The Apostolic Palace: Papal residence in Vatican City

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.




Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica on a sunny day in Vatican City
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Vatican grottoes, Papal Tomb
English guided tour group exploring St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs in Vatican City, highlighting unique architecture and historical landmarks
Tour guide leading a group of tourists in front of St. Peter’s Basilica during a guided tour
Guided tour group exploring the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs in Vatican City
Tour group exploring the St Peters Basilica Tomb in the Grottoes, Rome
Statue of Veronica holding the Veil, a significant landmark inside St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica on a sunny day in Vatican City
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Vatican grottoes, Papal Tomb
English guided tour group exploring St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs in Vatican City, highlighting unique architecture and historical landmarks
Tour guide leading a group of tourists in front of St. Peter’s Basilica during a guided tour
Guided tour group exploring the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs in Vatican City
Tour group exploring the St Peters Basilica Tomb in the Grottoes, Rome
Statue of Veronica holding the Veil, a significant landmark inside St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica on a sunny day in Vatican City
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Vatican grottoes, Papal Tomb
English guided tour group exploring St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs in Vatican City, highlighting unique architecture and historical landmarks
Tour guide leading a group of tourists in front of St. Peter’s Basilica during a guided tour
Guided tour group exploring the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs in Vatican City
Tour group exploring the St Peters Basilica Tomb in the Grottoes, Rome
Statue of Veronica holding the Veil, a significant landmark inside St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Guided Tours
3.8(3.5K)

St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

from
€10
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr.

Explore the chapels, altars, and crypts of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert guide.

  • An expert guide will lead you through the best of St. Peter's Basilica, from its chapels and altars to the sacred Papal Crypts.
  • Dive into art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno in your preferred language.
  • As you walk through the mosaic floors that tell the stories of saints and martyrs, keep an eye out for the awe-inspiring Baldachin by Bernini.
  • You can opt for a guide in your preferred language, with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
  • After the tour, you can descend to the Vatican Grottoes and explore the Papal Tombs, learn about the legacy of the Clementine Chapel, and more.

Explore the chapels, altars, and crypts of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert guide.

  • An expert guide will lead you through the best of St. Peter's Basilica, from its chapels and altars to the sacred Papal Crypts.
  • Dive into art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno in your preferred language.
  • As you walk through the mosaic floors that tell the stories of saints and martyrs, keep an eye out for the awe-inspiring Baldachin by Bernini.
  • You can opt for a guide in your preferred language, with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
  • After the tour, you can descend to the Vatican Grottoes and explore the Papal Tombs, learn about the legacy of the Clementine Chapel, and more.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Expert English, French, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Assistance at meeting point
  • Tip: Check out Pietro Cavallini's Madonna della Bocciata fresco in the Vatican Grottoes and hear the story behind its unique name.
  • Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • Mobile phones must remain on silent mode inside the Basilica.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access to the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
  • Sign language guided tours are available in Italian at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
  • Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to 2 hours!
  • Around religious holidays at the Vatican, parts of the tour, such as the Papal Tombs, may not be open. In this case, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, highlighting its architectural grandeur
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica Dome interior view during guided tour, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Details of the Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, highlighting its architectural grandeur
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica Dome interior view during guided tour, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Details of the Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, highlighting its architectural grandeur
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica Dome interior view during guided tour, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Details of the Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Guided Tours
4.2(3K)

St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour with Dome Access

from
€35
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Experience Basilica's Dome and uncover its stories with an expert guide.

  • Admire Michelangelo's genius up close while climbing the Dome and learn all about its legends in a guided tour.
  • This is one photo op you won't want to miss! Enjoy unparalleled views of the Eternal City, from the top of the Dome.
  • Explore the intricate art-filled interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes.
  • Choose from 5 language options. On a French or English tour, you can opt to relish a sumptuous breakfast before you begin.

Experience Basilica's Dome and uncover its stories with an expert guide.

