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Best Vatican tours: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica

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Touring the Vatican is one of the top things to do in Rome. But deciding which tour to choose can be overwhelming. We’re here to help you find the best Vatican tour for your trip.

Article contents

Summary of recommended tours

We’ve provided a complete analysis of the best Vatican tours available in this article. This includes dates and times available, duration and other useful information. Here is a summary if you’re the kind of person who wants quick answers.

Best standard tours

• Walks of Italy – Complete Vatican Tour  (small groups up to 20 people)
• Liv Tours – Skip the line Highlights of the Vatican tour (small groups up to 6 people – 5% off with code – UntoldItaly)
• CityWonders – Skip the line tour of the Vatican (larger groups)
• Vatican official – Standard Vatican tour (provided by the museums – historic focus)

5% discount on small group tours with Liv Tours. Discount applied at checkout when you click this link  or use code ‘UntoldItaly’

Best early access tours (beat the crowds).

• Walks of Italy – VIP Key Masters Tour (open the Sistine Chapel at 6.00am – small group tour) – this is the earliest and most exclusive tour
• Walks of Italy – Alone in the Vatican (small group and early access from 6.30am)
• Liv Tours – Alone in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (small group with early access from 6.30am, includes breakfast in the Pine Cone Courtyard)
• Walks of Italy – Pristine Sistine – best first access with the general public tour

*Note, in 2024 the Vatican Museums changed it’s early entry policy to allow only a handful of visitors access prior to 8am when doors are open to the general public. Places on these exclusive tours are extremely limited

What to see on a Vatican tour

First, let’s clear up exactly what ‘the Vatican’ is so you can decide which parts you wish to tour. The Vatican is in fact an independent city state within Rome ruled by the Pope – the head of the Catholic church. It is the smallest country on Earth with an area of 0.44 square kilometers and population of just 1,000.

The main areas to visit inside the Vatican City are:

• St Peter’s Basilica including cupola (dome), tombs and square – more info
• Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel – the world’s greatest art collection with works by Raphael, Giotto, Caravaggio and of course Michelangelo
• Vatican Gardens – arguably the most beautiful gardens in Rome with stunning views of St Peters, grottoes and lawns

Most Vatican tours will include visiting both St Peters and the Vatican Museums as part of their package. The gardens can only be accessed by a separate tour usually combined with a tour of the Vatican Museums (but not St Peters).

Why take a tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peters

There are two main reasons to join a tour of the Vatican – experience and convenience.

With over 6 million visitors a year, the Vatican Museums and St Peters are among the most popular attractions in Rome and the world. And rightly so. Their collection of art is mind boggling in scale and value. And the historical importance of the buildings is almost unparalleled.

Unless you are a highly educated art historian, there is no way you will know what to look for among all the glitz and walls dripping with priceless paintings. And unfortunately, the information provided by the museums is disappointing.

Visit with a guide and they will be able to point out the most important pieces and their symbolism and significance. Not to mention the major events that have taken place between those walls.

You will spend at least 2 – 3 hours visiting the Vatican no matter how you approach your visit. This is because it takes that amount of time to move through the buildings. That being the case, it makes sense to have an expert guide you through the highlights.

Tours start in the Vatican Museums skipping the long lines for tickets and use a special entrance to St Peter’s from the Sistine Chapel to avoid the separate lines for the Basilica. So if you are not on a tour or have not pre-purchased tickets you will need to line up twice to see both main areas of the Vatican.

Prefer to visit without a guide?

Make sure you buy skip the line tickets prior to your visit to avoid waiting in lines – around 2-3 hours during peak periods.

You can buy tickets for the Vatican Museums on the official site here or if you are having trouble using the site or they are sold out you can buy Vatican  Museums skip the line tickets with authorized ticket seller GetYourGuide here .

St Peter’s is a separate entrance. Buy tickets to skip the line at St Peter’s here .

What to look for in a tour of the Vatican

By law, all guides operating in the Vatican must hold a license that can only be obtained by a very strict examination process. So you know that any guide you tour with will have a thorough knowledge of the details, dates, and facts of the art and buildings you visit.

Your choice really comes down to timing, group size, inclusions, length and style and price of tour. Generally, the size and length of tour will determine the price, however, you also pay extra for exclusive experiences.

• Timing – early morning and evening tours are available and are strictly limited so you will have fewer crowds to contend with
• Group size – if budget allows, try to book a tour with a group size less than 20. Any more than this and you’ll be struggling to hear (despite headsets) or engage with your guide
• Inclusions and itinerary  – basic and express tours of the Vatican focus on the highlights of the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Pinacoteca Courtyard) plus St Peter’s interior. Longer tours will take you to the Underground Crypts, the Carriage Pavilion and Nero’s bath
• Length – the shortest tours available are around 2 hours and you can also join full day tours of the Vatican.
• Budget – basic tours start at around €40 for large group tours while you can pay between €300 – €500 per person for a private tour of the Vatican

Worth Noting

• We have not found a tour that includes visiting St Peter’s dome. If you want to ascend the dome you will need to buy a ticket at the basilica office at the conclusion of your tour
• If you find yourself waiting in line for tickets and wishing you had booked a tour, please do not join one of those offered by the scammers that work the crowd. They are not recommended – expensive and basically just entry tickets (if that!)

The best Vatican tour companies

Here are some of the most popular operators and our assessment of how they differ. There are literally hundreds of tour operators working in the Vatican so we have chosen the best for different types of travelers.

• Walks of Italy – working closely in partnership with the Vatican Museums to create unique and engaging experiences for English speaking visitors, the Walks of Italy offerings Pristine Sistine and VIP Key Masters tours are outstanding 
• Vatican official tours – The Vatican Museums tours are generally the least expensive option but note that group sizes start at 16 people. Expect a focus on religious history and the church. Their Art and Faith tours are focused on the relationship between art and religion in the context of the history of the Catholic Church in Rome – view all official Vatican tours
• Liv Tours – this Rome based company is known for their very small group and private tours and knowledgeable guides who are expert at adjusting tours for their guests’ interest and knowledge level – view all Liv Tours Vatican tours PLUS 5% off with code ‘UntoldItaly’ 

Best Vatican tours

We chose the best small and larger group tours of the Vatican offered by the tour companies mentioned above. We used our own experience and cross checked this with ratings on tours on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and other media. This is updated on an ongoing basis so we can bring you the best tours available.

Please note – If you are visiting on a Wednesday, your tour group will not be able to enter St Peter’s basilica due to the weekly Papal Address. In this case, the tour will include additional galleries of the museums.

If you are looking for a private Vatican tour please skip forward to the section below.

