I am planning one day at the vatican/st peters in mid September this year. I was trying to avoid a Wednesday, as I hear that St Peter's is often closed Wednesday mornings. I just received confirmation that I have a Scavi tour at 3pm on Wednesday 09/17. Does anyone know how to find out if the Basilica will be closed that morning? My general plan was to climb the dome at 7:30am, tour St Peters, and then over to the Vatican before the Scavi Tour at 3pm. Any advice would be great. Thanks.
Audrey
If there is the general papal audience then you won't be able to get into the church. They usually open it back up but sometimes it can be very late inthe afternoon.
Check the vatican website to see if Pope Benedict will be home, then you'll have a better idea to start with.
Diane is correct. If there is an "outdoor service," then the Basilica is closed until about 12:30 PM. If the Pope is not in town, as he was not a few weeks ago when he traveled to the USA, then the Basilica is open regular hours. The other offshoot of the service is the lines at 12:30 PM are usually incredibly long as folks finish the service and head for the church... Usually though the Pope is "at his summer retreat" through the end of September or often early October. Diane has the correct idea; Check the Vatican website for more info!
Ciao,
Ron
Thanks. I am not seeing anything about his scheule for September on the vatican website. (Could be me....I think I am on vatican overload!) I have googled it and it seems that he will be in France September 12-15 and then on vacation..., so hopefully I will be ok. Thanks again!
If any one knows for sure, it would be very helpful.