  • Admire Michelangelo's genius up close while climbing the Dome and learn all about its legends in a guided tour.
  • This is one photo op you won't want to miss! Enjoy unparalleled views of the Eternal City, from the top of the Dome.
  • Explore the intricate art-filled interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes.
  • Choose from 5 language options. On a French or English tour, you can opt to relish a sumptuous breakfast before you begin.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with entry
  • Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
  • Access by elevator to the base and stairs to the top
  • Breakfast (for French and English options, if selected)

Exclusions

  • Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Entry to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
  • Tip: While climbing the Dome, peek through special windows for rare views of the Basilica’s interiors below.
  • Strict dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • The Dome is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo or claustrophobia. Even with elevator access, 320 steps must be climbed to reach the cupola.
  • Expect extended wait times at security, especially during peak hours, which may exceed 2 hours. Patience is key!
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Group of tourists exploring Vatican Museums and admiring Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy, on a premium guided tour
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture in Rome
Visitors in the Gallery of Maps at Vatican Museum
Priority Tickets to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Accompanied Entrance-8
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tourists descending the spiral staircase inside the Vatican Museums, a highlight of the Sistine Chapel Tickets tour
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Group of tourists exploring Vatican Museums and admiring Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy, on a premium guided tour
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture in Rome
Visitors in the Gallery of Maps at Vatican Museum
Priority Tickets to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Accompanied Entrance-8
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tourists descending the spiral staircase inside the Vatican Museums, a highlight of the Sistine Chapel Tickets tour
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Group of tourists exploring Vatican Museums and admiring Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy, on a premium guided tour
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture in Rome
Visitors in the Gallery of Maps at Vatican Museum
Priority Tickets to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Accompanied Entrance-8
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tourists descending the spiral staircase inside the Vatican Museums, a highlight of the Sistine Chapel Tickets tour
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tickets
4.3(31.4K)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

from €34
€30.60

10% off

Flexible duration

Your fast-track access ticket to Rome's most popular museum.

  • The Vatican draws over 5 million people annually, so crowds are a given. Save around 2-3 hours bypassing the ticketing queue with these tickets.
  • Get direct entry tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or choose to skip ticketing queues with a host.
  • Admire The Last Judgement, the mighty composition by Michelangelo that has been one of the most influential (and controversial) masterpieces of all time.

Your fast-track access ticket to Rome's most popular museum.

  • The Vatican draws over 5 million people annually, so crowds are a given. Save around 2-3 hours bypassing the ticketing queue with these tickets.
  • Get direct entry tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or choose to skip ticketing queues with a host.
  • Admire The Last Judgement, the mighty composition by Michelangelo that has been one of the most influential (and controversial) masterpieces of all time.

Inclusions

  • Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Hosted entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
  • Entry to Castel Sant'Angelo (as per option selected)
  • Booking and service charges

Exclusions

  • Live guide
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
  • Gratuities
  • Tip: Make the most of your visit and explore some of the collections off the main route, such as Braccio Nuovo.
  • Names are mandatory for all the bookings. Double check the names at check out for a hassle-free entry and be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
  • Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatter, no phones, and no photos, just pure awe. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the details before you step inside.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • The Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required. Click here for the accessible route.
  • Entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
  • Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Please expect long waiting times during peak season for both, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Guided Tours
4.2(30.6K)

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

from
€59
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Explore Vatican City’s top 3 sites & Entry to the Basilica with a guided tour

  • Get the complete Vatican City experience on a guided tour of its three iconic sites: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Fast-track entry ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
  • Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
  • Get the flexibility to choose either the guided tour or a self-paced exploration of St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to St. Peter's Basilica via a secret door from the Sistine Chapel, saving you 20 minutes of walking and skipping a 2-hour queue.

Explore Vatican City’s top 3 sites & Entry to the Basilica with a guided tour

  • Get the complete Vatican City experience on a guided tour of its three iconic sites: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Fast-track entry ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
  • Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
  • Get the flexibility to choose either the guided tour or a self-paced exploration of St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to St. Peter's Basilica via a secret door from the Sistine Chapel, saving you 20 minutes of walking and skipping a 2-hour queue.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Skip-the-line entry or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
  • Headphones

