A quick visit to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St.Peter's Basilica - A travel guide

HOLY SEE (VATICAN) - THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

During my University days, in Art History subject, Renaissance was a major topic and 3  primary names taught were Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. One of the masterpieces of Michelangelo is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. So to visit Sistine Chapel was a dream for me! When I stood in front of the Museum with my backpack, it was a dream come true!!!

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Galleria delle Carte Geografiche in Vatican Museums

ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO VISIT
VATICAN MUSEUMS & SISTINE CHAPEL

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

WHAT ARE VATICAN MUSEUMS & SISTINE CHAPEL? HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?
Is it possible to get a ticket only for Sistine Chapel and skip Vatican Museum? - NO! To give you some clarity and help you understand, though it's called Museums as plural, the layout is something like a single museum with several galleries and the end of which is the Sistine Chapel. So the entrance has to be through the common Museum Entrance. And then to reach the other end where the Sistine Chapel is, you have to pass through the whole Museum (or rather all Museums in their terminology)! Even if you rush through the whole thing without seeing anything at all, it takes 2 hrs to reach Sistine! Yes, it is that big, and with the perpetual crowd, it isn't possible to run to Sistine. There's a moderate speed at which the crowd moves, and you have no choice but to move with it. In simple terms, if you have a bus/train to catch in 2 hrs, forget getting inside Vatican Museums, unless you want to miss your bus/train. If you pause at some places and see the Museums & Sistine somewhat it takes 3 hrs... If you're planning your itinerary in Rome & Vatican, just set aside 3 hrs for this place 'minimum'! 

TIME-SLOT ENTRY TICKET TO VATICAN MUSEUMS
I had already booked the ticket for 2 PM and I had my bus to Florence at 5.15 PM. After reading a couple of blogs about the practical information there, I was really unsure if I'd be able to make it to the bus on time, so I went there to the entrance by 1 PM and thankfully I was let in. The guards didn't bother much about keeping the exact time and that was a blessing in disguise for me. Read more about this time issue in the tips section below. There were several very long queues at the entrance, however, I was let in as I had a reservation already.

FIRST STOP - THE TICKET OFFICE AT VATICAN MUSEUMS
As soon as I entered, very close to the ticket counter (yes, the reservation has to be exchanged for a different ticket here), is one of my favorite Roman sculptures 'Laocoon and his Sons' made between 200 BCE to 70 CE. Just beside it is 'Apollo Belvedere', again a Roman sculpture of 120-140 CE. Beside it is the heavily damaged 'Belvedere Torso' of early 2nd C BCE.

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF VATICAN MUSEUMS
Opposite to this is a passage that leads to where audio guides were distributed and then the long walk began towards Sistine. Soon an open courtyard is there where there's a fountain with some intriguing sculptures can be seen. Beyond this courtyard, the first Museum I went to was Museo Chiaramonti which is where all the spectacular Classical Roman marble sculptures are on display including this majestic Emperor Tiberius of 37 CE
Further ahead was the Museo Pio Clementino where there are more sculptures and there's an open octagonal courtyard as well. This place also houses several sarcophagi. Beyond this, within the same museum, is a circular hall will larger than life-sized bronze and marble sculptures along the wall incl Statue of Claudius, Galba, Hera Barbeni, and more in marble, Hercules of the Theatre of Pompey in bronze, and a huge mosaic work on the floor. 
Further ahead after a couple of turns towards Sistine is Galleria dei Arrazi which is a gallery full of tapestries. Then came this room which was air-conditioned called the Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, which is essentially the room of Maps. But almost no one bothered to look at the maps, coz everyone was looking up. The ceiling was just jewel-like with every inch filled with paintings and gilded with gold as well. That's the first picture of this post.
Then came Stanze di Raffaello. What would happen if a person who loved chocolate brownies is given Sizzling Chocolate Brownie topped with Chocolate ice cream??? The reason I went there was for Angelo's Sistine Chapel and I had forgotten that I'll also get to see Raphael's School of Athens, another painting I totally adore!!! This was a series of 4 rooms all painted on all 4 walls and ceilings by Raphael in 1509-1511. I was just in Cloud 9! I was there in that room for quite some time before moving on.
Soon after that, after a couple more rooms, came my destination - Sistine Chapel. The whole room was filled with people! My claustrophobia did peep its head up but I tried my best to just overcome my fears and enjoy what I came to enjoy. The wall of the room was covered with curtains....... Or was it??? Well, they are "painted curtains"!!! Above that, was a frieze of paintings and then there was the glorious ceiling, all painted by Michelangelo in 1508-1512. To see the lifeless body of Adam and the velocity of God moving while passing on 'life' to Adam, to see it in all its original glory...... that's one feeling that I can't explain in words. After being mesmerized and frozen in its beauty for quite a bit, I looked for the exit.