Standard tours of the Vatican

Most tour operators offer a standard 2 – 3 hour Vatican tour that includes highlights of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s. These tours start at the same time the museums are open to the general public.

Your tour includes skip the line for tickets and have a dedicated guide escorting you and explaining the art and history.  But, there is no escaping the crowds, unfortunately. You will however be able to use the group entrance into St Peter’s avoiding a half hour walk back to the main entrance and line for the basilica.

Early morning Vatican tours

We think that early access tours are the best way to experience the Vatican. You can see the priceless artwork in relative solitude as you pay a premium to enter without the crowds. If these tours are within budget then we strongly suggest choosing the earliest tour available.

The Vatican Museums allow a very limited number of people each day in to the galleries at 6:00am with the “ clavigero ” or key keeper of the Museums. You can join this unforgettable tour led by the wonderful team at Walks of Italy – more info and booking instructions here . Note – this applies to the museums only and does not include access to St Peter’s. If you would like to read our complete review of this experience – visit this page

LISTEN: to our Vatican Museums Tips and   Highlights podcast episode with Walks of Italy co-founder Stephen Oddo

Complete Vatican tours

If you’re an art and history lover it is fair to say that 2-3 hours will barely scratch the surface of the 54 galleries and 20,000 works on display. These early start tours ensure you see the highlights as well as some of the lesser known treasures in the museums such as Nero’s bath, the Borgia apartments, Pinacoteca Vaticana and 16th century double helix Bramante staircase which inspired the modern version of the same name. Visit the Vatican Museums ticket office to learn about openings of special galleries and sections of the Museums.

Family friendly tour of the Vatican

Do you want to take the whole family to tour the Vatican Museums? We suggest giving this a lot of consideration especially if you have very young children. They will need to do a lot of walking, often in hot and stuffy rooms and remain silent in the Sistine Chapel.

If you do decide to go, booking a family friendly tour is a great idea. Your tour will be tailored to the interests of children and your guide will assist in keeping your kids entertained so you can enjoy the experience too.

Liv Tours offer a fun family friendly interactive tour in the Vatican designed especially for families. This is a great way to introduce your children to the history and stories behind this precious art collection.

Special Vatican tours

Evening vatican museum tours.

During the summer months the Vatican Museums open from 19:00pm to 23:00pm on Friday evenings. With limited numbers allowed into the galleries you can enjoy them without the crowds and in the cooler night air. This exclusive experience will no doubt be a highlight of your trip to Rome.

Note – this experience does not include visiting St Peter’s basilica so you would need to go there separately

Recommended night Vatican tours

• Vatican Museums official [group size up to 30]  – click for info
• Walks of Italy [group size max 15] at 19:30pm – click for details

Claim your 5% discount on small group tours with Liv Tours.   Click here and use code ‘UntoldItaly’

Vatican Garden Tours

The Papal gardens are among the finest in Europe that are centuries old. A stroll through the gardens reveals sculptures, fountains and stunning views of the basilica. They are an oasis away from the chaos of the city beyond.

A tour of the gardens will help you appreciate the history and stories behind the many works of art within the gardens and their significance to the Catholic church. There is a replica of the sacred Lourdes grotto in France as well as monuments and statues collected by and dedicated to former popes.

An advantage of doing a tour of the gardens is that it also includes admission to the Vatican Museums. And yes, you skip the lines. No tour is provided in the museums, however.

Vatican Scavi tours

If you have a particular interest in Christianity and history, there could be no bigger thrill to see what is said to be the tomb of St Peter the apostle, deep below the basilica that bears his name. Only 250 people per day are allowed into this sacred area as part of escorted 90 minute tours run by the Vatican. Tour groups are small with only 12 people visiting the excavation site and tomb.

You need to book this tour months in advance by following the instructions on the official Vatican excavations office page . Please note – children under 15 years may not go on this tour. You may not take photos on the tour.

Private Vatican tours

Would you prefer a fully private tour of the Vatican Museums? Private tours are a great way to enjoy the Vatican at your own pace and to see those things you really want to see. Starting at around €350, they can also be more cost effective if you are traveling in a larger group. We recommend  Liv Tours for private Vatican tours.

DISCOVER: The Best hotels near the Vatican City .

Useful information for visiting the Vatican

Both the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s basilica are religious sites. Men and women should cover knees and shoulders as a sign of respect. You may be refused entry if you are not suitably attired.

During the hot Roman summers you might like to bring a light shawl or scarf as an alternative to wearing clothing that covers your shoulders.

Tours are not offered on Sundays when the museums are either closed or open to the public for free admission.

Tour itineraries do not include St Peter’s basilica on Wednesday due to the usual Papal audience in the piazza.

The best day to do a standard Vatican tour is probably Tuesday when you avoid the extended long weekend European visitors.

If you want to do an early morning tour choose from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

Night tours of the Vatican are only available on Fridays from April to October.

Yes, it is a condition of entry that all people entering the Vatican Museums and St Peters pass security checks. Don’t worry, these lines move quickly

Yes, cloakroom facilities are found near the entrance to the Vatican Museums and there is a separate cloakroom for St Peters. Both are free of charge

Yes, you can take photos (without flash) in most areas except the Sistine Chapel where photography of any kind is not allowed. Flash photography is forbidden in all areas as it may damage the artwork

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Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Small Group Tour

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award: Top 5 Cultural Experiences - Worldwide

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award: Best Cultural Experience - #1 Tour Worldwide

• Discover the marvels of the Vatican on  TripAdvisor’s Number One Tour in the World . Be mesmerized by Michelangelo’s world famous Sistine Chapel and Last Judgement and hear the stories behind this wonderful art-work. Then wonder at the treasures inside St. Peter’s Basilica , from Michelangelo’s Pietá to Bernini’s enormous bronze altar.
• With our Reserved Entrance , you can head straight into the Vatican to explore the museums without wasting any of your precious vacation time.
• Tours are limited to 20 people with an expert, English-speaking, art historian as your guide that will bring the artwork to life using headsets to allow you to hear seamlessly throughout the tour.

Enjoy your Vatican Tour experience

What's included.

• Reserved Access to the Vatican Museums
• All entrance & reservation fees
• Access to the Sistine Chapel
• Skip-the-Line Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
• Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide
• Small groups of 20 people or less

Sites Visited

• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• Gallery of Maps
• Gallery of Tapestries
• St. Peter's Basilica
• St. Peter's Square

No One Gets You in Faster

Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica on this exclusive and fully guided walking tour of up to 20 passengers. With our Reserved Entrance, you can head straight inside and explore without wasting any time - you’ll also discover the stories about the characters that walked these corridors before you as artists and Popes.

