Guide to Visiting the Vatican Museums
Want to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel? This guide tells you what to see, dress code, how to skip the ticket line, best tours, and more.
You won’t need a passport to enter the world’s smallest sovereign state. Surrounded by the city of Rome, Vatican City, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Even so, its postage-stamp size belies the monumental impact that the Holy See has had on world history.
For such a small piece of real estate, there is a lot to do in Vatican City. You can stand where St. Peter was martyred, embraced by the columned arms surrounding Bernini’s 17th-century St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro). Enter the Scavi and descend to the subterranean necropolis where Peter’s bones remain. Seek an audience with the Pope, lose track of time and place admiring the world-class artwork in the Vatican Museum, then marvel at Michelangelo’s handiwork at the Sistine Chapel.
With so much to see, Vatican City is a worthy destination, even for those who don’t count themselves among the faithful.
Latest Vatican City Articles
10 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Vatican City
Do you know everything you need to know about visiting Vatican City? An insider shares tips on making the most of your Holy See experience.
How to See Rome on Your Own from Civitavecchia Cruise Port
With only one day in Rome, here’s how to skip the cruise excursion and see the most popular sights on your own!
7 Best Things to Do in Vatican City (Itinerary Ideas)
Practical information for the first time Vatican visitor including the top “must do” activities and details on how to see them all.
Best Things to Do in Civitavecchia: Cruise Port Guide
Cruisers and travelers will find that Rome’s port has attractions of its own. Discover what to see in Civitavecchia.
10 Best Things to See in Rome in 2 Days
Where to start when way too many sites are unfairly distributed to just one glorious city? Am I really in Rome for two days?