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Travel Guide to visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel



HOW TO EXIT FROM SISTINE CHAPEL? - BRAMANTE STAIRCASE vs ST.PETER'S BASILICA
Well, there are 2 exits at the Sistine Chapel - right and left. The left exit is the actual exit which leads to a few more galleries (almost equal to the number visited on the way up) and the final Bramante Staircase. Well, there are 2 Bramante Staircases - the original built during 1505 which is not open to the public but only to Pope and his Cardinals, the new one built in 1932, a double helix structure that is the final exit from Sistine Chapel. 
However, while going through several blogs before I actually ventured to the Vatican, I came across this one super tip - get out of Sistine through the Right exit, if you're pressed for time. That Right exit is only meant for groups but I squeezed myself in and got out through that. That directly leads to the side entrance of St.Peter's Basilica!!!! However, this exit is only meant for groups with guides. Random checks are done from time to time by the guards to check the guides and count the people that the guide brought in. Try to blend in with a group. But there's every chance that a guard might get a doubt and might stop you and send you to Left Exit!!! Luck plays a role there!!!!! 
I entered the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel by 1 PM and after somewhat seeing half of the galleries (as I totally missed all the galleries on the other side of the Sistine Chapel) and spending a decent amount of time in Raphael Rooms & Sistine Chapel I exited by 4 PM after which I visited the St.Peter's Basilica, it was perfect timing to reach the bus stand. Had I gone by 2 PM... God save me!!!!!!!!!

Where are Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (on Google Maps)? Vatican Museums
How to reach Vatican Museums? Nearest Metro Station: Ottaviano; Nearest Bus stop: Musei Vaticani
Vatican Museums Tickets: €17 ( €5 for online booking; €7 for audio guide). Tickets always have a time-slot entry. You can book it online on the official website of Musei Vaticani.
Vatican Museums Timings: 9:00AM to 6:00PM (last entry 4:00PM).
How to visit Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) for free: Admission is free on the last Sunday of every month from 9:00AM to 12:30PM

BOOK YOUR VATICAN MUSEUMS & SISTINE CHAPEL TICKETS HERE



ST.PETER'S BASILICA

Getting out of Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums through a shortcut, I went into St.Peter's Basilica. As you enter there are 3 doors - a queue to climb the dome. Quite amusingly the queue to get tickets to go to the dome hardly had about 10 people!!! But then, I figured out that there are 520 steps to reach atop the dome and even if you take the elevator you'll still have to climb 320 stairs! 
Beside this was the door to go the Vatican Grottoes which has free entry. The other door was of course the entry into St.Peter's Basilica!!! 
The original St.Peter's Basilica was built by Emperor Constantine in 318-322 CE. Later in 1506-1626, the present structure was constructed. 
Vatican Grotto is where the tombs of the popes are located for the general public to see! Apart from various tombs, some other interesting things I saw here were the column basement of the 4th C CE's Constantinian Basilica, also there were the remnants of the original dividing wall built under Pope Paul III. 
Today St.Peter's Basilica is the Vatican is the most important place in the world for Catholics and this is where the Pope lives! There's already a lot of information about St.Peter's Basilica and Square. So here are just some pictures and practical details to visit St.Peter's Basilica, Vatican!!!