No One Gives You More Access

Inside, your guide will take you out to the Vatican Gardens balcony for your first glimpse of the dome of St. Peters Basilica before strolling through the ancient statues and modern sculptures of the Pinecone Courtyard. As there is no talking allowed in the Sistine Chapel your guide will prepare you here for the many fascinating details you otherwise might miss on your own.

To reach the Chapel, your guide will lead you along the Hall of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries and through the Gallery of Candelabra.  These works of art will come to life as you follow your guide’s commentary on your dedicated audio earpiece. At the  Sistine Chapel , take some time to pick out the rich details on the walls and ceilings – from Michelangelo’s boneless self-portrait to the shields representing violent bible stories.

After learning all about the chapel’s rich renaissance history, we’ll use our Skip-the-Line Access again, to enter  St. Peter’s Basilica . Bypass the long lines as your guide provides an overview of this magnificent church. Here, you will see Michelangelo’s ‘Pietá’ which portrayed Mary as being as an eternal young mother. Spend some quiet time in this vast place of worship beneath the tallest dome in the world. When you finish, you are free to remain inside St. Peter’s Basilica to experience more of this amazing church at your leisure or return outside to St. Peter’s Square to admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion and the basilica’s heavenly façade.

In just 3 hours, we’ll introduce you to the artistic treasures of the Vatican in an enjoyable and hassle-free manner. From the enormous Vatican Museums to Michelangelo's ground-breaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, you will see how the Popes used art and culture to spread their message. You’ll leave not just appreciating the Vatican but having understood it too. 

Check out our full list of Vatican tours .

Thousands of 5-Star Reviews

Tripadvisor, know before you go, meeting point.

Near Museum Entrance - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

• Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. Knees, shoulders, and backs must be covered.
• Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
• On Wednesday mornings St. Peter's Basilica may be closed to the public due to the Papal Audience taking place in St. Peter’s Square. Customers who wish to visit St. Peter’s Basilica are advised to travel on another day. Saint Peter’s Basilica is subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.

Cancelation Policy

• Please be advised that some tour options are subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.
• Please be advised that some tour options are non-refundable, with no cancellations or date changes allowed due to pre-purchased tickets.
• It is mandatory to bring a valid ID or Passport for security checks, and entry will not be granted without proper documentation. Thank you for your cooperation.
• Book Direct: Best prices always guaranteed.
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
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Guided tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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I think most people can get by touring the Vatican Museums on their own without a guide. Simply using an audio guide or a guide book is all most need. Here’s why…

Nearly 30,000 people visit the Vatican Museums each day.

30,000 people. Every day.

This looks miserable because it is miserable.

Some of the best works of art are housed in the Vatican Museums. There are some amazing private guides. Despite this, the biggest complaint I hear about visits to Rome is how miserable the Vatican Museums were.

Plus, admiring beautiful art is a very personal thing. If you go alone, you can go at your own pace. You can sit and enjoy a work of art. You can venture off the typical tourist itinerary – there’s a reason it’s Vatican Museum s and not Vatican Museum. There are lots of galleries in the Museums that most people never visit.

Go it alone

You can, and should, book a ticket to the Vatican Museums on their official website.

The Museums are nearly always packed, but later in the day the crowds start to thin out.

My favorite time to visit is during the Night Openings of the Vatican Museums . This is seasonal and a really cool and unique experience.

Another new(ish) option is to book breakfast at the Vatican Museums . You pay a little more, but get in before the crowds. If you go this route, go straight to the Sistine Chapel to enjoy it before the crowds. Then you can back track and visit the rest of the Museums.

Guided tours

If you feel you need a guided tour, you have tons and tons of options. I’ve listed some of the best here…

For a private guided tour, I recommend Agnes at Understanding Rome . She’s professional, fun, and engaging. You should let her know I sent you. You should also book early as she’s quite popular.

One of the best guides out there is Liz Lev . She’s often booked solid and also a bit more expensive than most other guides, but she’s worth the price. She’s a good friend, let her know I sent you.

If you have the means, I highly recommend becoming a Patron of the Arts for the Vatican Museums . The perks are amazing, the price probably isn’t as much as you’d expect, and the guides are excellent. In fact, the first time I took a Patron tour, my guide was the same woman who guided U.S. Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama – and it was just the two of us.

The official Vatican Museum tours are hit or miss. More often than not, it’s a miss. Once I had the Vatican assign an excellent guide to me. Once. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few great guides employed by the Museums, but you don’t get to pick.

What to avoid

Any of the big tour companies in Rome – especially if you are Catholic. I lived across the street from one of the biggest companies (even endorsed by the Vatican) for two years, I heard nonstop bashing of the Church. I currently live across from another one of the big ones, I don’t hear Church bashing every day, but the tours sound really lame.

Anyone who harasses you near the Vatican to “skip the line.” It’s a rip off. Just don’t.

Join my email list for travel tips, pilgrimage announcements, and stories from nearly 20 years of leading pilgrimages.

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Sistine Chapel

Tickets sell out fast in Rome: check availability now »

The Sistine Chapel is home to some of the most fascinating frescoes in the world. Come join visitors from all four corners of the earth in gazing up at the world’s most famous ceiling.

• Rediscover one of the most famous images in Western art: the Creation of Adam
• Explore the lofty heavens and the fiery depths of hell in Michelangelo’s Last Judgment
• Get lost in the details of the chapel’s walls, painted by a team of top Renaissance artists, which include Botticelli and Perugino

Visiting the Sistine Chapel

To visit the Sistine Chapel, you must also visit the Vatican Museums . 

Or at least buy a ticket for the Vatican Museums, walk through them blindfolded, and then visit the Sistine Chapel. There really is no other way. 

Here’s the thing, though; visiting the Vatican Museums is like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant and having a fifteen-course meal. It’s all great, but what you’re super excited about is the dessert (in this case, the Sistine Chapel).

The trouble is, by the time it’s served, you barely know where you are or what you are looking at anymore. 

Such is the way the Vatican Museums are laid out, and such is the vast amount of stamina that will be required of you when you go. 

Should you go?

Absolutely.

It’s how you go that’s going to change everything. The Sistine Chapel is more than just Michelangelo ’s ceiling. 

But first things first. Let’s get you there and discuss what to wear.

Tickets & Prices

Tickets grant you access to the world-famous Sistine Chapel, as well as the many other galleries and collections in the Vatican Museums.

By booking online, you’ll avoid the queue – infamous for being the longest in Rome. Use that saved time to spend even longer enjoying the galleries.

