“Life itself is a pilgrimage, and the human being is a visitor, a pilgrim travelling along the road, making his way to the desired destination.”

Helpful Information for Planning Your Visit to the Vatican

PAPAL AUDIENCES
A ticket – always free of charge – is required for attending the General Audience on Wednesday mornings or other papal ceremonies. They are issued by the Prefecture of the Papal Household reached by way of the Bronze Door. The office is open Mondays from 9:00 to 13:00 and Tuesdays from 9:00 to 18:00.

To request a ticket:
telephone +39.06.69883114 – +39.06.69884631; or fax +39.06.69885863.

ST. PETER’S BASILICA   Website
The Basilica is open every day from 7.00 to 19.00, April to September and from 7.00 to 18.00, October to March. To preserve the sacred character of the church, groups consisting of more than five members and accompanied by a guide are  kindly requested to use “audio-guides” which can be rented at the entrance to the Basilica. Proper dress is required for admission to the Basilica.

To rent “audio-guides”:
telephone +39.06.69883229 or +39.06.69881898.

HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC MUSEUM (Treasury)
The Treasury is open from 9.00 to 18:15, April to September and from 9.00 to 17.15, October to March. The entrance is from inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

VISIT TO THE DOME
Visits to the dome of St. Peter’s are possible every day from 8.00 to 18.00, April to September and from 8.00 to 17.00, October to March. The entrance is at the portico of the Basilica.

VATICAN GROTTOES
The Vatican Grottoes are open every day from 7.00 to 18.00, April to September and from 7.00 to 17.00, October to March. The entrance is at the transept of St. Peter’s Basilica.

VISIT TO THE TOMB OF ST. PETER AND THE PRE-CONSTANTINIAN NECROPOLIS
For visits to the tomb of St. Peter and the necropolis, please contact the Ufficio Scavi (excavations office): tel. + 39.06 69 88 53 18; fax + 39.06 698 73017; e-mail: [email protected] . The office is open from 9.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday and reached by way of the Arch of the Bells.

VISIT TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
The Vatican Museums are open weekdays from 10:00 to 13:45 during November – February  (except during the Christmas period when they are open from 8:45 to 16:45). During March – October the Museums are open Monday – Friday from 10:00 to 16:45 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:45. On the last Sunday of each month the Museums can be visited free of admission charge from 9:00 to 13:45. Entrance to the Museums is not possible from 75 minutes before closing time.

For information:
telephone +39.06.69883860
fax +39.06.69885433

To arrange bookings for guided tours:
e-mail: [email protected] .
tel. +39.06.698.84676 (for individuals);
tel. +39.06.69883145 (for groups);
fax +39.06.69883578.

AUDIO GUIDES may be rented at the entrance to the Vatican Museums.

For information and reservations:
telephone  +39.06.69883229 or +39.06.69881898.

A CAFETERIA is open during visiting hours.

VISITS TO THE ROMAN NECROPOLIS IN THE VIA TRIUMPHALIS. The Necropolis can be visited only through prior written bookings. This can be arranged by emailing:

[email protected] .

VISITS TO THE VATICAN GARDENS
The Vatican Gardens can be visited only through guided tours organized by the Guided Tours Office of the Vatican Museums. Tours depart from the Vatican Museums. Entrance to the Gardens is denied to persons not properly dressed.

For information:
telephone +39.06.69884676 (individuals) or +39.06.69883145 (groups). Bookings can be arranged by faxing +39.06.69885100 or by emailing: [email protected] .

OFFICE FOR PILGRIMS AND TOURISTS

Contacts:
tel. + 39.06 69 88 23 50,
fax: + 39.06 69 88 16 94
e-Mail: [email protected]