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome
  • Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • Inside the Sistine Chapel, maintain silence—no chatter, phones, or photos allowed. Don’t worry, your guide will brief you beforehand.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Mausoleum, ROme
Tour guide showing Jubilee Silver Pass holders around the historic Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view during Vatican Gardens guided tour with Papal Audience, Rome.
Tour guide showing tourists around Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, part of the Jubilee Silver Pass tour including Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Interior view of Castel Sant'Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
Interior of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Mausoleum, ROme
Tour guide showing Jubilee Silver Pass holders around the historic Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view during Vatican Gardens guided tour with Papal Audience, Rome.
Tour guide showing tourists around Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, part of the Jubilee Silver Pass tour including Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Interior view of Castel Sant'Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
Interior of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Mausoleum, ROme
Tour guide showing Jubilee Silver Pass holders around the historic Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view during Vatican Gardens guided tour with Papal Audience, Rome.
Tour guide showing tourists around Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, part of the Jubilee Silver Pass tour including Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Interior view of Castel Sant'Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
Interior of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Combos
4.1(2.2K)

Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

from €68
€64.60

5% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Guided tour

An unbeatable combo for neighboring sites in Rome!

  • Visit the riverside Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica – the largest church in the world.
  • Your guide leads a group of under 20 guests to unravel the fortified passageways and gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, a royal mausoleum-turned-fortress.
  • Inside the castle, be met with celestial sculptures and interesting rooms like the Grand Loggia, the breezy yet sheltered Courtyard of the Angel, and more.
  • Less than 1 km away yet in a different nation lies St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of the Vatican! Your guided tour continues here.
  • From the Papal Tombs to Bernini’s breathtaking bronze canopy and numerous niche chapels, absorb every nuance of the basilica’s narrative.

An unbeatable combo for neighboring sites in Rome!

  • Visit the riverside Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica – the largest church in the world.
  • Your guide leads a group of under 20 guests to unravel the fortified passageways and gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, a royal mausoleum-turned-fortress.
  • Inside the castle, be met with celestial sculptures and interesting rooms like the Grand Loggia, the breezy yet sheltered Courtyard of the Angel, and more.
  • Less than 1 km away yet in a different nation lies St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of the Vatican! Your guided tour continues here.
  • From the Papal Tombs to Bernini’s breathtaking bronze canopy and numerous niche chapels, absorb every nuance of the basilica’s narrative.

Inclusions

Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with entry
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Group of up to 20 guests

St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the discreet Passetto di Borgo which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City!

Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Only some areas of the castle are suitable for the use of prams/strollers and wheelchairs.
  • If you are visiting with a baby or a toddler, get a carrier.
  • Keep in mind that your ticket is nominative, and you must present a valid ID matching your full name on the ticket for entry.

St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access into the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
  • Sign language guided tours are available at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
  • Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • Around religious holidays at the Vatican, parts of the tour such as the Papal Tombs may not be open. In this case, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Vatican TicketsApostolic Palace

What is the Apostolic Palace? 

Situated in Vatican City, to the northeast of St. Peter’s Basilica, is the Apostolic Palace is known as the official residence of the reigning pope.

Not to be confused the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the former summer palace of the Pope; the Apostolic Palace is the formal residence of the Pope. The palace comprises over 1000 rooms, excluding which there are several Papal Apartments, the Vatican Library, a few Catholic Church’s government offices as well as numerous private and public chapels among other buildings. 

Apart from being the Pope’s formal home, the Apostolic Palace consists of several administrative offices which are used to administer the function of the Vatican State. Perhaps the most important part of the Pope’s home is the fact that it has become a tourist-facing component in Rome. The several gardens, fishponds, attractive museums, library, and natural conservatories, to name a few, are amongst the few outstanding features that the Palace is known for and is a spot to be explored. The palace is also otherwise known as the Papal Palace, the Vatican Palace, the Vatican Palace, and also the Palace of the Vatican. 

Plan your visit to the Apostolic Palace

Timings
Location
Tickets
Rules
Apostolic Palace Timings

Vatican Tickets
Apostolic Palace Rules

Structure of the Apostolic Palace

Arranged around the Courtyard of Sixtus V, the Apostolic Palace is a series of self-contained buildings consisting of a recognized outer structure. 

Sistine Chapel at Apostolic Palace
Raphael Rooms at Apostolic Palace

Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms are a suite of reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, which is now a portion of the Vatican Museums, in Vatican City. These rooms are popular for their frescoes, done by a team of artists who were guided under Raphael.  Commonly known as the Stanze, situated above Alexander’s Borgia Apartments, the Raphael Rooms were the apartments intended for Pope Julius II. He decided to redecorate the interiors of the rooms entirely, possibly to outshine the apartments of his predecessor. 

