We're heading into a Rome a few days earlier than originally planned and have time to visit The Vatican... but the only available days are a Sunday or a Monday (in mid-September). I figure Monday might be better. Is there a better time of day? I know that there is a new on-line ticketing system too. Thoughts?
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Mark - If you want to visit the museum, I believe it's closed on Sundays except for the last Sunday of each month when it's free and crowded. For a Monday, you would probably want to make reservations for early morning. St. Peter's Basilica should be open every day...
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Julie is right, the vatican museums are closed on Sunday with the exception of the last one of the month. It looks like Monday is your only day to go. If you wish to go in the morning you can pre-purchase entry tickets which will allow you to bypass the line outside. These are timed entries so pick a time that is good for you. You can also choose to take a tour which will also allow you to bypass the line. After the tour if you wish to return to the museums and explore more you can. They only book tickets about 60 days out so you won't be able to book for a while yet. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do The basilica and square are open every day. Donna
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR
10 posts
Thanks! I'll book for Monday morning (when the trip nears). The last time we were in Rome (2005) the Pope had just died and the city was a mess. We actually got in the line to file passed him but it looked impossible... so we went to dinner. We later learned that we were pretty close to the front of a 24 hour line! The day that Blair and Bush (and others) flew it, they actually "closed" the city for all traffic!!! The place was jammed. :-)