Where is St.Peter's Basilica Vatican (on Google Maps)Basilica di San Pietro
How to reach St.Peter's Basilica VaticanNearest Metro Station: Ottaviano; Nearest Bus stop: Musei Vaticani
St.Peter's Basilica Vatican Entry Tickets: Free
St.Peter's Basilica Vatican Dome Tickets: €10 for elevator ascent + 320 steps climbing; €8 for 520 steps climb. It is not possible to book this ticket online and can only be bought at the ticket office there.
St.Peter's Basilica Vatican Timings: 
Basilica: 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (7:00PM in summer)
Cupola (Dome): 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (6:00PM in summer)
Grottoes: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (6:00PM in summer)


Travel Guide to visit the St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican

Travel Guide to visit the St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican

Travel Guide to visit the St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican Travel Guide to visit the St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican

Travel Guide to visit the St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican

Travel Guide to visit the St.Peter's Basilica in Vatican

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE VISITING ST.PETER'S BASILICA
It is not possible to book the Cupola (Dome) ticket online.
Dress appropriately - no sleeveless and covered till below knee. If not, the security guards send you to get a cover-up. Disposable cover-ups are available all over the city (which just look like disposable surgical gowns made of non-wovens and they just look disgusting!).
Photography is not allowed inside Sistine Chapel. It is however allowed in all other places in Vatican Museum & Basilica.

TIPS TO VISIT VATICAN & ROME
Local transport in Rome: The best way to explore Rome is by taking the 1-day transport pass. Though the Vatican is a separate nation and not a part of Rome, don't worry, for all practical purposes, the Schengen Visa and this transport pass are enough to access the Vatican.
Drinking water: Water costs soooo much! Half a liter of water costs 2 Euros anywhere here. Wherever you're staying, try to fill up your bottles there before you set your foot out.
Street food in Rome: As a vegetarian, the place I love, in Europe, for food, is Italy. There's a huge variety of vegetarian street food available in little shops & kiosks all around the Colosseum including slices of Pizza or Foccacia. 

DAY TRIPS & WEEKEND TRIPS FROM ROME & VATICAN
Italy is pretty well connected by railway lines and it is quick and easy to travel across the country by train. Here are some easy day trips and weekend trips you could do taking the train from Rome.
Rome to Florence - Direct train - Takes about 1:30 hours
Rome to Pisa - Direct train takes about 4 hours. A high-speed train to Florence and then another train to Pisa takes about 2:30 hours.
Rome to Milan - Direct train - Takes about 3:30 hours
Rome to Turin - Direct train - Takes about 4:30 hours
Rome to Lake Maggiore - Train to Milan and then another train to Stresa/Arona takes about 5 hours.

Ultimate Guide to visit Vatican Museums Pinterest Ultimate Guide to visit St.Peter's Basilica Vatican Pinterest

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

27 comments:

  1. I understand what it feels like to run through galleries like a madwomen, trying to take in as much as possible for I do it all the time. I promised myself that if I ever get to Europe to Louvre or vatican museum that I would spend atleast one full day there. Lets see

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for that wonderful post. There is some excellent information there. On our trip to Rome about 10 years ago the museum was shut! Good excuse to go back methinks.
    Great they allow you to take photographs in parts of the museum.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I went to the Vatican a number of years ago on a shook trip. This reminded me of it! I remember it being a lot more dark and gloomy at the time. Looks like I need a trip back there

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow you did well! I went to Rome last month and after queueing to long for Colloseum we couldn't face queueing for this too! However, if you're into your art, this is totally the right place to be! Relieved you got your bus in time - even though I'm sure you wouldn't have wanted to leave. Such a beautiful city!

    ReplyDelete
  5. We visited the Sistine Chapel on our honeymoon in 2008. It was just a few short blocks from our rental! Such a beautiful place, so wroth the visit. I would love to go back!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wise decision to visit Sistine Chapel. When we visited Rome unfortunately we didnt have the time to visit. I would go back only to visit this place. Especially I am in love with all that art there.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are so lucky! I've been to the Vatican twice and STILL haven't seen the Sistine Chapel due to illness and then it being closed. Third time has to be the charm! The Vatican Museums also look gorgeous! I love all those statues!

