A Visitor's Guide to the Vatican Museums

By Go City Expert

The Vatican Museums see over 5 million people per year; and with an estimated worth of over €15 billion it’s no wonder people flock to see it! At an impressive 9 miles in length the museum is bursting with art from floor to ceiling. It’s believed that if you spent just one minute admiring each painting it would take you four years to see the entire collection. And that’s not including the sculptures, tapestries, frescoes... The Vatican Museums are filled with some of the greatest masterpieces of all time; from Michelangelo to Botticelli, Bernini and Raphael. There are 54 rooms, or salas, in total ranging from miniature mosaics, Etruscan artefacts, classical antiquities and much more... But as part of the Holy See in the Vatican City (and the smallest country in the world), needless to say there are rules to be followed and customs to be respected. It’s hard to know where to begin, so we’ll give you some advice from what to see and to what to wear, with our visitor’s guide to the Vatican. Rules Because the Vatican City is a place of worship and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, any visitor must abide to their rules and regulations - even if its outside of your beliefs. You may not wear short skirts, sleeveless blouses or shorts (cover all knees and shoulders) so make sure you come appropriately dressed in advance or you’ll be sold an overpriced scarf by a lurking tout to drape over yourself. As any important building or museum, you must be respectful of your surroundings. The Vatican Museums date back to the early 1500s so it’s almost an artefact in itself. Don’t try and touch any of the sculptures, or tapestries on display – even though there will be hoards of people inside - please leave enough room around the art pieces. Cameras may be used in the museum with no flash, but not in the Sistine Chapel. This is to protect the fresco from fading – and let’s be honest, it would be a travesty if Michelangelo’s Last Judgement were to peel and discolour. What to see An average visit to the Vatican Museums takes about four hours and from the moment you get in there are works of art, sculptures and architecture to be admired. From the spiral staircase built in 1832 right at the entrance, to the four imposing Raphael Rooms in the public part of the papal apartments, you can explore the great Vatican Museums from top to bottom. Discover the Ancient Egyptian Museum covering nine rooms, or learn about the different Popes in the portraits gallery. If you love statues, you can’t miss the hallway of marble masterpieces. Checkout the Sistine Chapel on your way out to end on a high. Literally. Remember no cameras are allowed, so take a mental picture of the famous 15th century ceiling and while you're in there, admire Botticelli’s long murals, too - something that often gets overlooked. Beat the crowds With the OMNIA and Vatican Card you can get free and fast track entry into the Vatican Museums, saving you hours of queuing in the summer months. Just flash your card and jump straight to the front. To make your experience even more enjoyable, our advice is visit around midday or 1pm when the early birds are leaving to get lunch which means there might be a lull in numbers. Saying that, it’s always pretty busy so make sure you’re good in crowds. There’s an outdoor area and little café in the grassy courtyard, too, if you need a break – and it’s always nice to sit outside and admire the architecture from a different perspective. If you want something a little different, why not try their Night Time Tours, which run in the summer (May-July and Sept-Oct) when the Vatican Museums are open until 11pm. It's the perfect time to go as you’re guaranteed fewer people and a calmer experience - even if it's at an extra cost. St Peter’s Basilica St Peter’s Basilica is part of the Vatican City however it’s not accessible through the Vatican Museums. For this, you’ll have to queue up under the right hand colonnades of St Peter’s Square and enter from the front of the basilica. Like the Vatican Museums, you must have shoulders and knees covered to be allowed entry. As this is a daily place of worship you must be respectful of those around you. With an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can get a free audio guide and skip the lines to St Peter’s Basilica once you’ve visited the Vatican Museums, to complete your exploration of the Vatican City. Discover more of the Rome and the Holy See with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card - your indispensable sightseeing pass!

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When In Rome... a day in the life

