Book top-rated Vatican tickets with fast access to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Get skip-the-line entry, expert-guided tours, and up to 20% savings.

Vatican Tickets – Priority Entry to Museums & Sistine Chapel

Uncover the Secrets of the Vatican Apostolic Archives

Rome

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican with expert guides & skip-the-line access. Save up to 20% on Vatican tickets by booking now!

#008 003 Rome: Vatican

Discover over 70,000 works of art at the famous Vatican Museums by virtuosos such as Raphael, da Vinci, Michelangelo and Bernini. Peruse our collection of Vatican tickets to enjoy skip-the-line entry, guided tours, or combo offers.

Vatican Museums Tickets with Sistine Chapel Entry

Bestseller

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

Access some of the greatest Renaissance art at the Vatican — from the monumental Gallery of Maps to Michelangelo's masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel.

Top Experiences

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

Access Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica on this skip-the-line guided tour, showcasing the Holy See's iconic landmarks.

Early Morning Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Skip the crowds and experience some of the greatest Renaissance art at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with an early morning tour with an expert guide.

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour

Climb to the very top of Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s Basilica dome, and bask in unparalleled views of the rolling green Castelli Romani hills, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the opulent Vatican!

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Get fast-track access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel to discover exquisite masterpieces of art and history on this fascinating guided tour!

VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Explore the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel at your own pace with an expert guide. Skip the ticketing queues to both the attractions!

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour

Enjoy a skip-the-line, guided group tour experience, as you learn all about the history and culture of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.

Combo (Save 10%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

With this money-saving combo, go on unique guided tours of Rome's 2 most iconic sites. View divine artworks in the Vatican Museums and learn the Colosseum's history!

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour

Enjoy a skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museum and explore Sistine Chapel. Choose between early morning or after-hours for best experience.

Combo (Save 5%): Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Guided Tour

Delve in the essence of the Vatican as you explore the city in a guided tour of the monumental sites, available in 3 languages, at economical rates.

Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour

Discover Rome on a full-day guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

Headout's Top Recommendations

Vatican Tickets

Vatican Archives

Vatican Secret Archive

What is Inside Vatican Archives?

Letter from Mary Queen of Scots

Catholic Church’s excommunication of Martin Luther

Minutes of the trials against the Knights Templar

Notes from the trial against Galileo

Letters from Michelangelo 

Henry VIII’s request for annulment from wife Catherine of Aragon 

Vatican Archives Rooms

Study Rooms

Bunkers and Warehouses

Special School of Palaeography and Applied Criticism

Noble Floor

Chigiane Rooms

Tower of the Winds

History of the Vatican Archives

Holy Scrinium

Before the Founding of the Archives

Founding of the Archives

French Seizure

Restoration of the Archive

Access to Scholars

19th Century

Modern Era

Research and Conservation

Publications

Conservation and Restoration 

Digital Acquisitions

Projects 

Book Vatican tickets & tours

Vatican Library

Secrets of Vatican

Vatican city facts

Vatican Archives | Vatican | Content Framework

Explore the Vatican Apostolic Archives, home to centuries-old documents. Learn about its history, collections, and how to visit this unique part of the Vatican.

Step inside the Vatican Apostolic Archives

Vatican Tickets Content Footer

Vatican Tickets - Common Header

Free wheelchair hire is offered (subject to availability), requiring a valid ID and deposit. 

Wheelchair accessible ramps and elevators are available, making most museum spaces accessible. The Museums are also accessible to mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs, with traditional wheelchairs available for areas with space limitations.

The Guard Corps will show families with strollers the best itinerary to follow and the special lifts they can use for easy access to the various galleries.

Guide dogs for the blind are allowed, provided they are on a lead and muzzled. Advance notification is required for visitors bringing guide dogs.

Located along the museum itinerary, and are clearly signposted for visitor convenience. You will also find restrooms that are accessible to the disabled, and those equipped with baby changing facilities and a nursing room. 

The Vatican Museums offer a complimentary cloakroom service, accessible from the entrance hall after the metal detectorVisitors are required to leave all luggage, suitcases, rucksacks, packages, and containers not suitable due to their size or nature in the cloakroom before entering the exhibition spaces. 

The Vatican Museums offer a variety of audio and video guides to enhance the visitor experience by providing insightful commentary on the exhibits. They also offer video guides in American Sign Language for deaf and hard of hearing visitors.

