How to Visit the Vatican

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:VisitVatican
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How to Visit the Vatican

Introduction

The Vatican, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens, draws hordes of visitors every year. Tour the Holy See, located within Rome, for a day filled with art, architecture, history and horticulture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Research the Vatican by visiting its official website (see Resources). General information, maps and online tours will help to set priorities.
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Step Two

Plan to spend a full day at the Vatican, which is a full-service city providing food, beverages, a cloakroom and, of course, a shop.
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Step Three

Select the day you want to visit Vatican City. Check the official Vatican website for events you want to attend or avoid, including the Pope's weekly public appearance in St. Peter's Square.
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Step Four

Make special tour reservations at least one month in advance. Some areas of the Vatican require prior arrangements; see the official Vatican website for details.
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Step Five

Arrive early in the day. Linger a moment to appreciate St. Peter's Square.
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Step Six

Start with St. Peter's Basilica, unless you have a previously arranged tour. If you're lucky, you can elbow your way through the crowd to see Michelangelo's Pieta. The altar area deserves extra time, and a trip to the basement houses the sarcophagi of previous popes, including Pope John XXIII.
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Step Seven

Move on to the Vatican Museums, where you can take a self-guided audio tour for a fee. Head for your pre-selected galleries, and save plenty of time for the Sistine Chapel.

Tips & Warnings

  • The Vatican Museums' fine art collections progress in roughly chronological order, allowing visitors to concentrate on preferred artists or time periods.
  • Book a tour (in advance) of the Vatican Gardens, if you have time; they provide a welcome break from the galleries.
  • The best way to see or take communion from the Pope is to attend a parish mass. Check the official Vatican City website for his updated schedule. If you see carpets hanging out of neighborhood windows, head toward the nearest church for an impromptu visit by His Holiness.
  • Dress appropriately; casual is okay, but provocative is out.
  • The Pope travels frequently. Check the official Vatican City website for current information regarding his planned appearances in Vatican City or at Castel Gandolfo.
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