Private Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica Early Bird Tour

Highlights

• Early Access
• Private Blue Badge Guide
• St. Peter's Basilica Shortcut

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican Museums

   1h 30min

   With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.

2. 2

   Cortile della Pigna

   Pass by

   The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”

3. 3

   Sphere within a Sphere

   Pass by

   The Sphere within a Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican Museums is a striking sculptural masterpiece that graces the Cortile della Pigna. This captivating artwork features a large bronze sphere with a textured, fractured surface, revealing a smaller sphere within. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate patterns adds to its mesmerizing allure. Symbolizing themes of complexity and inner depth, Pomodoro's sculpture at the Vatican Museums stands as a testament to the convergence of art, spirituality, and profound meaning in the heart of one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.

4. 4

   Sistine Chapel

   30min

   The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo.

5. 5

   St. Peter's Basilica

   30min

   The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience) The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.

Before you go

Location