The Vatican Museums offer various dining options, including a cafeteria, a self-service area, and a pizzeria. These venues provide a range of choices from quick snacks to full meals, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

They have 18 defibrillators installed along the museum itinerary, with Guard Staff trained to provide emergency cardio-protective treatment. For severe cases, an ambulance transfer service to the nearest hospital is available. Volunteers from the National Confederation of the Misericordie & a medical-nursing unit is available daily during museum hours. 

 Facilities for changing babies and a nursing room for privacy are available along the museum itinerary.  

The Vatican Museums feature a network of bookshops along the seven-kilometer museum itinerary, offering a wide selection of products from scientific publications, art catalogues, to reproductions of artworks, prints, stationery, multimedia products, as well as children’s books and toys. 

The crown jewel of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is famed for Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam.' Its walls also display works by other Renaissance masters. The chapel is not only an artistic wonder but also a significant religious site, serving as the location for the Papal conclave. Visitors are often awestruck by the intricate details and the vivid storytelling depicted in the art.

Sistine Chapel

The four Raphael Rooms, known as the Stanze di Raffaello, showcase the genius of Raphael, one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. Each room is adorned with stunning frescoes that tell various stories and themes, such as 'The School of Athens' in the Stanza della Segnatura, which depicts an assembly of great philosophers. These rooms offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural richness of the Renaissance era.

Raphael Rooms

The Gallery of Maps is a breathtaking corridor lined with topographical maps of Italy, painted in the 16th century by Ignazio Danti. Stretching over 120 meters, it's one of the world's largest pictorial geographical studies. The maps, alongside the intricate ceiling frescoes, offer a unique blend of art and science, making this gallery a fascinating stop for both art enthusiasts and history buffs.

Gallery of Maps

Named after Pope Clement XIV and Pius VI, this museum houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures and artworks. Visitors can admire iconic pieces like the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. The museum's neoclassical halls provide an ideal backdrop for these timeless masterpieces, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

Pio-Clementino Museum

Designed by Donato Bramante, the Belvedere Courtyard originally served as a space to display classical sculptures and was key in the development of the High Renaissance architectural style. Today, it connects various parts of the museum and offers a serene outdoor space. The courtyard, adorned with elegant sculptures and fountains, is a perfect spot to appreciate the blend of art, architecture, and nature.

The Belvedere Courtyard

Established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts within the Vatican Museums. This unique collection showcases the fascinating cultural and religious practices of ancient Egypt, featuring items such as mummies, sarcophagi, statues of gods and goddesses,pieces related to the Book of the Dead papyrus.

Gregorian Egyptian Museum

Named after the colossal bronze pinecone statue dating back to ancient Rome, the courtyard is a striking open-air space. This pinecone, once a Roman fountain, symbolizes eternal life and is set against the backdrop of a niche from the Temple of Isis. The courtyard also features two bronze peacocks, replicas of those from Hadrian's Mausoleum, adding to its historical allure. Surrounding the central sculptures are beautifully manicured gardens and impressive Renaissance architecture.

Courtyard of the Pinecone

The Vatican Gardens, covering about 23 hectares (57 acres), which is approximately half of the entire country's area, feature a blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, adorned with fountains, sculptures, and a variety of buildings including Vatican Radio and the Governor's Palace. The gardens' history traces back to medieval times, initially featuring orchards and vineyards. They were formally established when Pope Nicholas III moved his residence back to the Vatican in 1279, enclosing the area with walls and planting an orchard, lawn, and garden. It was opened to the public by Pope Francis in 2014.

Vatican Gardens

Visitors will have to leave bags bigger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm in the cloakroom.

Suitcases must be left in the cloakroom before entering the Vatican Museums. 

 Backpacks or rucksacks that cannot be carried on the shoulders and exceed the widest part of the body by more than 15 cm cannot be carried inside.

As a religious state, the Vatican is quite strict about the dress code that visitors should follow. Both men and women need to cover their knees and upper arms. Visitors are prohibited from wearing sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts.

The dress code requires visitors to wear attire that extends to knee-length or longer to maintain the decorum expected at these religious and historical venues.

Flip flops are not specifically prohibited in the Vatican Museums' dress code, but for comfort during extensive walking and to honor the sites' decorum, closed, comfortable footwear is recommended.

