About this experience
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, yet one of the most powerful. Why does the power of the Catholic Church concentrate on such a small piece of land? How is the political system of the Vatican structured? What does the Pope do? I will answer the most popular questions about Christianity, tell you about its destiny, share anecdotes about scandalous pontiffs, help you explore the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica and the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. History, art, and religion will intertwine to reveal the ancient Vatican to you.
What to Expect
From papal life to the chronicles of Catholicism
The personalities of pontiffs are always shrouded in secrets, but on the tour, you will discover this world. You will hear historical anecdotes about the most scandalous Holy Fathers: Alexander VI Borgia and Pope Joan, learn how the election of a new Pope takes place, and who currently rules the Catholic Church. You will understand how the duties of the Vicars of Peter have changed and get a closer look at the lives of all pontiffs. I will explain how the city-state of the Vatican is organized and what place His Holiness occupies in it. Of course, we will talk about the history of the Roman Catholic Church, and you will decipher the sacred meaning of the Vatican's Gallery of Maps.
Art of painters and architectural masterpieces
You will visit the Sistine Chapel, where I will reveal the secrets encrypted in Michelangelo's frescoes. In Raphael's rooms, you will be enchanted by the creation of the Renaissance era, where ancient mythology merges with Christianity. Here we will discuss the life and work of the Italian artist and his relationships with Michelangelo. In the Pinacoteca of the 12th-19th centuries, where paintings by Perugino, Titian, and Caravaggio are kept, you will realize how tastes have changed from era to era and how world art has developed. In St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Catholic basilica, you will see relics of Christianity and admire the beauty of the interiors. And at the statues of the Pio-Clementino Museum, ancient myths will immerse you in ancient times, where you will touch the fate and personal life of Roman emperors.
Organizational Details
- Additional expenses: Tickets must be purchased in advance online on the Vatican website https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en.html
Tickets can also be purchased directly at the Museum ticket offices, standing in the general queue, or on travel agency websites. Pre-purchased online tickets allow you to avoid queues at the Museum ticket office. - Ticket cost: Adult - 20 euros + 5 euros for online booking; Child (6 to 18 years old) - 8 euros + 5 euros for booking. Children under 6 years old enter for free.
- According to Vatican's internal rules, in St. Peter's Basilica, headphones must be additionally paid for - cost 1.50 euros/person.
Photos from reviews
Karina
June 4, 2024
Thank you for the tour, Natalia. She tells captivatingly, many interesting facts, deep immersion in details!
Natalia
June 1, 2024
Great tour, very informative, the guide is a true professional. Didn't even notice how time flew by. One of the best tours we've been on.
Anna
May 21, 2024
7 hours spent in the Vatican flew by unnoticed, which speaks to the great skill of the guide. Natalia was able to eloquently talk about the historical component of works of art, the papal court, and the Vatican itself, as well as the profound meanings, details of the lives and activities of great cr...
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