Borgia Apartments at Apostolic Palaces

Borgia Apartments

The Borgia Apartments consists of a suite of rooms that were for the personal usage of Pope Alexander VI. The apartments were decorated lavishly with frescoes and used iconic themes from medieval encyclopedias, to add meaning and to celebrate the divine origins of Borgias. 

The rooms are a part of the Vatican Library and Museums. Currently, these rooms are used for the Vatican Collection of Modern Religious Art, by Pope Paul VI in 1973. 

Clementine Hall at Apostolic Palace

Clementine Hall

The Clementine Hall, also called the Sala Clementina, was created in the 16th century in honor of the third Pope, Pope Clement I, by Pope Clement VIII. Just like the other apartments, the Clementine Hall also consists of numerous large collections of artifacts and frescos, that make the Clementine Hall a famous structure in itself.  It is used by the pope as a reception room and sometimes as a site of various ceremonies and rituals. It is in the Clementine Hall that the body of the pope lies for private visitation by officials of the Vatican until it is moved to St. Peter's Basilica or the Basilica of San Giovanni.

Who lives in the Vatican Palace?

Pope at the Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace is home to the Pope and numerous officials involved in religious and administrative functions. It functions similarly to a state residence, managing the Vatican's various responsibilities.

Can visitors go inside the Vatican Palace? 

Visitors can explore parts of the Apostolic Palace, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and Borgia Apartments. Some areas like the Sala Regia and Cappella Paolina are not open to the public. 

Paintings inside Vatican Palace

Pinacoteca , Apostolic Palace

Apostolic Palace of Vatican | Site of administrative functions of the Holy See

Apostolic Palace

Apart from being home to the Pope, the Apostolic Palace serves many functions. The Palace is used for performing several administrative meetings of the Vatican in terms of political, social, and economic aspects as a State. The palace has within it beautiful gardens, museums, a library, and more. Hence, this structure has become one of the top tourist attractions in the city of Rome, Italy. 

Due to its dual nature as being the home to the pope as well as the site of administrative functions of the Holy See, it has assumed the same stature as the White House. It is a space that exercises various economic, political, and social responsibilities as a State. The term Apostolic Palace has, hence, come to be used as a metonym for the papacy itself, and not just the physical building. 

History of the Apostolic Palace

Construction of the Apostolic Palace began between 1471 and 1605. It evolved from an earlier papal residence built by Pope Symmachus to serve as an alternative residence to the Lateran Palace.

Pope Eugene III sponsored the construction of a second fortified palace. This palace was extensively modified under Pope Innocent III in the twelfth century.

In 1447, Pope Nicholas V razed the ancient fortified palace of Eugene III to erect a new building, thus giving birth to the current Apostolic Palace.

Over the next 150 years, the Papal Palace went through major additions and decorations.

The current structure was developed under Pope Sixtus V and his successors, culminating in the 20th century with additional expansions by Pope Pius XI.

Frequently asked questions about the Apostolic Palace

What is the Apostolic Palace?

The massive Apostolic Palace is the Pope’s place of residence. It's also home to various apartments, museums, offices, public and private chapels, to name a few amongst the lot. The Palace is inclusive of rooms such as the Sistine Chapel as well as Raphael’s room famous for its paintings and architecture. The Palace serves as a space to perform the religious and administrative functions of the city.

Where is the Apostolic Palace located?

The Apostolic Palace is situated within Vatican City, just northeast of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Who lives inside the Apostolic Palace?

The Pope resides in the Apostolic Palace. It is also home to various Vatican officials and staff who manage religious and administrative functions.

Can I enter the Apostolic Palace?

Yes, around 20 rooms of the Apostolic Palace are accessible to the public, including notable areas such as the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and Borgia Apartments. Some sections, like the Sala Regia and Cappella Paolina, are not open to the public.

How far is the Apostolic Palace from St Peter's Square?

The Papal Palace is hardly two minutes away from St. Peter’s Square.

When was the Apostolic Palace built?

The construction of the Apostolic Palace (the Vatican or Papal Palace) in the Vatican City, was done between 1471 and 1605.

Why was the Apostolic Palace built?

It was built as a replacement for the Lateran Palace, which served as the primary residence of the popes for over a millennium. The new Palace was intended to enhance the papal residence and administrative capabilities.