One of the best things to do when experiencing another culture is to fully embrace it yourself. Whether it’s with the locals themselves, or with your family, get to grips with the Roman culture to make the most of your stay. From how to drink your coffee, to getting around the city, these are our top tips and recommendations for things to do when in Rome. Drink an espresso... standing up It’s no surprise that Italians love their coffee. Did you know the espresso is even regulated by the Italian government as it’s considered an essential part of an Italian’s daily lifestyle? In Rome, you’ll notice most drink their coffees, stood up, at a bar (not the alcoholic kind) but a very understated coffee shop, before 9am. Also, if you don’t like your coffee strong you’ll have to specify that you want milk adding to it, otherwise just asking for un caffè will mean you’ll get an espresso automatically. FYI - if you want an Americano, you want to ask for un caffè lungo. Hire a Vespa Getting around Rome is even easier if you hire a Vespa. Traffic in Rome is crazy at the best of times, so you’ll want to avoid getting in a taxi, and public buses can be few and far between. The best way to nip around Rome – if you’re a confident driver – is to hire a classic Vespa from Bici&Baci. Take in the sites on two wheels and you can determine your own sightseeing itinerary. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about parking either, just do as the Romans do and leave it wherever you want! Just don’t forget where and take your helmets with you! Get a photo with a Gladiator It’s not often, if ever, you see swarms of grown men dressed head to toe as a gladiators unless it’s for a themed social event. In Rome you only need to be 200m from the Coliseum and Roman Forum and you’ll see them with their red pleated skirts and bronze armour hustling for a photo. The best thing is to wait, and while they’re not looking, get one from afar – if not, you’ll end up forking out to pay for that precious selfie, which could be a costly souvenir. Eat a gelato If you’re visiting Rome in the warmer months, or any month for that matter, a gelato is a must. This creamy ice cream is one of the most popular foods in the city and you’ll see everyone walking around with a dripping cone of multi-coloured scoops. The Italians are experimental with their gelato flavours and you can pretty much get anything that’s edible whipped up; some of our personal favourites are Panacotta and Bacio. For a taste of real authentic Roman gelato make a beeline for Giolitti, the city’s favourite gelato house! Shop like a local The Italians love their food and they have a huge culture around fresh, local produce. Forget anything processed and refined, when in Rome, you will eat well. Locals champion traditional recipes and eating simply – and everything is delicious! If you’re staying in an Air B&B or are self-catered, why don’t you join the locals and do your shop at a fresh food market. With the help of some authentic recipes and fresh ingredients, you can make your own restaurant-worthy meals. Make sure Campo dei Fiori is on your list of places to visit, it’s the oldest running market in Rome, operating since 1869 and has an impressive offering of fresh ingredients every day except Sunday.
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Explore Rome's Classical Music Spots

There’s something magical about listening to classical music – both old and new. The soothing sounds date back to the 1550s - 1900 when the genre was considered mainstream, however, historians now claim that it can even be traced back to the 11th century. Although the styles and traditions might have changed from its inception to today’s practice, the sentiments are the same. With notable periods like Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic and Contemporary to consider, the genre is still one of the most respected of all the styles for its diversity and skill, echoed in the works of great masters around the world, from Bach and Beethoven, to Vivaldi and Verdi. Rome provides the perfect backdrop and soundboard for renditions of these great music pieces, and newer classical music brought to the fore. Considering Italy’s classical roots, we decided to look at some of the best places to enjoy classical music in Rome, from outdoor productions, to renowned academies of music. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma One of Rome’s original opera houses, the Teatro dell’Opera di Rome – formerly called, Teatro Costanzi – was once a stunning building complete with stuccowork, ornate decorations and a six metre chandelier. Over the years it has undergone many facelifts but has always been considered one of the best venues for a classical music performance, welcoming world-class acts since the 1880s. The auditorium is rated one of the best in the world for its acoustics and it can seat 1,600 fans from November to May. During the summer months the productions move outside, to the iconic Terme di Caracalla, where the ancient public baths, provide the backdrop for low lit performances of the greatest classical hits, from La Bohème to Aida and Tosca. Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 7 +39 06 481 60255 Istituzione Universitaria Concerti La Sapienza University, arguably the most prestigious university in Rome, has cultivated brilliant students and musicians for years – and has played an even more important part in Rome’s cultural shaping since the Second World War. After the prohibition of all concerts and musical events during WWII, it was the years 1945-46 that later saw a huge influx in efforts to revive this dormant tradition and appreciation. It was thanks to a group of young La Sapienza music students who breathed life back into the tradition of classical productions and so set up the Istituzione Universitaria Concerti to reopen classical up to the general public. Today it’s one of the best venues to go to see performances of Bach, Scarlatti, Beethoven and new ones-to-watch like Yundi Li. Lungotevere Flaminio 50 +39 06 361 0051 Villa Celimontana Another of Rome’s most famous outdoor music venues, open in the summer months only, is Villa Celimontana, up on the Caelian hill. This beautiful verdant oasis and public park lies just around the corner from the Coliseum and Baths of Caracalla. Famous for its gardens and fountains, it’s an unbeatable location for music performances. Every year it hosts the jazz festival from early July to mid-August, and this time it is championing all form of classical and jazz music, including a range of arts from theatre to dance, too. You’ll recognise some of the greatest pieces of all genres, and it’s hard to find a more impressive backdrop! Via Alessandro Poerio, 112 +39 06 583 35781 Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Santa Cecilia, the classically devoted venue hosted inside Rome’s huge concert hall, the Auditorium Parco della Musica, boasts an impressive line-up of musicians and performances throughout the year. Performing a wide range of concerts every month, from the Youth Orchestra, to Verdi’s Requiem and Nikolai Lugansky, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is one of the most prestigious companies of singers and orchestras in the city. You can rest assured there will be something on that ticks every box to take you through the year and into 2016. It’s a great venue to start your first foray into the genre and offers a range of ticket prices – making classical music accessible to everyone, old and young. Viale Pietro De Coubertin, 30, 00196 Roma +39 06 8024 1281 Teatro di Marcello Teatro Marcello is an ancient open air theatre and among one of the most historic buildings in Rome. The theatre dates back to Julius Caesar, who commissioned the building, but it was later completed by Emperor Augustus in 13BC and named after his favourite nephew. The ruins of the Teatro di Marcello set the scene for stunning summer night events in the Estate Romana, held every evening from early June until October. Those with tickets to this memorable out door event can expect chamber orchestras, solo singers and classical composers performing your most loved operas and classical pieces of all time. Via del Teatro di Marcello, 00186 Roma +39 06 4561 5180 It’s evident that there isn’t a shortage of world-class classical music venues and performers in Rome, especially during the summer months. From academies, to ancient ruins, outdoor events and exclusive performances, Rome is a champion of classical music and will forever uphold the tradition and institution with pride. Image credit: mararie @Flickr
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3 Days In Rome Itinerary (72 hours in Rome)

