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Museum · Roma, Lazio
Musei Vaticani
The museums of the popes, with ancient sculptures, the Salas de Rafael and, at the end of the route, the Capela Sistina painted by Michelangelo. Booking a timed entry is recommended.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Musei Vaticani
The Musei Vaticani originated in the early 16th century, when Pope Júlio II gathered ancient sculptures in the Belvedere courtyard. Today they are several museums in sequence, with kilometers of galleries, and the visit usually follows a one-way route to the Capela Sistina.
In the Museo Pio-Clementino are the Laocoonte and the Apolo do Belvedere. The Galeria dos Mapas has frescoes showing the geography of 16th-century Italy. The Salas de Rafael, painted by him and his pupils, include the School of Athens. The Pinacoteca houses paintings by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael and Caravaggio.
The Cappella Sistina is the chapel where the cardinals meet to elect the pope. Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512, with scenes from Genesis such as the Creation of Adam, and returned decades later to paint the Last Judgment on the altar wall. The lateral walls feature frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino and Ghirlandaio.
Photography and filming are forbidden in the Capela Sistina, and silence is requested. The museum is open Monday to Saturday and on the last Sunday of each month, and it closes on some religious holidays: check the calendar before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to four hours for a route covering the main rooms and the Capela Sistina.
Best time
The earliest morning slots are usually quieter. On the last Sunday of the month admission is free and the line tends to be long.
How to get there
Metrô linha A, stations Ottaviano or Cipro, and about a 10-minute walk to the entrance on Viale Vaticano, next to the wall.
Tip
Book online at the official website to enter at your chosen time. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Large backpacks go in the cloakroom/left-luggage, and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musei Vaticani
Do I need to book the Museus Vaticanos?
Booking online is recommended: it guarantees your time slot and avoids the purchase queue. In high season the morning slots sell out first.
Do the Museus Vaticanos open on Sundays?
Only on the last Sunday of each month, with reduced hours and free admission, except when it coincides with certain religious celebrations. On other Sundays they are closed. Check before you go.
Can I photograph the Capela Sistina?
No. In the Capela Sistina it is forbidden to take photos or film. In the rest of the museums, photos for personal use are allowed, without flash.
What clothing should I wear at the Museus Vaticanos?
The same rule as for the basilica: shoulders and knees must be covered, no miniskirts, sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Hats are also not allowed inside the museums.