We are planning to spend the day on August 20 in the Vatican area. From the official website, it looks as though the Papal audience does not require tickets that day - but does it begin at 10:30? Do you just show up at St. Peter's Square? Should I tour the Vatican museum afterwards - maybe after lunch? I am afraid that if I reserve before, we will be rushed. I am thinking about taking the elevator to the roof of St. Peter's - what is the best time to do this to avoid the lines? Also - any restaurant recommendations in the Vatican area? Thanks so much!
Posted by
2 posts
Hello - the audience starts around 10 with all the visiting tour groups being announced, and the pope arrives around 10:30 am (we were in Rome October 2013). You need to show up early, though! Really early if you want a seat (like 7:30 am or so - not kidding). It may be ticketless, but you will still have to go through a metal detector line to enter St. Peter's Square, so that takes time. We were staying at a B&B right down the street from Vatican City and left about 8 am. By the time we got into the Square, we were already behind the obelisk (look at a map).
One recommendation is to tour the Museum during the audience ... we went the crazy route and did it after the audience that afternoon. It was crowded, but ok.
We took the elevator to the roof of the Basilica - we got there about 7:30 am, the church opens at 8 am (I believe?), and you can start going to the roof at 8:30 am. It was beautiful and amazing - to watch the sunrise over Vatican City. Definitely a highlight on our trip to Rome!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You do need to get there about 3 hours prior if you want a good spot for the audience. It's always very crowded so getting there early is key.
I would skip the audience and visit the museums during it. They will be less crowded with the crowds descending after the audience is over.
For the dome, the elevator only goes halfway, you still have another 300 or more steps to climb from where it drops you off. It's hit or miss with the lines and there's no way to reserve a time for that.
Donna
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
" I am thinking about taking the elevator to the roof of St. Peter's."
The elevator only takes you to the rooftop of the church, just above the facade.
If you want to go to the top of the dome, you have to walk up a sweaty, claustrophobic 320+ steps. Worth it if you have the energy.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks for the advice! We are trying to pack a lot into the day - so maybe we will show up for the audience early, then have lunch, then tour the Vatican museum, and last, go to the top of St. Peter's (at least we can go to the roof, and then decide if we want to go up the 300+ steps to the top of the dome). Maybe the lines won't be long near the end of the day.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Note that when the Vatican Museum closes at 6 p.m., that means that the last entry allowed is at 4 p.m., and guards start to close rooms and move you toward the exits at 5:30.