Shorts that are above the knee are not permitted at the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens. 

The Vatican Museums established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, houses masterpieces spanning several millennia, including classical sculptures, Renaissance art, and Egyptian artefacts. The Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's intricate frescoes, is a highlight. Marvel at themed galleries, such as the Raphael Rooms and works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci here.

Discover the Vatican Museum, home to over 70,000 priceless works of art, including the legendary Sistine Chapel featuring frescoes by Michelangelo. As you make your way through the winding corridors spanning 9 miles, view masterpieces by greats such as Raphael, da Vinci, and Caravaggio.

The Vatican Museums in Rome showcase masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Raphael Rooms, and the ancient Laocoön sculpture, offering a journey through art history within the heart of the Vatican. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum with ancient artifacts, and the Gallery of Maps, are other highlights.

Comprising 54 galleries, the Vatican Museums museums are home to an unparalleled collection of artworks gathered by the Catholic Church over centuries. From the stunning Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes, to the intricate Raphael Rooms, the museums are a testament to the artistic genius of the Renaissance.

This is an ideal spot for a casual, self-service lunch with a variety of dishes catering to all tastes and ages. It provides a convenient option for visitors looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

The Self Service

Located in the picturesque Courtyard of the Pine Cone, Bistrot La Pigna offers a delightful dining experience from dawn till dusk. It's perfect for those seeking a more atmospheric setting within the museum.

The Bistrot La Pigna

Situated at the heart of the Museums, near the Sistine Chapel, this café is ideal for a peaceful break. Visitors can enjoy a moment of rest and reflection here, amidst the rich history and art.

The Caffetteria Il Forno

For a quick but tasty meal, the Pizzeria offers the perfect solution with delicious pizza options. It's great for those who want a fast and satisfying lunch.

The Pizzeria

As you leave the Carriage Pavilion, this cafeteria welcomes visitors with the opportunity for an appetizing break with a view. It's a great spot to relax and take in the surroundings.

The Caffetteria Le Carrozze

Located next to the Self Service area, this cafeteria is ideal for a quick coffee or a leisurely breakfast. It offers a comfortable space to start your museum visit with a refreshing beverage or meal.

The Caffetteria Centrale

The Vatican Museums can be accessed using the entrance from Viale Vaticano. This is located on the north side of Vatican City and is the fastest way to reach the museums. You can purchase tickets to the museums at this entrance.

Viale Vaticano

St. Peter’s Basilica is located on the Southeast side of Vatican City and can be accessed from Via Della Conciliazione. This entrance will get you right into St. Peter’s Square.

Via Della Conciliazione

Of the over 70,000 artworks in the Vatican Museums' vast collection, only about 20,000 are exhibited to the public. The remaining pieces are hidden away, safeguarded for preservation, space constraints, and ongoing expert research, making them an unseen treasure trove of art history.

To protect Michelangelo's iconic frescoes from the 25,000 daily visitors, the Sistine Chapel boasts a state-of-the-art climate control system, installed in 2014. This modern marvel replaced the 1990s system, ensuring optimal preservation against humidity and dust with minimal noise and air disturbance.

The Vatican Museums' Gallery of Maps, a 120-meter-long frescoed masterpiece completed in 1583, showcases 40 detailed maps of Italy by Ignazio Danti. These maps, exceptional for their time, predate modern cartography by centuries and display remarkable geographical accuracy.

Giuseppe Momo's Spiral Staircase in the Vatican Museums, designed in 1932, is an architectural marvel. Its unique structure allows for separate ascending and descending paths without intersection, predating the discovery of DNA's double helix by over two decades.

The Sala Rotonda of the Vatican Museums echoes the Pantheon with its grand circular design and soaring coffered ceiling. At its heart stands a colossal bronze Hercules, and beneath lies Nero's massive porphyry basin, while above, an oculus opens to the sky, symbolizing both architectural brilliance and historical depth.

Animals are not allowed, except for guide dogs for the blind or partially-sighted, provided they are equipped with a muzzle and lead. Prior notification by email is required for guide dogs.

The use of telescopic 'selfie sticks' is forbidden within the Vatican Museums. This restriction is in place to prevent damage to the artworks and to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.

The use of tripods and stands for photography is not allowed inside the Vatican Museums, except with special authorization from the Directorate of the Museums and Cultural Heritage. 