Visit the Sistine Chapel with one of these hand-picked tickets.

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Last Minute) – Escorted entrance and unlimited time inside the Vatican Museums.
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Skip The Line) – Skip past the long lines and get quick access to both the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.
• Rome Tourist Card (Bestseller) – See the best of Rome with this popular combi-ticket. Includes access to The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica (official guided tour), and more…
• The Vatican City Pass – Explore the best of the Vatican City. Includes access to St. Peter’s Basilica (official guided tour), Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (last-minute tickets), and more…

A few things to keep in mind:

• Book your time slot online and arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated time.
• The tickets will arrive in your email, which you can then show either printed out or in digital form.
• Discounted tickets for children aged 12-17 and students up to 25 years old (with a valid student ID).
• Optional audio guides are available, for an additional fee, in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, or Russian.

Rome Tourist Card

Get this nifty card and enjoy skip-the-line access to the collections of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. 

With the same pass, you can also enjoy visiting other famous Roman attractions, such as a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica ; an audio guide of the Pantheon ; and priority entrance to the Colosseum , Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill .

Additional ticket information:

• Includes an audio guide in 10 languages, plus a guide to the city of Rome.
• Select your visit dates online and receive tickets by email. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated time.

The Vatican City Pass

Discover the holiest country in the world with this handy pass. Simply book your visit dates online and receive tickets by email. Valid for three days from the starting date.

What’s included:

• Skip-the-line access to the collections of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with an official Vatican guide.
• Rome: City Audio Guide App with over 130 hotspots to discover.
• Big bags and suitcases are not allowed inside. You can leave them in the on-site lockers
• Shoulders and knees must be covered
• Photos and videos are strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel

Getting There (And What Not to Wear)

It’s a museum, but the Sistine Chapel is still an actual place of worship, so be mindful of modesty rules. 

Basically, regular-length shorts are acceptable. Very short shorts and strappy tops are not. Make sure you have a thin scarf to cover up those shoulders, just in case. If you’re planning on visiting St Peter’s on the same day, the same rules will apply, so keep a scarf handy.

(Souvenir and convenience shops are aware of this and will often sell scarves, so if it does slip your mind, you ought to be able to pick something up along the way).

Metro 

Your closest Metro stop is Ottaviano on the A-line (orange). It’s a six-minute walk away. 

It’s worth noting that Rome only has 2.5 lines – the A, B, and the interminable work-in-progress C.

If you’re staying in the historical centre, you’ll have already seen that metro stations are few and far between. Most of the time, you’re better off walking (you will get to see more of the city that way). 

If you choose to walk to the Vatican City , try the following:

Walking Directions From Piazza Navona

Take Via dei Coronari until you reach Via del Panico, and then cross Ponte Sant’Angelo. From there, the dome of St Peter’s Basilica will be visible, and signs for the Vatican Museums will be plentiful. 

It’s a 25-minute walk – only ten more than the bus, and a far more scenic route.

Walking Directions From Metro Stop Ottaviano (6 minutes)

If you are staying near a Metro stop, get off at Ottaviano (A). If you need to take the B line (blue), you will need to change at Termini. 

At Ottaviano, take one of the left-hand side exits up. 

There are a couple of routes (as the conflicting signs indicate), but I’d recommend the following:

• Turn right down Via Germanico. 

Three reasons for this recommendation:

• Castroni . Bookmark Castroni as a gourmet Italian produce store or somewhere for random items you crave from their world foods section. There are several Castronis in and around central Rome.
• Pam . On Via Ottaviano, a one-minute walk from Castroni (on the same side of the street),  is a supermarket called Pam. Cheaper than other local supermarkets; come here for water and honestly-priced snacks. You’re going to need them. 
• Clementina . At the start of Via Germanico, opposite Castroni, is Cafe Clementina. Come here for fruit bowls, eggs, pancakes, and salads in addition to traditional Italian breakfasts. If you like a big breakfast, this might be the perfect pre-museum spot. 

3. Continue down Via Germanico until you reach the end, where you meet Via Leone IV. 

The left side is for non-ticket holders, while the right is for ticket holders. Official staff will check with you and guide you to the appropriate lane. 

The ticket holder line will be much shorter and should move quite quickly. 

(This guide is on the assumption you have a pre-booked ticket and a Vatican-guided tour).

Entrance 

Once you’ve walked up Viale del Vaticano, head to this canopy, where staff check tickets and direct you towards the entrance. 

Vatican Museum Staff, scan the QR code on your ticket at the door. Bags go through the metal detectors. 

(Water bottles are permitted). 

You’re Finally In. Now What? 

As instructed on the Tiqets app, after you’ve passed the metal detectors, look for the big ‘guided tours’ sign. Go up a short flight of stairs, and on your right, you’ll see the guided tours ticket office. 

Big ‘Guided Tours’ sign you see just after the metal detectors

The ticket office for guided tours where you get your physical tickets.

Join the line and show a member of staff your ticket (a printout or on your phone). They will once again scan the code and give you a receipt and a physical ticket in return. Hold on to both of these.

The letter they write on the receipt corresponds to the Meeting Point stand you need to wait at for your guide. 

At the Meeting Point, someone will take your receipt in exchange for an earpiece for the tour. 

You will need the physical ticket to go through the museum barriers with your guide once you’ve joined your group. 

You scan the barcode on the back of the ticket, which allows you through the barriers just like on the Metro. 

One of the meeting points. Staff will ask you to redeem your receipt for an earpiece.  

In the high season, groups can reach up to 30. Your Vatican Museums guide will be carrying a pole with a numbered yellow flag attached at the top. Be careful not to fall behind too much, as the radio signal gets weak, and you won’t be able to hear the guide. 

How to Ace Your Sistine Chapel Visit

Official Vatican Guided Tours end just after the Raphael Rooms. After this, you are instructed to walk through the Contemporary Art Collection, at the end of which is a short flight of stairs that take you to the Sistine Chapel. 

While it’s true that good things come to those who wait, it’s utterly unfair to sandwich what is actually a semi-decent collection of modern art between the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. 

How can you possibly take in Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh (not to mention countless other contemporary artists) in full knowledge that you’re about to witness one of Renaissance Art’s greatest masterpieces? 

Here is where you will need that stamina and resilience. The Sistine Chapel isn’t even the finishing line in this museum marathon, so stay focused.

At the start of your Vatican Museums tour, your guide will take you to either an interactive screen like this or to a series of old-school panels outside in the Belvedere Courtyard. 

Both show details of the Sistine Chapel. 

The reason for this is that guides (Vatican Museum tour guides, at least) do not go in with you to the chapel. The tour ends just before. 

So they give you the spiel beforehand and hope you remember the key takeaways by the time you get there. 

Our guide Kinga was great – she pointed out this detail from the Last Judgment.

Here we see a poor soul, condemned to hell, with donkey ears and a serpent apparently biting his member. 

Then we learn that this is, in fact, an archnemesis of Michelangelo, a purist priest called Biagio da Cesena, here depicted as Minos from Greek mythology.

He violently opposed Michelangelo’s depiction of the angels and saints in total nudity and ordered they be covered up instantly. 

(Another painter later covered up people’s unmentionables with loincloths). 

Michelangelo never forgave him, and this was his final revenge.

Sign indicating the Sistine Chapel and the Contemporary Collection are next.

At this point, your guide will collect your radio earpieces and wish you farewell. 

You’ll be pretty excited to see the Sistine Chapel by now. 

But there’s still a way to go, I’m afraid. You’ll first come to the quite lovely Matisse Room. Which, in any other museum, would be a considerable ‘wow’ moment, but here, it’s like, ‘yeah yeah…let’s keep it moving’. 

It’s really remarkable. I really can’t think of anywhere else in the world where one would be that dismissive of a Matisse collection.

A very sweet depiction of the Virgin and Jesus Christ by Henri Matisse.

You will then go through several more rooms featuring works by Chagall, Picasso, and even a couple of small Van Goghs. If you like modern sculpture, this is also a place to linger for a while. 

Alternatively, steel yourself, and keep your eyes firmly facing forward until you get to a short flight of stairs and finally a sign pointing you in.

Guards will greet you at the door, and there will be several up on the raised platform by the altar on the lookout. Expect to be reminded at regular intervals:

‘No photo’.

‘No video’.

‘Silenzio’.

You are almost there.

Dos and Don’ts for Visiting the Sistine Chapel

• … be prepared mentally . Arm yourself with patience. It will quite likely be extremely busy. You will have seen a lot by the time you get there.  
• … dress appropriately . Remember to keep your shoulders covered. Technically, you should also remove any hats and caps too. 
• …research a little before you go . Hey, I’m not saying get an MA in Art History before you go there or anything like that. But it will help to know a little bit about what you’re going to see, a little backstory. (Don’t worry, I’m going to help you out on this one). 
• … download some music on your phone to listen to (reception is patchy down there, you might not be able to get online). This is optional, but it might be helpful to create a little ambiance for yourself amid the crowds of people. 
• … hurt your neck by looking up too much. Seriously. Looking up at all those Renaissance wonders had me fantasising about VIP sessions where they bring in sun loungers for a more comfortable ‘horizontal’ viewing experience. 
• …take pictures. Don’t do it. Guards get really cranky about it, which kind of harshes the vibe. It turns the Sistine Chapel into one big school trip with the guards keeping us unruly kids in check. They have microphones, too, and will routinely remind everyone, ‘No photo, no video’. And then add a solemn (and arbitrary) ‘silenzio’ when people get too rowdy. 
• …forget about the Last Judgment behind the altar. It’s not just the ceiling that’s impressive. 

Ok, I’m There. So What Am I Looking At? 

I know you know The Creation of Adam … but then what? 

Let’s divide the Sistine Chapel into five more manageable parts and then pick out a ‘best of’ from each one. I’m no art historian, but here’s what I liked the most. 

• The Ceiling – that’s a no-brainer. This is what we paid for, right?

The ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 is the real showstopper here. The nine panels depict key scenes from the book of Genesis, From The Separation of Light and Darkness to The Deluge (Noah’s Ark).

Everyone will be inching towards the centre of the chapel to see The Creation of Adam. 

Ok yes, your eyes are going to immediately want to go there. It’s a real visual kind of ‘gimme, gimme’ moment. But you have time. Why not build up some anticipation here?

Take a look at The Creation of the Sun, Moon, and Planets; it’s the second one along. See God there with the long beard? OK, now see a shapely behind seemingly flying away? Yep, that’s also God, flying off again after creating the planets. As our guide pointed out, how often do you get to see a painting of God’s rear? 

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, sixth panel along. Note how grotesque Eve is all of a sudden now she’s to blame for the downfall of all mankind. 

• The North Wall  (the Stories of Jesus)

Take some time to appreciate Christ Consigning the Keys to Peter by Perugino, depicting Jesus handing over the keys of heaven to Saint Peter. It’s the fifth panel. Widely considered to be a cornerstone of Western Art in terms of linear perspective (it’s all math) – take some with this one. 

The Baptism of Christ by Botticelli, the first panel, also gets my vote for the pleasing composition. (But what do I know… we like what we like.). 

• The South Wall   (the stories of Moses).

I liked Botticelli’s The Temptation of Moses the best here.

What looks like a chaotic scene is actually seven different crucial scenes of Moses’ life. Instantly recognisable will be Moses receiving the ten commandments in the top left, followed by leading the Jews out of Egypt beneath. 

• The Entrance Wall

It doesn’t get a lot of press on this wall, and it will be less crowded in this section, so it’s actually a good place to hang back. The two frescoes are not the originals since back in the 16th century the doorway caved in and the walls collapsed, destroying the frescoes and taking the life of a Swiss Guard, narrowly avoiding taking Pope Adrian VI’s life too. 

The frescoes show the Resurrection of Christ and the Archangel Michael defending the body of Moses.

• The Last Judgment

Last but not least is the Last Judgment. Michelangelo painted this when he was in his 60s between 1533 and 1541 and it is immense. In every sense of the word. 

Sooo much to look at here. We’ve already covered bad boy Michelangelo’s revenge portrait of the Puritan priest; it’s in the bottom right corner. You can check it out for real now.

Have a look at St Bartholomew, below and to the right of Jesus, holding his own skin (a reference to being flayed alive). His face is thought to be a self-portrait of Michelangelo himself. 

Also, notice the radical way Michelangelo painted Jesus. Apart from being mega ripped, (as is everyone in this painting, women included) the way Michelangelo painted his torso is said to be inspired by the Belvedere Torso. Callbacks like that are great. 

The cluster of super sculpted angels (no pudgy cherubs here) blowing trumpets, bottom centre, are awakening people from the dead- but only Jesus can decide their fate.

Walk back to the Entrance Wall. It’s less busy than the main hall, you might be more likely to find some free seating and look up without straining your neck. When you’ve composed yourself, you can go back to the main part of the chapel. Head over to the Last Judgment and look at all the details. 

Keep an eagle eye out for a free spot on the benched seats against the walls. 

If you’ve got some good quality earphones, now might be the time to use them. Listen to some soothing music and take it in. 

