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Vatican Museums

Museum
★ 4.8 (11K+ reviews) • 161K+ booked
The Vatican Museums, located at Viale Vaticano 00165 Rome, house a vast collection of masterpieces spanning centuries of history and art. Founded by Pope Julius II, the Pope’s museums showcase ancient sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and religious artifacts. Visitors can embark on a Vatican Museums tour at their leisure or opt for a guided tour led by an expert guide. A highlight of any visit is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes captivate millions. Sistine Chapel tickets grant access to this iconic space, while a visit also includes the Raphael Rooms, sculptures, and artworks from the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Beyond the galleries, explore the Vatican Gardens, the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, and the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. The museums also feature publications and merchandising at the menu shop, allowing visitors to take home a piece of history.
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Vatican Museums Reviews

4.8 /5
11K+ reviews
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CHAI *****
9 Sep
I wouldn't recommend going to the Vatican Museum on Mondays. Since it's closed on Sundays, it gets incredibly crowded on Mondays, which made it particularly tough. 🥲 Even with the crowds, I'm grateful to our guide, 💖Emma💖, who led us to places to rest and made sure we were as comfortable as possible while listening to the explanations in cool areas. I had to drop out of the afternoon Rome city tour due to back pain from too much walking, but it was still a worthwhile and fulfilling tour. They provided lots of great information, from souvenir recommendations and restaurant tips to pickpocketing warnings, so I highly recommend taking the tour when you come to Rome! This was my first overseas trip with my parents, and I was even more satisfied because our guide took such beautiful photos of us. Thank you! 🫶
Klook User
9 Sep
This place was amazing. It was a long day. It took 2 hours of walking inside. I wish I booked an earlier appointment. I think in the morning would have been better.
2+
Klook User
9 Sep
It’s so much easier with a pre booked ticket. The Pantheon was amazing.
1+
C *
8 Sep
v patient and professional guide. save a lot of time in exploring the place. got the chance to go through the holy door. would highly recommend it.
2+
Steve *******
8 Sep
The night review was certainly an experience. Crowds were also not as chaotic. Kathy was a charm on the tour and very informative.
Steve *******
8 Sep
Asunta was fantastic. Very well spoken and had a lot of insight to the journey. she was also very on the ball when it came to prime locations and uninterrupted views to take photos.
1+
Ka ***************
7 Sep
Fast and easy. The wait time to get in is short. Pantheon is a must-see given the history. Especially must see the tomb of Ralphaelle. Check out the dome as well, which you will be amazed how people did it 2000 years ago.
2+
Ka ***************
7 Sep
Fantastic experience! We got a very good guide Martina, who speaks fluent English. She is funny and very communicative and very willing to help. She took us through the Vatican Museums and took us through Sistine Chapel and went through with us key things to watch. Appreciate her taking us also into the rooms of Ralphaelle and saw "the school of Athens". love it. We also got to Basilica De Saint Pietro thru VIP access, which saves tremendous amount of time. We also got through the Holy Door which opened this year Jubilee year every 25 years. Amazing. Immediately on the right we saw Michelangelo's Pietà. Also Baldaccino in the Basilica is also amazing. Must see. This tour has so much to see. so enjoyable!
2+

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FAQs about Vatican Museums

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What to know about Vatican Museums

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Sistine Chapel

A highlight of any Vatican Museums tour, the Sistine Chapel is renowned for Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, painted between 1508 and 1512. The chapel’s altar wall also features The Last Judgment, another Michelangelo masterpiece. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most recognized artistic spaces in the world and a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.

Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms, a highlight of any Vatican Museums tour, house breathtaking frescoes commissioned by Pope Julius II. Among them, The School of Athens stands out as the pinnacle of art history, displaying Raphael’s mastery of perspective and composition. These rooms, once papal apartments, transport visitors into the Renaissance era with their grandeur. Guided tours, upon request, offer an in-depth look at the artwork, making it a must-visit for those interested in the intersection of art and history.

Gallery of Maps

Stroll through the Gallery of Maps, an extraordinary corridor filled with 16th-century frescoes illustrating the Italian peninsula. This immersive hallway blends cartography and artistry, offering visitors a visual journey through Italy’s diverse landscapes. The gallery is part of the Pope’s Museums and is an essential stop on any Vatican Museums tour.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Located at Viale Vaticano 00165 Rome, the Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of artworks and historical treasures spanning centuries. The Vatican Museums contain sculptures, paintings, and antiquities from the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and beyond. Visitors can explore these masterpieces at their own pace or opt for an expert guide to gain deeper insights. Special events and news updates, including free entry days, can be found on the official Vatican website.

Nearby Attractions to Discover

Enhance your Vatican Museums visit by exploring Vatican City’s top landmarks. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire stunning artworks like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin. For panoramic views of Rome, climb St. Peter’s Dome with dome access for an unforgettable experience.

Discover the serene Vatican Gardens, an exclusive area within the Pope’s museums, featuring lush landscapes, fountains, and historic sculptures. Whether on a guided tour or at your leisure, these attractions enrich your visit.

Plan ahead with your Vatican Museums tickets to make the most of your journey through history, art, and centuries-old masterpieces.

Local Cuisine

After visiting the museums, explore the flavors of Italian cuisine at eateries near St. Peter’s Basilica. Indulge in traditional Roman specialties like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Roman-style pizza. For a truly immersive experience, dine near St. Peter’s Dome while reflecting on the artistic and cultural wonders of the day. Many restaurants and cafés offer menu shop options with local delicacies, making it easy to enjoy a taste of Italy before or after your tour.

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