Tickets for Vatican and Borghesi

Posted by Jeff (Richmond, Ky, USA) on 09/12/16 12:34 AM

We have a short time in Rome this trip, and want to show my brother and his wife the best of Italy. We are visiting the Vatican again, and the Borghesi for the first time.

We have hired a guide the day, and she advised me to go ahead and purchase the tickets here online. Do the tickets for the Vatican museum cover entrance to the dome, or do I need an additional ticket? Also does the museum ticket cover the crypts.

any suggestions about getting tickets for the Borghesi, or advise about the process?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks, Jeff

Posted by Sun-Baked in Florida

09/12/16 01:49 AM

2027 posts

For Borghese - just google it and the museum site will come up. There is an English version as well as an Italian version on the website. Just choose your time slot of 2 hours and purchase with credit card.
The Vatican tickets can be confusing because there are different ticket and tour options. The Vatican is a huge complex. The Vat. Museum ticket is ONLY for the museum. The dome climb is separate fee. Don't worry about the dome climb - you can easily pay for the dome climb once you are at the dome area. There are tickets available for the crypts. I can't give you crypt info. because I have never done the necropolis. If I am not mistaken, I think you have to take a tour to see the crypt/necropolis area.

Posted by Zoe

Toledo, Ohio, US

09/12/16 09:51 AM

11613 posts

The scavi ticket is also separate, only a small number of people can visit at one time, so I would book that one first. If you can visit the Vatican sights on one day and the Galleria Borghese on another, that would be a good idea. If on the same day, get the Borghese ticket for a late-afternoon entry.

Posted by donna

Pa and Italy

09/12/16 10:47 AM

4152 posts

Use the official sites to book all of your tickets:

https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do

http://www.tosc.it/tickets.html

For the Borghese gallery just pick a time slot. Their system is a little strange and will mention a seating chart but just ignore that part. Plan to pick up your tickets onsite and not have them mailed to you.

For the Vatican museums just choose entry tickets if you already have a guide. You cannot pre-purchase dome tickets, you must wait in line and purchase them when you get there. The crypts are included with the basilica and can be accessed through the basilica in order to see the various tombs of the Popes.

Donna

Posted by Joni

Dartmouth, NS, Canada

09/12/16 11:50 AM

213 posts

There is a difference between the crypt in St. Peter's and the excavations where St. Peter's tomb is. The crypts are accessible from the main body of the basilica, usually the stairs to the left of the altar , by the sacristry are open. The excavations - the Scavi - are on a controlled ticket access with tour - 12 people at a time. You must request the Scavi tickets WELL in advance - they sell out quickly!

Posted by mandyk01a

09/13/16 05:41 PM

81 posts

Dome: The museum ticket does not include the Dome. The best way to do the Dome is first thing in the morning (opens at 8:30). Pay for your guide to go with you so she/he can point out the statues and places you can see in the Vatican Gardens. The elevator back down drops you into the cathedral so you don't have to wait in the security lines again. From there you can see the crypt and treasury.

Have a coffee or gelato while you wait for your tour time. Book the Vatican Museum for lunchtime (12 or 1) and plan on a late lunch. The museum will be a little (very little) less crowded at lunchtime.

You will want to take a break after the museum...lunch in a small uncrowded restaurant walking east of the Museum is a good choice. Since there are a number of you I would have the restaurant call you a van taxi to the Borghese. Book your tour for 4 or 5pm which should be slowing down/less crowded.