The operation of drones is strictly prohibited within the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Special authorization from the Directorate of the Museums and Cultural Heritage is required for any use of drones. 

 The use of video cameras is restricted inside the Vatican Museums. Visitors are required to leave medium and large video cameras, as well as other professional filming equipment, in the cloakroom.

he use of amplified microphones is not permitted inside the Vatican Museums. For guided group tours with 11 or more participants, the use of radio headset systems is obligatory. 

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside and must be left in the cloakroom. Food and drink consumption is forbidden in the exhibition halls, but items can be stored in the cloakroom.

 The possession and use of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited within the Vatican Museums. 

While you can carry your phones inside, they must be on silent mode. Their use is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.

Established in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI, this museum showcases Etruscan artifacts from ancient cities within the former Papal State. It presents a journey through Etruscan civilization from the 9th century B.C. to its assimilation into the Roman state.

Gregorian Etruscan Museum

Founded in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI, the museum occupies nine rooms in the Palace of the Belvedere and highlights the intricate relationship between Roman and Egyptian cultures. It showcases an extensive collection that including artifacts from Roman Egypt and Egyptian-influenced Rome, such as pieces from Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli. The museum's architecture and design evoke the ambiance of the Nile, making it a unique journey through history.

This museum's collection, dating back to Pope Julius II's original assemblage (1503-1513), is a testament to the Vatican's dedication to preserving and showcasing classical art. The museum is famed for its exquisite sculptures, many of which were pivotal in shaping Renaissance and Baroque art appreciation.

Pio Clementino Museum

Housed in a long loggia linking the small Palace of the Belvedere to the Vatican Palaces, Chiaramonti Museum. emerged from a turbulent historical period marked by the recovery of art pieces seized by Napoleon. Named after Pope Pius VII Chiaramonti, the gallery was opened in 1806. It features over a thousand examples of antique sculptures, including Roman portrait busts and funerary art. The museum's unique arrangement, influenced by Quatremère de Quincy's ideas, facilitates a comparative view of masterpieces with lesser-known works, emphasizing the importance of context in art appreciation.

Chiaramonti Museum

Occupying the southern part of the corridor linking the Vatican Palace to the Belvedere Palace, this gallery hosts the richest ancient stone artifacts collection in the Vatican. Originally established by Clement XIV and later enriched by Pius VI and Pius VII, it's a "stone library" with over 3400 pieces, including slabs, memorials, urns, altars, and sarcophagi from 1st century B.C. to 6th century A.D.

Lapidary Gallery

The New Wing, or Braccio Nuovo, of the Chiaramonti Museum in the Vatican Museums, is a remarkable example of neo-classical architecture in Rome, designed by Raffaele Stern and Pasquale Belli. Opened in 1822 by Pope Pius VII, it was built to house classical sculptures returned from France after being confiscated by Napoleon. The New Wing's design, including a 68-meter-long gallery with a coffered ceiling and skylights, serves to recreate the original setting of these classical sculptures. Its walls are adorned with stucco friezes by Francesco Massimiliano Laboureur, and the gallery features 28 niches with life-size statues of emperors and Roman replicas of Greek statues.

New Wing

The Gregoriano Profano Museum, established in 1844 by Pope Gregory XVI, showcases the findings from the pontifical archaeological excavations in Rome and nearby areas, including Cerveteri, Veio, and Ostia. Initially housed in the Lateran Apostolic Palace, the collection was moved to the Vatican during the 1960s. The museum documents various aspects of classical art from Ancient Greece to the late Imperial Roman age, featuring original Greek sculptures, funerary steles, votive reliefs, architectural fragments, and Roman copies and reconstructions of Greek originals, especially portraits and ideal sculptures.

Gregoriano Profano Museum

Inaugurated in 1981, the museum displays a collection of inscriptions divided into two main groups based on their place of origin: "Extra-urban or municipal" and "Inscriptions from Rome." These inscriptions cover a wide range of topics including gods, emperors, senators, knights, magistrates, priests, calendars, the military, professions, trades, and more. The museum also features tomb inscriptions, marble game boards, small cippi, urns, altars, Greek inscriptions, and various fragments.

