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 St. Peter's Square by Escadora7
Every year thousands of people pack St. Peter's square to hear and see the Pope. Thousands cross it to reach St. Peter's Basilica. And thousands more pass through on their way to explore the riches and culture of Vatican city.
I love this snap: taken on St. Peter's square it expresses the diversity of people that pass through better than words ever could....
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If you are here on VT, you are a traveller who likes to know about where you are headed. True of all destinations, some time devoted to researching the Vatican will serve you well and there is really no better source than the Official Vatican website. You will find Basilica visiting detail including hours - a listing of all Museums with fees and hours - the Scavi excavations tour - the new Necropolis soon to be opened (NEWS FLASH on my Vatican Homepage) and much more.
Official Vatican Website
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 Vatican Museum by icunme
VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL (2 hours)
The tour itinerary takes visitors through the most significant cultural and religious areas within the Vatican Museums: the Pio Clementino (classical antiquity), the Geographical Maps and Tapestries Galleries (Renaissance art), the Raphael’s Rooms and The Sistine Chapel.
From March through October: Monday through Friday at: 10.30am - 12.00am - 2.00pm; on Saturday at: 10.30am and 11.15am (in Italian only)
Nov through Feb: everyday but Sundays at 10.30a.m.
Rates: full fare € 21.50; reduced € 17.50 - admission to the Museums, guided tour service and headset.
VATICAN GARDENS (2 hours)
The guided tour of the Vatican Gardens is also a glimpse of the Vatican City State, the smallest independent state in the world: Journey through natural settings, historic monuments and works of art that span its 2000 year history.
From March through October: at 10.00 am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
From November through February: only on Saturday at 10.00 a.m.
Rates: full fare € 13.50; reduced € 9.50 - include guided tour service and headset.
HOW TO RESERVE (FOR INDIVIDUALS)
It is necessary to book in advance by fax.
For the reservation this office requires the names of all the participants to the tour. If we do not receive the list you may not join your requested booked tour. The list must be received at the moment of the reservation.
Bookings are valid only if you receive our confirmation fax. The fax must be shown at the “Guided Tours” desk on the day of the visit. In case of no written reply from this office, the booking is considered not valid.
An advanced booking is needed from one month to one week prior to the date of the visit. The cancellation is accepted, up to 12 hours before the visit.
While asking for the reservation, we appreciate, if possible, the name of the hotel and its fax number in Rome (or Italy).
USEFUL INFORMATION
Tickets have to be purchased the same day of the guided tour.
Meeting point and departure is from the Guided Tours desk inside the Museums.
To avoid any queue, all visitors, individuals or groups, with reserved guided tour through this Office, are entitled to enter through the main gate of the Museums on Viale Vaticano. Facing the Vatican Museums entrance door, the line on the right is specifically for reserved guided Vatican tours.
It is suggested that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
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Vatican Dress Code
Be aware that Vatican dress code requires no shorts or tank tops and women must have their shoulders covered and is strictly enforced - applies to women AND men. Men will not be admitted with shorts. Even if you somehow get through security, you will be turned away by attendants at the door.
Women - it is good to carry a light scarf/shawl in your purse for impromptu visits to churches.
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A little Vatican vocabulary that you might find from time to time in Vatican publications.
*la biretta — a cap worn by Roman Catholic clergy
*il carmerlengo — chamberlain; cardinal who manages the pope's secular affairs
*ogni morte di papa — once in a blue moon
*i papabili — those seen as contenders to become pope
*la Curia Romana — the papal court, comprising judicial and administrative bodies
*la Santa Sede — the Holy See
*sede vacante — empty Holy See seat
*sfumata — thick smoke; black smoke indicating no successful election
*i vaticanisti — Vatican specialists
*lo zucchetto — papal skullcap
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Visiting Vatican City?
Read reviews about Vatican City Hotels
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Wheelchairs can be reserved in advance (fax 06.6988.5433) or upon request at the “Special Permits” window in the entrance hall. Routes and toilettes for disabled visitors are also available. In addition, you will not stand in the que - you will approach the officials at the entrance and tell them of your disability reservation - you will be promptly admitted.
Once inside the Museum, you will find good access to various levels - see photo 1 - there was no ramp here and the Museum installed a wheelchair lift with an attendant there to assist you, which makes the St Paul rooms accessible.
Visits for visually impaired visitors can be reserved in advance (fax 06.6988.1573)
Additional information re tours on another tip.
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 Gorgeous little niece! by Jenniflower
Here, Rome is refreshingly different! Instead of viewing a young child as a 'noise' and a nuisance (which is the feeling you get in the UK towards kids often), in Rome, the Italians go out of their way to say hello to you and your child, smiling at her and sayign all kinds of lovely things about your 'bambino'.
What is different here is the culture. Italy is much more family-focussed, the family is pivocal to society and the community still. In England (in our experience), the emphasis is on oneself more, and not the family or community generally.
I am even shocked when I read some people referring to people who have kids in England as 'breeders' (!!!!!), and that having a child is 'a lifestyle choice'... in my view it certainly isnt! It's called keeping the population going! This kind of attitude is rife I have found and is so sad. One of the reasons I am not keen to bring children up in England. Leave a Comment
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 Detail on St Peter's Square
floor by JenniflowerLeave a Comment
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 My family :) by Jenniflower
Having kids in the searing heat is not fun. But with extra care, sunscreen, hats and taking frequent visits to shady spots, kiddies love Rome. They are mesmerised by the huge buildings. A pity that our little niece was too small at 1 years old, to fully appreciate where she was and what she was seeing! Leave a Comment
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 In St Peter's Square by JenniflowerLeave a Comment
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