Would it be a sacrilege to NOT go to the Vatican Museums with the teens?

Well we were on a tour ( RS) and so my 11 yr old did see the Vatican , and for her the highlight was definitely the Bascilia ! She had already been to Notre Dame so her comment was "wow this is way better" and then she also looked around and commented it was no wonder poor people were intimidated by the church .

I think one could skip the Vatican ( you are right , it will be HOT ) and just see the Basicila ! I wouldn't skip it as it's iconic part of Rome.

There is no such thing as a must-see sight. I really like art, but I made no attempt to re-visit the Vatican Museums (after a 20-year gap) during my 2015 visit to Rome because of the crowds and the cost of crowd-avoidance tours. I really enjoyed the Museums on my earlier visit, but that was a different time; I remember no crowding at all.

There's a lot of art in Italian churches that can be seen for free. (Don't miss the Pieta in St. Peter's.) You might also consider the Borghese Gallery. It is by no means free, but it requires timed tickets (reserve well in advance), and by all accounts it is a very pleasant museum experience because it doesn't have the crowding you'll find at the Vatican Musuems.

If you think the kids would really enjoy it and it would have great meaning for them, then go. But, if you think they would enjoy something else just as much, then do that. There's much to see and do!

Thanks very much. I have also considered the Borghese, but am also leaning against it. I just don't think the kids will find it enjoyable. Again, I know it seems like "how can you not do that"!

Maybe a trial run at a local museum to see how "museums" go over with the kids?

If you 'dread' going to a museum, its likely you will have your fears fulfilled.

There is plenty of art in churches in Rome. You can wander through a church for 5 minutes or an hour depending on the level of interest. Unlike a museum most churches are free and you are not 'stuck' half way through, with no way out.

For St Peter we used the RS audio and then just wandered.

It is OK to "miss" something! Your kids can decide when they are older to go to Italy again and take in the Vatican if they want to. I skipped it when I was 19 and traveling in Europe. Did not get around to going until I was 57 and have been 3 times now.

Do see the Basilica and go in the morning, when it opens. Use the R.S. audio guided tour. Everyone can put it on their device and go at their own pace.

Ditto the Borghese. Don't feel you "have to." Do drop into Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and San'Luigi dei Francese (both near Piazza Navona) to see a couple of fabulous churches just so they can see how magnificent they are, how different from churches they might have been in in the U.S.

You all might enjoy taking a bike ride around Villa Borghese instead of going to the galleria.

Thanks Laurel. The reason I was thinking about a guided tour of the Basilica (again, the one I linked to is the only one I've found at a "decent" price that only includes the Basilica and not the museums) instead of the RS audio tour is that the tour has us cut the line, which seems worth it?

Would it be a sacrilege to NOT go to the Vatican Museums with the teens?

Naaaaa. It always helps to do your own research than to go by hearsay.
Why pretend to be interested in something?
However if everyone in the family read something about the Vatican Museums that they found interesting collectively then go.
I have traveled with family and in certain instances not all go to the same tourist sites when we approach it the way I just described.

Go to the basilica in the early morning like 7 am the line is not so bad then.

I'm convinced that one reason some of the "top sights" in Europe are so overrun is that a fair number of travelers are not willing to admit that they don't care about art, or palaces, or whatever. I, myself, have given palaces a good try, and I.do.not.like.them. No more palaces for me! One less person to be dodged by the people who genuinely want to see Versailles.

Would it be a sacrilege to NOT go to the Vatican Museums with the
teens?

Nope. And that goes for St Peter's as well, which is not our favorite of the churches in Rome either. It was a zoo the last time we did it (3rd time for me, and a tour wouldn't have made any difference) and we could cheerfully have skipped it. Do what your family will enjoy.

The reason I was thinking about a guided tour of the Basilica (again, the one I linked to is the only one I've found at a "decent" price that only includes the Basilica and not the museums) instead of the RS audio tour is that the tour has us cut the line, which seems worth it?

Just go early or late. Early is better because so many people start crawling out about 10:00 am. Get there at opening and the security line for the Basilica will be negligible.

Thanks everyone!