Lapidario Profano ex Lateranense

The Pius-Christian Museum, founded by Pius IX in 1854 in the Lateran Palace, offers profound insights into the Christian communities of the early centuries, showcasing how their faith influenced and shaped their artistic expression. The exhibits, ranging from sculptures to mosaics, reveal the evolving nature of Christian iconography and its role in religious and cultural identity.

Pius-Christian Museum

The Christian Lapidarium is a unique collection consisting of over two thousand inscriptions, reflecting the devout lives and beliefs of early Christian communities. These inscriptions provide a fascinating window into the everyday lives, thoughts, and hopes of early Christians, offering invaluable insights into the early history of Christianity.

Christian Lapidarium

Formerly known as the Room of Samson featuring frescoes by Guido Reni, it was transformed under Paul V by Flaminio Ponzio between 1605 and 1608. Named after the iconic Roman fresco on its rear wall, this museum boasts a mosaic-adorned floor, including a captivating depiction of Achilles dragging Hector's body.

Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding

The set of four rooms referred to as Raphael's Stanze comprised a section of the second-floor apartment in the Pontifical Palace, selected by Julius II della Rovere (pontiff from 1503 to 1513). Chosen for his residence, it was later utilized by subsequent pontiffs. Raphael and his school undertook this picture project between 1508 and 1524.

Raphael's Rooms

The Niccoline Chapel, named after Pope Nicholas V, was constructed in the heart of the Apostolic Palace, near Raphael's loggia and the future apartments of Julius II and Leo X. The chapel's exquisite decoration by Fra Angelico in 1448 reflects a philosophy called "Christian humanism."

Niccoline Chapel

After the proclamation of the Immaculate Conception dogma by Pius IX in 1854, a cycle of frescoes was commissioned to celebrate the event. Francis Podesti, along with his team, undertook the task in the adjacent room to Raphael's Rooms from 1856 to 1865. The pictorial journey, starting with allegorical scenes on the ceiling, unfolds a narrative of virtues, homage from continents, discussions of dogma and culminates in the Coronation of the Image of Mary.

Room of the Immaculate Conception

A significant portion of the Vatican Museums has been dedicated to housing collections spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. This emerged from Paul VI's desire to reopen the conversation between the Church and contemporary culture. It was inaugurated in 1973 in accordance with Pope Montini.

Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art

In 1925, Pope Pius XI initiated the Vatican Exposition to showcase global cultural and spiritual traditions. The immense success, of displaying over 100,000 artifacts to a million visitors, led to the establishment of the Missionary Ethnological Museum. Originally in the Lateran Palace, it found a permanent home within the Vatican Museums in the early 1970s, preserving the rich tapestry of global heritage.

Ethnological Museum Anima Mundi

The Jewish Lapidarium, a vital Vatican collection of ancient inscriptions, moved from the Lateran Palace to the Vatican in 1963, alongside early Christian collections. Housing nearly 200 inscriptions unearthed from the Monteverde Jewish catacomb on Via Portuense, it stands as a significant repository of Jewish heritage and culture.

Jewish Lapidarium

The Vatican Pinacoteca, or Art Gallery by architect Luca Beltrami for Pius XI was opened on October 27, 1932. Located in the Square Garden constructed in the nineteenth century, it provides ideal lighting and aesthetic conditions for the preservation and display of artworks. This resolved the historical challenge of a suitable exhibition space for valuable paintings in the Apostolic Palaces.

Pinacoteca

The Carriage Pavilion is a museum in Vatican City that houses a collection of carriages, automobiles, and other vehicles used by the popes and cardinals of the Catholic Church. The collection includes a number of ceremonial carriages, including the Grand Gala Berlin, which was built in Rome in 1826 for Pope Leo XII. There is also a display of sedan chairs, court livery, and harnesses for horses.

Carriage Pavilion

In 1761, Clement XIII established the Profane Museum in the Vatican, the first collection of its kind for displaying secular antiquities like sumptuary arts, domestic instruments, and papal numismatic collections until the early 19th century. Inaugurated in 1767 and initially known as the "Medals Room," it stood in relation to Benedict XIV's Christian Museum, situated at the opposite end of the Library hallway.

Profane Museum

The St. Peter Martyr chapel, situated in the southwest corner of the Tower in the Vatican Palaces, was commissioned by St. Pius V between 1566 and 1570. Decorated by Giorgio Vasari and Jacopo Zucchi in 1570, it features stucco and frescoes depicting the life of St. Peter Martyr.

