Any trip to Rome should always include a visit to the impressive Vatican. The Vatican Museums are some of the greatest in the world!
The site actually consists of a collection of museums which are all interconnected. The Roman Catholic Church has built up this treasure trove of wonders throughout the centuries. On your visit here, you will be able to see some of the most famous classical sculptures and masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. The Vatican is also home to the iconic Sistine Chapel and the Stanze della Segnatura decorated by Raphael.
The Vatican is actually its own country and at only 108 acres and a population of 1,000 it is one of the smallest in the world! The Vatican Museums are an impressive sight that will blow you away with its opulent splendour. This
Here are some tips to help you have the best trip possible to this famous landmark:
- You can reach the Vatican by taxi, bus or by foot from anywhere in Rome. The #64 bus goes from Central Rome to the southern end of the Vatican.
- Allow at least a half day to see the museum, and preferably a full day if you are very interested in history and want to look at the artefacts in depth.
- It is a good idea to take cash with you, as the ticket offices do not accept credit cards.
- If you are a student, bring a valid ID card to get the reduced student rate on admission.
- Respect the dress code. As it is a religious place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Women should wear long pants and cover their shoulders, and might even be asked to wear scarves or something to cover their heads. Short dresses are frowned upon, and hats should always be taken off within churches.
- You might be required to check your bags at the entrance.
- In many of the halls of antiquities and cathedrals, flash photography is not allowed. This is because the bright light from the flashes would damage the medieval tapestries and other priceless works of art. If you have a good camera with a non-flash setting you might be able to get a decent photograph, but most cameras will not produce a clear image in the lack of light so you will be better off buying a postcard or two for a souvenir.
- The Vatican Museum will be busiest on Saturdays and Mondays, as well as the last Sunday of the month, any day that is raining, and a day before or after a holiday. Avoid these busy times to save having to stand in long lines or push through crowds.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, complete silence is to be observed and no photos are allowed. There are guards standing by to enforce these rules.
- Take a small snack and some water. It is a long walk through all of the museums and there are very few places to get refreshments inside. Be discrete however, and remember that eating inside the chapels and other holy rooms is not allowed.
- Take a guide with you. Whether you choose to sign up for a guided tour, read a guide book, or listen to an audio guide, having some information to guide you through the history of the buildings helps you understand and appreciate them a lot more.
Nearby the Radisson Blu es. Hotel, Rome merits acclaim for its prime Rome city centre location and spectacular modern design. Hopefully these tips which were discovered whilst creating a guide to Rome for Time to Wander will help you enjoy the Vatican, one of the biggest and most incredible museums in the world.