The kids might really enjoy this church.

https://www.romeing.it/basilica-di-san-clemente/

I visited the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peters with my 13 & 16 year olds in late August 2015. The Vatican was at the top of my daughters list of things to do while we were in Italy. I had been on 2 previous trips and would not have chosen to visit on this trip, but it was something my daughter really wanted to do. In the end, the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel were probably one of our least favorite experiences. We did not have to wait in line as we had pre-ordered tickets but the heat and crowds were unbearable and it was very difficult to enjoy the museum. The crowds were elbow to elbow-everywhere.. The lines for St Peters late on a Saturday in August were not very long at all and we did enjoy our time there very much. There are so many great things to do in Rome, I would spend my time and the expense of a very expensive tour on something your teens would probably enjoy more. As an fyi, we did the co-op culture 3rd ring/underground tour of the Colosseum and it was a highlight.

I would be tempted to skip unless someone decides they definitely want to see it. The hot corridors, the masses of people, many better ways to use time. I like the suggestion for San Clemente Basilica - loved walking down to the level of the Temple of Mythras plus it was cool down there, haha!

As far as museums, you might consider the Capitoline Museum. I really enjoyed it. It's got a little of everything so something of interest for everyone.

I'm with Gerri and Pam on this. San Clemente is my favorite.

Last summer I went on Dark Rome's earliest express tour just so I could get into the Sistine Chapel before the mobs started arriving. We were there early enough that I could actually sit and gawk. It was my 3rd trip to the Sistine and by far the best.

Some of the group went on into the Museum. I chose not to do that. I'm an art person, but it's overwhelming, even without the crowds. I went with the guide to St. Peter's and the crypts. We were there early enough that the zamboni was cleaning the floor.

One of the reasons museums are challenging is that so much visual input can be exhausting. In any kind of museum some people (like my husband) think they have to look at and read about everything. Not true! If I did that, I'd poop out after about 3 galleries.

Some might think it blasphemy, but my technique is to scan the room, find something that interests me, peruse it, read about it and move on. Sometimes I may find nothing, sometimes I'm drawn by everything. Mostly I find 1 or 2 things and that's it.

No, you definitely do not have to see the Vatican Museums. But if you do decide to go through them or go to any other museum, having a strategy for doing it is a good idea.

About not being an art lover, I have a daughter-in-law who self-admittedly doesn't "get" art. She's more into sports than anything else. I joke with her that I don't get sports. I've recommended this older series to her. Closer to home for you might be the RS book, Europe 101: History & Art for the Traveler. I think it is quite good.

Another vote for skipping it. I do think it's worth it to see the basilica, though, and your kids might enjoy climbing to the top of the dome (I'm not a kid but I sure did!). And I concur with the person who mentioned the Capuchin crypts. And if you're in Villa Borghese (the park), rent a rowboat - the little lake is so pretty.

Okay, late to this parade, but I feel the need to say this.

My other half? He could have cared less about seeing St. Peter's, much less the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Me? I grew up seeing this on b/w television and believed - although not Catholic and barely religious - that this was a must see event.

Fast forward to five years ago. Still not Catholic, but we paid for a private tour of the Vatican Museum. It was some of the best money ever spent, and this coming from my non-religious other half. I know I burst into tears in St. Peter's, not because I am Catholic, but because we had a great guide.

Of course, your mileage may vary, based on your guide. But I'd do this tour if at all possible.

I have been to Rome five times and have yet to see the Vatican Museum.

I have been awed by the basilica and I have enjoyed the climb to and the view from the top of the dome.

By no means feel you have to go to the Vatican Museums or St Peters or anywhere specific for that matter. There is so much to see in Rome, do your own thing. All travel should be personal. I disliked the Vatican museums and St Peters in the 70's without the crowds...and I was an art history major. Now, crowds ruin experiencing art. However, regarding the Borghese Villa, I feel it is worth it to pop in (need reservation) just to see the Bernini statues. My favorite thing on my first trip to Europe was seeing Daphne and Apollo. Amazing, IMO. Again, there is so much to see, do your best to go where the crowds don't go.

Your Vatican experience will depend on so many factors: crowds, heat, time of day, but overall I think it's a must and it's definitely worth it. Do not go with large groups try smaller agencies like https://www.moreofrome.com
They offer skip the line and small groups.

my daughter at 12 was amazed by the Sistine Chapel; it was worth it for us. Let the kids research it and decide if that is what they want to do.