Chapel of St. Peter Martyr

Besides being the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is best known for its Renaissance frescoes. These frescoes were painted by a number of artists, including Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pietro Perugino, and most famously, Michelangelo. Michelangelo's frescoes, which cover the chapel's ceiling and walls, are considered to be some of the greatest masterpieces of Western art.

The Borgia Apartment is a suite of six rooms in the Apostolic Palace within the Vatican Museums, which were once the private residence of Pope Alexander VI. The rooms were decorated between 1484 and 1494 by the Italian Renaissance painter Bernardino di Betto

Borgia Apartment

In 1631, in response to Pope Urban VIII Barberini's request, the Chapel was created by pontifical architects. They adapted a small 5 by 4.4-meter room in the southwest corner of the Borgia Tower, originally part of the "old apartment" used by pontiffs in the sixteenth century, into a private chapel. The architects adorned it with an ornate gilded stucco and a vault with lunettes for liturgical functions.

Chapel of Urban VIII

The Room of the Chiaroscuri is a room in the Vatican Museums that was once the private study of Pope Leo X. The room is named after the chiaroscuro technique, a style of painting that uses contrasts of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and dimension. The walls of the room are decorated with frescoes that were painted by Raphael.

Room of the Chiaroscuri

Vatican Museums

Hosting over 4,000 Renaissance works, the Vatican Museums are a focal point for admirers of this era. Key highlights include Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, a marvel with its ceiling and The Last Judgment, and the Raphael Rooms, showcasing Raphael's mastery in fresco.

The collections encompass works from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. This includes artifacts from ancient Egypt, which date back to around 3000 BCE, and extends through the classical periods of Greek and Roman history, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and up to the modern era, offering a unique opportunity to see the evolution of art and culture across these vast stretches of human history in one location.

Beyond Renaissance art, the Vatican Museums boast diverse collections including statues in the Pio-Clementino Museum to the modern religious art in the Collection of Contemporary Art. This diversity allows visitors to experience a wide spectrum of art, spanning different eras, cultures, and styles, making each visit uniquely enriching and educational.

The Vatican Museums are not just art galleries but architectural masterpieces. The original Bramante Staircase, built in the early 16th century, is a marvel of Renaissance engineering. In contrast, Giuseppe Momo's Spiral Staircase, constructed in 1932, is a modern interpretation, showcasing showcase architectural evolution through four centuries.

Venture beyond the museums to the Vatican Gardens, spanning 23 hectares with over 200 fountains and numerous sculptures, reflecting centuries of papal influence. St. Peter's Basilica, a cornerstone of Christian architecture, encompasses over 15,000 square meters and houses masterpieces like Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Bus 49 stops in front of the Vatican Museums, offering the most direct access. You can also take buses 40 and 64 from Roma Termini to Piazza Pia, and at Terminal Gianicolo or Holy Spirit Hospital, respectively. Buses 32, 81, and 982, stop at Piazza del Risorgimento. You can also board buses 492 or 990, which stop at Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni.

Tram number 19 stops at Piazza del Risorgimento, a short 5-minute walk from the Vatican Museums. This is a convenient option for those staying near Villa Borghese or the National Gallery of Modern Art​​​​.

The metro runs from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM between Sunday to Thursday; on Friday and Saturday, the metro runs from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM.&nbsp;Apart from Line A to the Ottaviano-S. Pietro station, you can get off at Lepanto station. You can stroll through and shop at Cola di Rienzo Street, before heading to the Vatican Museums. The Cipro Station, also on Line A, is located in close proximity to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

To drive down from Rome, the fastest route would be to drive via Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. You can also head to the Vatican via Viale del Muro Torto to avoid tolls; however, this route will take longer. However, you will not be able to enter the Vatican City in a car unless you’re there on official business. There are several parking options near the Vatican Museums. Parking Prati and Garage San Pietro are about a 5-minute walk away, while Garage Dacar is a 10-minute walk. These locations offer the convenience of online booking​​.

You can board the RE 12524 towards Civitavecchia or RE 4134 towards Pisa Centrale from Roma Termini The first train departs Roma Termini&nbsp;at 5:35 AM, after which a train departs every 30 minutes. The last train leaves Rome Termini at 10:35 PM.

Step inside the Vatican Apostolic Archives

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept