Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour with Rome Vatican City

Duration: 3 hours

The Papal Residence, a tiny sovereign state, and the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Church, is located in Vatican City. Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, is the world’s tiniest country. It is ruled by an absolute monarchy, with the Pope as the head of state.The erection of a basilica over St. Peter’s grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D. marked the beginning of the Vatican’s history as the seat of the Catholic Church. The area became a popular pilgrimage place and commercial centre before being abandoned in 1309 when the papal court relocated to France. Famous landmarks such as the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, and the new St. Peter’s Basilica were built within the city limits after the Church was restored in 1377. With the ratification of the Lateran Pacts in 1929, Vatican City became a sovereign republic in its current form.

There are numerous facts regarding Vatican City to be aware of. It is one of Rome’s most memorable religious destinations (its unique treasures and artifacts have immeasurable religious and historical significance.) It is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction, and it is virtually always crowded. The Vatican Gardens (an enchanted place with a system of big and small gardens, a bunny enclosure, a fish pool, and a fountain;) the Vatican Museums (many artworks by the greatest Italian art masters can be found in the Vatican Museums, including Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Leonardo;) St. Peter’s Basilica (one of the world’s largest churches;) and St. Peter’s Square. From the famed Sistine Chapel ceiling to the underground crypts, the greatest Vatican tours will show you everything the Vatican has to offer.

Itinerary

1. Vatican Museums

Our prime tour takes you into the museum before the usual early morning crowds and bypasses those who are already waiting for the Vatican door to open. A stroll right next to everyone who has a standard on an early morning Vatican tour will really make you feel like a special guest of the Pope. Watch the Vatican Museums gallery slowly flourish before the day begins.

2. Galleries

A gallery on the west side of the Belvedere Courtyard in Vatican City. A series of topographic maps of Italy are drawn based on the paintings of the monk and geographerIgnacio Dante. The gallery was founded in 1580 by Pope Gregory XIII. It was commissioned as part of another work of art commissioned by the Pope to decorate the Vatican. It took Dante three years (1580–1583) to complete the 40 panels in the 120m long gallery.

3. Raphael Rooms

Four interconnected rooms are decorated with paintings of Raphael and his disciples during Raphael Rooms.

4. Sistine Chapel

The stunningly beautiful Sistine Chapel is believed to be the Pope's private chapel. Take a walk through this Vatican sanctuary to see Michelangelo's stunning frescoes, The Creation of Adam, and The Last Judgement.

5. St Peter's Basilica

Visit St. Peters next door. Once inside, you'll see why it's more than just a church. Admire Michelangelo's masterpieces of stunning architecture and mosaics, including La Pieta. St. Peter's Basilica, soaked in history, is said to stand on the ground where the apostle Peter was crucified and buried. The guide explains the highlights of the cathedral and its importance as the most sacred place of Christianity.

Included

• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• St Peter's Basilica

Not Included

Food and Beverages