. For the Sistine Chapel, you can't take photographs so be aware of that. We came back a second time the next day. There's so much to see, it's hard to finish everything in a day or even two. If you come to Rome, this is one of those places where you have to visit. There's tons of photo opportunities! It was a breathtaking experience. read more
More info about Musei Vaticani
Viale Vaticano
00165 Rome
Italy
Vaticano, Città del Vaticano
Directions
06 69883333
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http://mv.vatican.va
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Musei Vaticani - museums - Updated May 2026
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