We will be in Rome in mid July and I suspect it will be very hot. We are only interested in viewing the Sistine chapel. Someone recommended getting in line very early, say at 7:30am and upon the opening just heading straight for the chapel. They said they had it all to themselves while others made their way slowly through other rooms to get there. Anyone have similar experiences?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
The museums open at 9am. If you get the 9am tickets and head directly for the chapel you can get there before most of the crowds. It still takes about a half hour of brisk walking to get there through the museums but you should have a few minutes before the chapel starts filling up. Donna
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
I did this years ago, and we got into the chapel without tons of people in there with us. Admittedly, we regretted it, though. We blew through one of the most amazing museums on the planet, just avoid some people. Remember, the art is on the ceilings and wall, so even when packed, you can still see it all. The irony of this is we were back there a few weeks ago, took our time through the museum and got into the chapel after a few hours... when our 10 month old decided that she wanted to leave... loudly. So, we missed the chapel on this trip. Someday, we'll get to see everything in one trip, but I'm not sure when that will be...
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Sarah, you can do that, but if there is any museum I'd say it is a shame if you rush to the main attraction, this place are the Musei Vaticani. Seriously, I know crowds are annoying and so. But most of the museum is cooled (although not with a/c), so it wouldn't be that uncomfortable. The Map Room, the Egyptian Antiquities sector and the Rafaello's Rooms would figure, alone, in any list of World top museums.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I've been in the museum 2-3 times. My impression was that most people were just heading for the chapel without looking at the art along the way. It truly is an amazing museum; one could spend half a day browsing the galleries. I understand the desire to get to the chapel quickly before the crowds and think an early or late entrance with forced-march to the chapel would help avoid crowds. Once in the Sistine chapel, there are benches to sit on and no rush to leave. Wear earplugs if you want a quiet experience. From the benches it is easier to observe the ceiling.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Be forewarned that the Sistine Chapel is an echo chamber and it gets really, really LOUD inside. Good tip to take earplugs with you. That will help a little.
Posted by
Louisville, KY, USA
258 posts
I agree, the Vatican Museum is amazing and a must-see. Saying that, we purchased tickets before we left the US and were the first 10 to be let in. We went straight to the Sistine Chapel and were almost alone there to enjoy the ceiling. But don't miss the frescos on the walls either. I think the key is purchasing our entry tickets early.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. The museum is open on Friday nights until July 15. http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html