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!!!
Galleria delle Carte Geografiche in Vatican Museums
ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO VISIT
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!!
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 Vatican? Nearest 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)
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!).
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.
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
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat they allow you to take photographs in parts of the museum.
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
ReplyDeleteWow 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!
ReplyDeleteWe 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!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeleteHow 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!
ReplyDeleteAs 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.
ReplyDeleteSoooo, 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteVisited 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.
ReplyDeleteOh 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?
ReplyDeleteGlad 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!
ReplyDeleteSuch 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.
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteYou'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.
ReplyDeleteNever 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteTHe 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.
ReplyDeleteWe 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 ;)
ReplyDelete2 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteYou 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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