Hello, we are a family of 4 (2 kids ages 10 & 12) and will be in Rome for a week in July. We would like to visit the Vatican, and we are trying to figure out the best day and time of day to visit. We aren't really interested in a tour, but would like to visit the Sistine Chapel and climb to the top of the dome. I know it gets really busy (everyday) but was wondering if perhaps we were there really early, or later in the day, would it be better?? Any recommendations to the best day to visit?? Any suggestions or advice would be great!
Thank you
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Definitely in the mid to later afternoon - 2 or 3 o'clock. Don't miss the Museum, you don't have to be a Roman Catholic to appreciate it! They have many things pre-Christianity and I was surprised by that! You will need at least an hour to get through it, and I think your boys would enjoy it as well. The Sistine cannot be described, but have them do a little research on their own before the trip. He (Michelangelo) was quite young and was forced to do this ceiling. You can visit St. Peters at your leisure, and the Square is lovely after dark. Many people arrive very early AM and line up to be first....that's the worst time to go IMO
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You can't get to the Sistine without first going through the Vatican Museums. You can go as fast or slow as you like...bypassing entire sections if you really are not interested. It would be a shame to just gallop through without looking or reading ANYTHING. We typically try to visit the Museums + Sistine Chapel when the Pope is giving the weekly Wednesday morning Papal Address in the Square. While the throngs of tourists and worshippers are packed in the square (and not in the museum) that's when we visit. We exit the Sistine and then get in line to see the Basilica. Upon exiting the Basilica is when we climb the dome. Dress appropriately or you'll be denied entrance into the Basilica accordingly.
Posted by
OP
Halton, Ontario, Canada
208 posts
Thanks Donna and Tim. Exactly the replies I was looking for. We will definately browse our way through the museum, thanks for the assurances. I am sure my girls will be delighted. Good idea as well on the researching ahead of time to understand a bit more of what we will be viewing. Tim, the Wednesday morning suggestion is great! Thanks
Take care and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA, United States
469 posts
We went to the Vatican museum early and were in line about 30 minutes before it opened. This worked well for us as Rome was very hot (late June) and it was nice to walk over there and wait in line during the cool morning. After seeing the Vatican museums and Sistine chapel, we had a quick lunch before returning to St. Peter's. There was a line to climb the dome but it was well worth the wait. Also, to echo what others said, make sure knees and shoulders are covered. I used a lightweight scarf as a shawl and it worked perfectly. Have a great trip!