About this experience
As evening falls in the Vatican, the voices fade, the galleries and halls fill with coolness, and the sculptures in the light of the setting sun take on special soft outlines. Together with me, you will visit the main Vatican museums, learn about the intrigues of the Roman popes, explore their apartments, see masterpieces of world art, and learn to appreciate their features. And then you will touch the traditions of the Catholic Church within the walls of the Sistine Chapel, which has become the greatest work of the Renaissance.
What to Expect
Exploring the masterpieces of the Vatican Museums
In the evening, the Vatican galleries are not as crowded with tourists, so you will be able to see the most important exhibits of the papal collections without haste. You will admire the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the rays of the setting sun from an open terrace, pass through the Pinecone Courtyard, and then enter the world of the Vatican Museums. You will learn about the peculiarities of Greek and Roman sculptures in the Pio-Clementino Museum, visit the Zoo with marble animals, explore the unique collections of the Gallery of Candelabra, Tapestries, and Geographic Maps of the 16th century. Along the way, I will talk about the creation of important works of art and help you delve into the secrets of famous masters of the Renaissance.
Vatican secrets in the apartments of the Roman popes
We will visit the apartments of the Roman popes, whose names are associated with key events in the history of the Vatican. One of these figures is Pope Alexander VI Borgia, who was considered one of the smartest men of his time and was involved in endless court intrigues. In the pope's apartments and bedroom, you will see the 15th-century frescoes by Pinturicchio and his students and learn why after the death of Alexander VI, these rooms were closed and no Roman pope wanted to live here. Then we will visit the apartments chosen by Pope Julius II, which deserve special attention: the pope entrusted the decoration of the rooms to the young artist Raphael and his students. In Raphael's Rooms, you will see the famous frescoes 'The School of Athens' and 'The Disputation', the subjects of which are dedicated to the sacrament of communion and the glorification of the church.
Sistine Chapel: the history of perfection
In the Sistine Chapel, where the election of a new pope still takes place, you will discover the secrets and intricacies of Vatican ceremonies. I will tell you how the chapel looked in the Middle Ages and to whom it owes its present beauty, which is breathtaking. You will closely examine the frescoes, which are the embodiment of the Renaissance era, on which the great Michelangelo worked for many years, as well as Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio, and Cosimo Rosselli.
Organizational Details
- Entrance tickets, which guarantee entry to the Vatican Museums without queuing, are not included in the tour price. You can purchase them independently on the official Vatican Museums website: an adult ticket costs 21 euros (ticket + reservation on the website), a child ticket (from 6 to 18 years old) costs 12 euros, children under 6 do not need a ticket.
- Important: it is recommended to order tickets no later than 10 days before the start of the tour day (tickets to the Vatican Museums cannot be refunded, but it is possible to reschedule the date or time).
- Address for ticket purchase: https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/ (select NIGHT OPENINGS (second line from the top), then Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, then the month, number of people, date, time (indicate the start time of the tour, for example, 7:30 pm), surnames and names of all participants, and 'buy').
- Purchased tickets (vouchers) must be printed or saved on the phone's first page.
- If you encounter difficulties with ordering or have any questions, I will be happy to help.
- Important: A document confirming your identity is required to enter the Vatican.
- When visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, your clothing should cover your shoulders, knees, and décolleté area. Large bags, umbrellas with a staff, any liquids in glass containers are not allowed.
Tatyana
August 26, 2023
I express my huge gratitude to the amazing Julia! She took me on an insanely interesting tour of the Vatican museums, and was always in touch the day before, promptly answering all my questions, supporting and giving advice on some nuances. Everything was very comfortable, interesting, and soulful! ...
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Anastasia
September 3, 2022
It was very nice to spend time in the Vatican in the company of Julia. She inquired about our interests in architecture and painting in advance, planned the route, and informatively answered all our questions. Julia is a very knowledgeable, interesting, and intelligent guide. Thanks to her for a won...
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Elena
May 4, 2019
No words! I don't want to write a lot about everything - just superb! A professional is a professional, and that says it all!