    ReplyDelete
  8. How cool to see all this amazing historical art in real life. I feel I never have enough time to explore and see everything that I want to see when I go to a museum. You usually need at least a full day to take it all in. Great tips about the exit and getting a ticket before hand!

    ReplyDelete
  9. As ever an extremely thorough post and one that contained pretty much all the information that you would need for visiting the Sistine Chapel. Certainly, having been to the Vatican twice now, it can seem like an overwhelming experience. And sure, while it's pretty much impossible to see all the works of art on display there, this guide certainly allows you to grab at least some of the many highlights.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Soooo, funny story. I accidentlly drank a little too much the night before and threw up right outside of the Vatican. YIKES. Nonetheless, what an amazing experience! The Sistine Chapel was a dream come true seeing it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really regret not taking the time to explore the museums of the Vatican. They are so ornate and colorful, rivaling any other in the world. I must return!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I visited the Sistine Chapel a couple of years ago and wish I'd read your post before going (even though you hadn't written it then!). The tip about exiting the sistine chapel from the right is super useful, I exited on the left. I didn't realise it was forbidden to take a photo in the chapel, I actually got a good fish eye shot of the whole roof of the sistine chapel, lol. I wish i had appreciated the art work and gallery like you did. Happy to know you had a good day and made your bus at 5pm!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Visited Vatican 2 years ago. The place was super packed and I'm glad everything was provided including the guide because if not, I might get lost.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh museums are the last thing I would want to visit 😂 unless it is something super interesting like the museum of raising warsaw in Poland or so. Have you been there?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glad you got to enjoy the chapel despite having claustrophobia! And I've never been there so it's quite exciting to be reading about your experience!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a great post with lots of tips on making it through the process. I have not been on through this area because I have avoided the extensive lines. I think after reading your post I must suck it up and do it. I love the paintings on the ceiling in the room of maps and I think that is a must see. Enjoyed reading about your experience.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your tips are wonderful. Detailed description about how much ticket costs is also helpful. I had been to Vatican but for short time so could not visit do much.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I loved the way you described each and every little detailing . I have never been to the rome before but would love to visit it in future. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post

    ReplyDelete
  19. You've got some awesome photos! I love all of the detail that goes into the building, simply beautiful! Somewhere to add on the list when we finally make it to Rome.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Never been to Vatican but the love the way how you've described everything! I felt like I was having its virtual tour through your eyes! I would love to see iconic Sistine Chapel through my eyes someday!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I loved seeing the Sistine Chapel in person. It's too bad you can't take pictures there and it's so crowded, but it is really amazing. I agree that it's important to get reservations online in advance. The crowds are just awful!

    ReplyDelete
  22. THe round room was my favorite in the Vatican. Those huge bronze statues there and that whole bath bowl and the magnificent roof there. Sigh! I loved it all. I would love another visit there. Your account and pics of the same has got me all nostalgic.

    ReplyDelete
  23. We did a half day tour of the Vatican's on our visit to Rome. We were spellbound by the art and architecture at display in the museums. Our favorite ofcourse was the Sistine Chapel. We weren't aware of the exit leading to St.Peter's Basilica, we would definitely have given a try ;)

    ReplyDelete
  24. 2 hours to reach Sistine Chapel? wow... This is a great informative post. We have not been to Rome yet but I will bookmark this for later use. Thanks for the amazing tips.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think 3 hours is not enough for me. I'd gladly enjoy a full day there! Those sculptures are stunning! I wonder how long did each of it take to finish. And the painted curtains looks interesting too. I've been wanting to visit there because of the painted ceilings, I never thought the place has a lot to offer! Thanks for the tips as well!

    ReplyDelete
  26. You are a true history lover. Your each and every post has so much of history in it. I liked the tips you mentioned to distinguish the real and fake ones. These buildings have beautiful architectures.Loved your pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you for this super detailed post. I really do need to visit Italy and see this for myself. Your pictures capture it beautifully but I think to be there in person and see it with my own eyes would be breathtaking. Thank you for putting this together, it's going to be su useful in planning my trip!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting...! Why not leave a comment.? And tell your friends..!!!
By commenting you accept to our GDPR Policy.