Rome is a fascinating city full of ancient culture and whose historic ruins, monuments, and museums are waiting to teach you about its rich past. To make the most out of your time in Rome, we’ve put together a suggested 3 day itinerary to show you how you can spend three days (72 hours) in the Eternal City and see the best of what Rome has to offer. Day 1 Morning - St Peter's Basilica  St Peter’s Basilica is perhaps one of the most important religious and historic buildings in the world, let alone in Rome, so a visit to this iconic cathedral is a must. Its imposing architecture is breath-taking and inside is even better with its huge dome, Baldacchino, and Papal throne. The best thing is you can skip the queue and walk right in and make the most of a free audio guide too! Midday - Sistene Chapel and Vatican Museums Save up to four hours of queuing with the Rome and Vatican pass package and step right into the Vatican Museums. Considered some of the most prestigious museums of its kind for the sheer scale of collections and artworks on display, you can see ancient Roman bronzes, to marble sculptures, and tapestries. There are over 9 miles of art to appreciate so you’ll need a few hours to take it all in. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Last Judgement, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel before you leave. Afternoon - Castel Sant'Angelo On the bank of the River Tiber, Rome’s ancient fortress Castel Sant’Angelo – also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum – is waiting to be discovered. Built over 2000 years ago, it has seen its fair share of events, from battles to Papal refuge and jailing criminals so it has a story to tell. Walk through its courtyards and bring Rome’s ancient history to life. Day 2 Morning - Colosseum The Colosseum is arguably the most famous amphitheatre in the world and provides a fascinating insight into the world of gladiator fighting and Ancient Roman entertainment. Walk through the ancient corridors and along the tiers that would have held aristocracy to paupers and imagine what the gruesome games would have been like as a spectator. Learn more about Rome’s ancient culture in the exhibitions – and what’s more, enjoy fast track entry to get in! Midday - Museum of Rome Revisit some of Rome’s forgotten art and sculpture at the stunning Museo di Roma. The Baroque Palazzo Braschi, a fine example of Roman architecture in itself, celebrates the ‘forgotten ages’, showcasing frescoes, mosaics, ceramics, and more. Right beside Piazza Navona its location is hard to beat, too! Spend a few hours admiring its rich collections dating back to the Middle Ages and spanning up to the mid-20th century. Afternoon - Capitoline Museums If you are an art and sculpture aficionado, make a beeline for the Capitoline Museums. Founded in 1471, they are considered the oldest museums in the world. A true museum of the people, they feature the first collections donated by Pope Sixtus IV, the original bronze statues, as well as the iconic She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. Day 3 Midday - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour See the sights of Rome from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour and let the guide do all the work. Pass the iconic sights and get a unique perspective along the way. You’ll be pointed out the Colosseum, Imperial Forum, Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Navona, and more – and you can hop on and off at leisure to tailor-make your own itinerary. We recommend going to Campo di Fiori to see the local fresh produce. Afternoon - St John in Lateran Officially the seat of the Pope, St John in Lateran is a must for your Rome itinerary. You’ll see the baroque and Costmatesque style and architecture and 14th century Baldacchino, cloisters and Scala Sancta (Holy Steps) to which thousands make a pilgrimage to every year to see. Whether you’re a visitor or a worshiper, St John in the Lateran is not to be missed! Hopefully this gives you everything you need to see the best of Rome in 3 days. It will be an action-packed 72 hours but an unforgettable one.
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