Bars/Restaurants / Gift Shops / Recommended Souvenirs 

Exit through the gift shop(s).

After the Sistine Chapel, you will still have yet to walk through what will feel like fifty more sumptuous galleries that look like the one below. 

Smart marketing folk at the Vatican have positioned two pop up gift shops along the way to break the monotony as well as provide pockets of retail relief. (In case you’re absolutely bursting for a magnet).

Eventually, you will arrive at the main foyer / gift shop next to the spiral staircase that heralds the end and will lead you out.

Here, you can expect overpriced artbooks on Michelangelo, various religious artifacts and paraphernalia, and decorative plates featuring Popes of years past. Frankly, not much you couldn’t find outside the Vatican City Walls for a fraction of the price.

Did you know Vatican City has its own laboratories? With monks creating and distilling perfumes and colognes, all with their own secret formulae? Unavailable to buy outside the Vatican City Walls and modestly priced, I went for this gift set for my mother. 

You’ll find Farmacia Vaticana at the very end right before you exit the gift shop area and take the spiral staircase down.

Solid Lemon-scented soap with Vitamin E. 

Vatican Eau de Cologne. (Only available to buy within the Vatican City).

Restaurants

There are several places available for a pit stop, albeit an overpriced one: 

After leaving the Sistine Chapel, look for signs to take you to Caffetteria Il Forno- a cafe split over two levels, providing a welcome moment of respite before continuing on. 

On Level 1 (where you enter the museum after getting your ticket), you’ll find the Self Service (offering cafeteria/canteen style food), the Caffetteria Centrale for a quick espresso, and the Pizzeria.

The most evocative bistrot restaurant has to be La Pigna – placed in the middle of the Belvedere (Pinecone) Courtyard, shown below to the left. Expect inflated prices and below-average food (by Italian standards).

The tranquil Belvedere Courtyard with La Pigna to the left and plenty of benches to relax on.

•  Top Tip :

If time is on your side, then plan to spend the day.

Get a morning ticket for the Vatican Museums with a guided tour. Our Vatican guide Kinga was a Doctor in Art History and she really brought the whole thing alive.

My top tip is to bring a packed lunch/trail mix since it’s essentially a marathon (over 7kms of galleries). 

Take a well-earned break after the Sistine Chapel but do not leave the museums (as you won’t be able to get back in). 

Make your way back out into the Cortile of the Pigna (above), find a bench, and take a load off. Rest your eyes. Hydrate. Refuel with that trail mix or a sandwich from Pam. 

It’s been a lot.

Now head back in.

Nearby Attractions / Food & Drink

Castel sant’angelo – 15 minute walk.

Once the site of Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, then a fortress, a castle, and now a museum covering two thousand years’ worth of Roman history. 

Very nice views from the top and photos on Ponte Sant’Angelo practically take themselves, it’s that photogenic. 

The area alone is worth a visit. There’s an outdoor library/bar to the right called Bibliobar which has echoes of Paris and the Seine.

Castel Sant’Angelo and Sant’Angelo Bridge. 

Bibliobar. An outdoor / cafe with snacks, coffee, and drinks.

Food & Drink 

The area closest to Vatican City is Prati. It can be a bit on the pricey side, but this is still Rome, and good food at honest prices is never too hard to find. 

7 minute walk away (closest metro- Cipro on the A):

• Eroi della pizza – Piazzale degli Eroi, 4, 00192

Superb pizza by the slice and cracking suppl ì . Friendly staff and friendlier prices. 

• Fischio – Piazzale degli Eroi, 00136 

Cross over and you’ll find Fischio (FISkio); an outdoor kiosk turned bar where you can buy spritz and gin and tonic in hipstery cans, or a glass of organic (quite pungent) wine. It’s laidback and potentially just the ticket after all that high culture at the Vatican. 

10 minute walk away:

• Il Sorpasso – Via Properzio, 31/33, 00193 

Relaxed wine bar with a great wine selection (without being pretentious about it). Try one of their Italian ham and cheese boards (with advice on which order to eat the cheese). Good mix of locals and expat residents. Where pretty Prati people go for a chilled out wine evening. 

15 mins metro and or walk away:

• Argot (Prati) – Via Alessandro Farnese 2, 00192 (Closest Metro Lepanto, one stop after Ottaviano on the A line).

Superior cocktails and food at trendy yet friendly cocktail bar/restaurant Argot. Cocktails are a bit expensive but made by people who know their stuff and go down a treat.

Did You Know That: 5 Interesting Facts

• Michelangelo initially didn’t even want to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel because he considered himself a sculptor and not a painter. He was eventually persuaded to accept by Pope Julius II.
• Biagio de Cesena, the papal master of ceremonies, was a harsh critic of the Last Judgment’s composition, so Michelangelo painted him into it as Minos, the supervisor of the damned into hell. He’s the one with donkey ears.
• It took four years for Michelangelo to complete the ceiling, and the experience was so unpleasant that he wrote a poem about his physical discomfort.
• The nudes in the Last Judgment were considered improper for a papal commission, so Pope Pius IV ordered many of them to be covered up with strategically placed cloths. Luckily, that was mostly undone during later restoration work.
• Michelangelo was much more adept at painting the male body rather than the female. In fact, the few female figures represented are considered by many to be quite ‘manly’.
• Pope Sixtus IV, from whom the Sistine Chapel gets its name, had it built between 1473 and 1481. It was originally called the Cappella Magna (‘Great Chapel’). It served as a place of religious and functionary papal activity.
• He also commissioned a team of great Renaissance artists to paint the walls, which they finished in 1482.
• In 1483, Sixtus IV celebrated the first mass there, at which the chapel was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• It wasn’t until 1508 that Michelangelo Buonarroti was commissioned to paint the ceiling, under the patronage of a new pope: Julius II.
• A further 22 years passed before Michelangelo returned to paint the Last Judgment under the patronage of Pope Clement VII and Paul III.
• In the 1980s, major restoration work began on the artworks in the chapel and many of Michelangelo’s figures were finally returned to their nude selves.
• Today, apart from being an extremely popular tourist destination, the chapel still serves as the venue for the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is elected.

The Sistine Chapel is located in the Vatican City of Rome.

It took Michelangelo 4 years to paint the Sistine Chapel.

It took Michelangelo 4 years to paint the Sistine Chapel due to the scale of the task and his reluctance to do it. Not only was it physically taxing but also permanently damaged his eyesight.

Michelangelo was paid around 3000 ducats for painting the Sistine Chapel.

Address: Sistine Chapel, , 00120 Vatican City, Vatican City · view larger map

Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour

Enjoy a tailored vip vatican experience with a dedicated private guide.

