The Vatican Museums are one of the largest art collections in the world. This space, a testament to the Catholic Church's artistic patronage throughout the centuries, consists of 10 museums filled with paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and other artistic elements. During the tour, you'll find many rooms and objects that will capture your attention.
At the heart of the Vatican lies St. Peter’s Square, an open space built by Bernini in the 17th century that precedes the nerve center of the papal city: St. Peter's Basilica. This square, surrounded by 284 columns and 140 statues of saints, can host liturgies for more than 300,000 people. It is the ideal starting point to explore the Vatican. Today, we present a brief tour of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to ensure you don’t miss a single detail during your visit.
German writer Goethe wrote: “Without having seen the Sistine Chapel, one cannot form a reasonable idea of what one is capable of achieving." And how right he was. This room, one of the most famous artistic spaces in the world, is a sublime aesthetic experience that stands out during the Vatican Museums tour. It’s impossible to think of the Sistine Chapel without considering Michelangelo Buonarroti, who once said, “Perfection is no small thing, but it is made up of small things”; perfection that he pursued in his masterpiece through its various frescoes. Continue reading to learn more about the artworks that cover the Sistine Chapel.
Prepare Your Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican City, located within Rome, is possibly one of the smallest spaces with the highest artistic value in the world. The Vatican Museums house one of the largest collections in the world, featuring unparalleled works of art that take you on a journey through history. As you explore, just when you think it can't get any more beautiful, you’ll reach the Sistine Chapel, one of the most magnificent works of humanity. With so many visitors, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in advance to ensure access and make the most of one of the most beautiful places in the world.
General Access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are accessible for people with reduced mobility and have adapted restrooms. Both the entrance and the museum tour can be completed using a manual wheelchair. For those using an electric scooter, there may be size restrictions in certain rooms. The Vatican Museums offer free rental of manual wheelchairs to those who need them, along with staff assistance. If you plan to purchase your tickets to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with us, please contact us in advance so we can provide further assistance.
Purchasing Tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Buying your tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is very easy. You can purchase them online through our platform and avoid long lines at the site. Enjoy Vatican City, or even Rome, in the way that suits you best. We offer tickets exclusively for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, or combinations with other landmarks such as the Vatican Gardens, access to St. Peter’s Dome, the Colosseum, or the Pantheon, among others. Additionally, you can choose different types of tours, such as with an audio guide or a guided tour led by an expert.
If you are already in the city, you can try purchasing tickets at the ticket office, but due to the high influx of tourists, it is highly recommended to book in advance.
Opening Hours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are open Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last entry allowed at 6:00 PM. Additionally, on the last Sunday of each month, there is a small window for free access from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the last entry at 12:00 PM.
Due to the large number of visitors, if you plan to visit the Vatican to see its museums and the Sistine Chapel, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance and plan your trip, as access on free days can be challenging. We also recommend checking the calendar for closing days to avoid scheduling your visit on one of those dates.
In addition to Sundays, the main closing dates for 2025 are:
January 1 and 6
February 11
March 19
April 21
May 1
June 29 (last Sunday of the month, also closed)
August 15 and 16
November 1
December 8, 25, and 26 (December 24 and 31 open with reduced hours, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