Looking for a more intimate way to see the wonders of the Vatican City? Then join an engaging local guide for a private Vatican tour that’ll show you the finest art and most iconic sites at a pace that suits you! Our strong relationship with the Holy See means you’ll skip the line and you will receive a more peaceful, in-depth exploration of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and more!

Skip the Line

• Early morning private Vatican tour
• Vatican Museums
• Gallery of the Candelabra
• Gallery of the Tapestries
• Gallery of Maps

Raphael Rooms

• Borgia Apartments
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Baldacchino by Bernini
• La Pietà by Michelangelo
• Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

You'll meet your dedicated local guide near the Vatican Museums entrance. Your guide is a true Vatican expert with tons of facts and stories to share, and you'll see the main highlights alongside some of Vatican's lesser-known gems.

With your friendly private guide, you can ask as many questions as you like and the tour will move at a pace that suits your group. Plus, if there's anywhere you'd like to spend more time or particular artworks you want to see, your guide will try to make that happen!

Early Morning Private Vatican Tour Description

Your 3.5-hour private tour includes:

Skip-the-line Vatican private tour

Pio Clementino Museum and Gallery of Masks

Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps

Raphael Rooms and School of Athens

Entry to the Sistine Chapel

Explore inside St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesdays)

A private, English-speaking Vatican guide

Pio Clementino Museum and Nero’s Bathtub

Your private guide will take you to the Pio Clementino Museum where you'll see three of the most iconic statues in the world. Learn about the myths and legends associated with the Apollo Belvedere , Laocoön and His Sons , and the Belvedere Torso . You'll also visit one of the biggest and oldest bathtubs you'll ever see, made for Emperor Nero from a rare red marble that discovered in Egypt and impossible to find today.

Gallery of Masks

On this tour, you'll have a chance to see an incredible gallery that's only open to authorized guides and groups. Here you'll see an amazing collection of female Greek statues, tiled mosaics (some from Hadrian's villa), and beautiful paintings. And you'll see the reason for the name "Gallery of Masks," though there is much more to see here than just masks.

The Best Galleries at the Vatican

Your private guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums before the big crowds, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.

At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.

You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

Raphael is the epitome of a Renaissance artist. In the period of European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages, a great period of revival in art, literature, and thought occurred. Raphael encompassed the ideals of a Renaissance man and frescoed multiple rooms inside of the Vatican Museums. Among other masterpieces, see one of Raphael’s most famous works of art, The School of Athens .

The Sistine Chapel

One of the top things to do in Vatican City is visit the Sistine Chapel. Since you're coming early in the morning, it will be less crowded in this beautiful chapel than in the afternoon. Speaking is not allowed in the chapel since it's a sacred space, so your guide will explain what you'll see before entering and give you a handy guide for reference.

Only when you are inside is it clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in Western civilization. Michelangelo painted more than 600 figures in all, and the sheer magnitude of his endeavor is mind-blowing. As one of Michelangelo’s most prized masterpieces, the Sistine Chapel also serves as a gathering place for cardinals of the Catholic Church when electing a new pope.

The Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/sweater to wrap around you when necessary.

St. Peter's Basilica

Your final stop on this tour is St. Peter's Basilica, so follow your guide through the special corridor reserved for groups to access the basilica quickly. Before you enter, your guide will share about the history and construction of this incredible church. They will give tips for what to look for when you enter to explore on your own such as the Baldacchino , La Pietá , the statue of St. Peter, and more.

Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and can occasionally experience other unexpected closures. If this happens, your guide will make up the time at other areas within the Vatican.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

130 total reviews

Our guide was lovely and answered all our questions, no matter how little. She adjusted the tour to our tastes and was very considerate of the pace of my 79yo mother. Would book again.

Rafa was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and kind

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.

Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?

We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry to certain religious sites and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

What are the chances my tour will be canceled or the Vatican will close something.

Although it is rare, sometimes part of the Vatican closes with little notice. If an area normally covered on a tour is closed, your guide will be sure to make up the time in other areas.

Does the tour go in without waiting in lines?

As an accredited tour operator we do not have to wait in the general ticket line, but we still have to wait in a security line after our timed-ticket entry. For this reason, we leave the meeting point as early as possible and get in the security line reserved for tour operators before the general public.

Does this tour always include St. Peter's Basilica?

St. Peter's is always included on this private Vatican Museums tour, except on Wednesdays when it is closed in the morning for the papal audience.

In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.

I have some doubts about my mobility. Is this tour right for me?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, this is your best bet for a Vatican tour. Private Vatican tours are more easily customized to the needs of people with reduced mobility.

Is photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel?

No photography is allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

Can I join a group tour of the Vatican instead?

Sure! If you'd like a more affordable option, check out our Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour .

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour

• Experience a peaceful visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel after the daytime crowds have left.
• Hear fascinating stories of Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel to prepare you for your visit.
• Bypass the long lines at the Vatican Museums to spend more time exploring.
• Marvel at legendary masterpieces such as the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of the Maps.

Tour description

See the vatican museums and sistine chapel without crowds..

Experience the Sistine Chapel and the highlights of the Vatican Museums at one of its quieter moments of the day. With afternoon entry three hours before closing time, you’ll enjoy a relaxing visit and avoid the large crowds that typically fill the halls in peak daytime hours.

Following a specially curated route, you'll see some of the most beautiful and fascinating works of art and architecture in the world on this afternoon Vatican tour. Not only does this tour cover the must-sees at the Vatican Museums, it also gives you an insider's perspective on the bigger picture: power and politics in Vatican City.

Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums.

In order to make the most of every moment on your afternoon Vatican tour, you'll have privileged entrance at the Vatican Museums. This means you'll skip the notoriously long general access line—which, during high season, often stretches for hours. Throughout your tour, your expert guide will bring the Vatican’s dramatic past to life. From the Raphael Rooms to the statue galleries and the unmissable Sistine Chapel, you'll see the best the Museums have to offer without jostling for space and while hearing the stories and context behind the art from your expert guide.

Small groups of 15 or fewer keep your Vatican tour casual and engaging.

Smaller and more intimate than many similar tours on the market, you'll have fantastic access to your expert guide to ask them all your burning questions with ease. All of our guides are knowledgeable, passionate storytellers who are specially trained to give you a real sense of the drama and power that has played out in these very halls.

This small group afternoon Vatican tour ensures that you avoid the crowds with strategically timed afternoon entry and eliminates waiting in line to see all the highlights of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, apr 06, 2024.

Our guide was very well educated on many aspects of the artifacts, as well as the museums themselves. He was extremely affable and peppered our tour with interesting cultural notes.

Oct 31, 2023

Frank was very knowledgeable and engaging, great tour guide!

Oct 27, 2023

The Vatican tour was one we anticipated would be wonderful. Our tour guide, Sev, made it exceed our expectations. He was one of the best tour guides we have had. It was clear he loved the history and was a wealth of information. He also did a fantastic job of giving directions and keeping the group together. I highly recommend this tour, but be prepared for a taxing climb if you go up the dome. Definitely glad we did that part but it was a lot of steps up and many were tight and narrow. Sev was the perfect tour guide to guide us through the Vatican and all of its history.

Oct 20, 2023

Marco did amazing! His passion of history and art showed and made our tour all the more better and memorable!

Oct 17, 2023

Well-rounded tour that takes you through all the important spots in Vatican in a few hours. It could benefit from lasting a while longer, so we could have enough time to truly appreciate everything—especially the Vatican Museums part, which is rather rushed. The guide is very knowledgeble and was worried about providing everyone with a good experience.

Know before you book

Similar tours, alone in the vatican: exclusive vip access vatican museums & sistine chapel tour, the complete vatican tour with vatican museums, sistine chapel & st. peter’s basilica, st. peter’s basilica from top to bottom with dome climb & crypt.

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Maurizio Cattelan, Zoe Saldana join iconoclastic Vatican Biennale exhibition inside women’s prison

The installation ‘“I piedi, insieme al cuore, portano la stanchezza e il peso della vita” (‘The feet, together with the heart, carry the tiredness and weight of life’) by Italian artist Maurizio Catalan is displayed on the facade of the church next to the women’s prison at the Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

The installation ‘Siamo con voi nella notte’ (We are with you overnight) by artist Claire Fontaine is displayed inside the women’s prison at the Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

The installation ‘White Sight’ by artist Claire Fontaine is displayed inside the women’s prison at the Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

An installation by artist Simone Fattal is displayed inside the women’s prison at the Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Reporters watches an installation by artist Corita Kent displayed inside the women’s prison at the Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

An installation by artist Sonia Gomes is displayed inside the church Santa Maria Maddalena Convertita at the women’s prison of he Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

An installation by artist Claire Tabouret is displayed inside the women’s prison of he Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

U.S. actress Zoe Saldana looks to her husband and movie director Marco Perego during press preview inside the women’s prison at the Giudecca island during the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A pair of nude feet dirty, wounded and vulnerable are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

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VENICE, Italy (AP) — A pair of nude feet — dirty, wounded and vulnerable — are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel. It’s the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale contemporary art show in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists.

That Cattelan is the lead artist is striking, given that his provocative life-size wax statue of Pope John Paul II lying on his side, crushed by a massive meteorite, shocked Catholics when it was displayed at the 2001 Biennale. The new work, titled “Father,” is considered a thematic counterpoint to a performance piece he produced for the 1999 Biennale titled “Mother,” during which a religious ascetic was buried under sand, with only his hands clasped in prayer showing.

The Vatican’s culture minister, Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, praised the work, which he said recalled the naked, dirty feet of Caravaggio’s saints, while also being highly symbolic of the journey behind the Holy See’s pavilion, showing “the desire to dirty one’s feet, to show that whoever has feet has a carnality.’’

Tolentino de Mendonca, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, said the Vatican did not want to shy away from artists or works that might be considered iconoclastic, or critical of institutions like the Catholic church.

“Pope Francis calls us to dialogue. Dialogue is not just with the people who are mirrors of ourselves,’’ he told The Associated Press. “We did not seek out easy artists. We sought real artists. Cattelan’s work is very interesting under a religious point of view, because there is something iconoclastic in his work, but also in the mystic there is something that can be called iconoclastic, in the sense of deconstructing the religious representation.’’

Pope Francis, who met with over 200 artists in the Sistine Chapel last year, will see for himself when he visits the pavilion April 28, meeting inmates and artists, and according to the prefect not just the ones participating in the pavilion.

Cattelan, who wandered by the work as preview tours continued this week, declined to discuss his contribution but said the feet would be reproduced on a church in Rome in the future.

Cattelan’s artwork can be viewed by anyone who makes the trek to the Giudecca island prison. Those who want to see the other works will be guided through the prison on four daily tours by inmates, leaving bags and mobile phones in lockup.

Closed Wednesdays, a maximum 600 people will view the pavilion each week during the Biennale’s run from April 20-Nov. 26. The 60th International Art Exhibition comprises 88 national pavilion s along with a main show curated this year by Brazilian Adriano Pedrosa.

On a recent tour, three inmates wearing elegant black and white smocks made by prison seamstresses guided journalists through an installation by Simone Fattal who transformed inmates’ poems into small ceramic plaques hung along a brick alleyway.

The tour continued to a prison coffee bar decorated with posters by onetime Catholic nun Corita Kent and into a gallery where Claire Tabouret has painted images from photographs provided by inmates of themselves and loved ones.

The conceptual artistic duo known as Claire Fontaine provided a neon eye with a slash through it for an outdoor corridor, and another neon sign that reads: “Siamo con voi nella notte,” (“We are with all of you in the night”).

That sign, in a courtyard where the inmates can gather during the day, provides a reassuring blue glow into the overlooking cells where they sleep.

“When we read this writing, it gives us encouragement, because there is someone with us day and night,” said one inmate named Manuela, who like the others declined to give their full names. “At night, we see the blue light, so we know it is there.”

The tour ended with a 15-minute film by Italian director Marco Perego starring his wife, actor Zoe Saldana, both of whom tagged along. Saldana plays an inmate in her final hours before release, and she took inspiration from the inmates who appeared in the film. To protect their privacy, the film can only be seen within the prison walls.

“What we wanted to provide for them was just a little bit of visibility, and to add a little bit of levity through art, which is exactly what we accomplished,’’ Saldana said.

Their desire for visibility was expressed in letters that the women gave the couple each night after filming, and through requests to pose with the couple for photos, which Saldana said they printed as keepsakes for the women.

Chiara Parisi, the director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz and one of the curators, said the project created a unique synergy between artists and inmates that opened lines of empathy. After the pavilion closes at the end of the Biennale, she said a coat of paint would likely cover Cattelan’s work, while the other pieces will find other venues; she said she hoped its larger legacy would be other similar initiatives.

“Through this pavilion, we hope to truly demonstrate the desire for freedom, the work to get out, to be free is something essential,” Parisi told AP. “Detention is a moment in their lives, and the artists say so, they themselves say so. Just a moment, a photograph, that should not impact what comes after, should not prejudice their future lives.”