Thanks everyone. Lots of varied opinions. Couple of follow-ups. For those in favor of paying the price to see the Museums, the cheapest I can find for 4 people (2 kids) to see it in a way that would be bearable - early bird, before the crowds, right to the Sistine Chapel - is the Dark Rome tour someone linked above. With the 5% first time discount, that would be about $320 (before entry fees). I personally just don't think that's reasonable. Again, husband and I have seen it. Kids can go back on their own when they are older!

A question to those who are in favor of the Catacombs - I had actually crossed that off the list thinking the August heat down there would be unbearable. And I saw it mostly as religious artifacts. Am I wrong?

Thanks.

A question to those who are in favor of the Catacombs - I had actually
crossed that off the list thinking the August heat down there would be
unbearable.

It's actually the opposite: they are generally damp and chilly even when it's very warm outside. We did San Sebastiano - out on the Appia Antica - on a very warm day and it was definitely cool underground. We didn't go for the religious legend surrounding that one, although that was part of the narrative (tours are mandatory, and I believe that's true for all of them). It was an interesting look at both pre-Christian and early Christian burial practices in subterranean cemeteries. Remains have sensitively been removed to parts off the tour route so no bones to see. My memory fails me here but I do believe we also needed to be appropriately dressed (no bare knees or shoulders, just as with Italian churches) for catacomb visits.

http://www.catacombe.org/uk_index.html

Not sure how long you'll be in Rome but a walk on some of the Appia Antica is highly recommended; lots of interesting things to see out there. It'll be a hot walk in August but EVERYWHERE in Rome will be hot, and it may feel less so away from the more closed-in, tourist-crowded central part of the city.

https://www.parcoappiaantica.it

If you get to St.Peter's before 8:30 there is virtually no line at all, and St. Peter's is virtually empty! Since I'm able to visit Italy a couple times a year, a lot of times I fly into Rome for a couple days before business to get my clock right. Also, being Catholic, it's a joy to get into St. Peters' early (7-7:30 before the barricades are up) to go to Mass with visiting priests' at one of the side altars. Finally, we have taken all 3 of our grandsons' to Italy when they were 11, and again, early, did the Church and the climb to the top of the Cupola where the view is terrific. Candidly, I'm pretty sure them racing to the top covering those 440+ stairs and using the rope to get to the Cupola was one of the super-fun things of the trip for the guys.

As mentioned, the catacombs are pretty chilly, even in August. Same is true with the underground Domus Aurea - naturally air-conditioned because of a spring running through it. The one underground site in Rome that I know is an exception to that is the Scavi tour under St. Peter's. There's geothermal activity there that makes it like a very warm greenhouse.

"The one underground site in Rome that I know is an exception to that is the Scavi tour under St. Peter's. There's geothermal activity there that makes it like a very warm greenhouse."

Michael, I did not know that!

I might be in the minority here, but who is paying for the trip? IMHO, exposing kids t different things is part of parenting. Our family vacations always had at least some 'kid friendly' things, but i wasn't going to miss things I wanted to see just because the kids might be bored. You'll be surprised... later in life they will thank you

Thanks. Just to clarify, my husband and I have been before, and are not huge art fans. So the question was more directed at whether we're depriving the kids by not taking them (or if someone had an idea about how to take them to see the Sistine Chapel in a humanistic way - less crowds, heat - that didn't cost an arm and a leg!).

Tamara, there are some churches in Rome with killer ceilings for quick - and free - cranes of the neck without having to spend a lot of time or money on the Sistine. Gesù, for instance, would be a good "wow" moment that won't overwhelm your gang with the crowds and heat at the Vatican. There's a nice shot of that trompe l'oeil vault fresco on this site:

http://www.initaly.com/regions/latium/church/pix/gesu2.jpg

Many Roman churches are just packed with goodies, and are very good for people who are not necessarily crazy about art to take in some of that. If the kids find that they enjoy a gentle introduction, they can always do a deeper dive on their own trips to Rome someday.

We have visited the Vatican Museum a number of times in the last 8 years. I am not sure if you will be in Rome on Friday but the best 2 experiences have been when we booked the Friday evening entrance.
The crowds are much, much smaller and the building is somewhat cooler. Some areas are closed - such as the Pinoteca - but the Chapel is open.

Tamara,
With the caveat that I don't know you, don't know your kids, I do think it would be a mistake to not see the Vatican Museum, along with St. Peter's. Another earlier poster mentioned climbing the dome, and I totally agree. Kids would remember that, and the view is incredible from the top. The statues that look big from the ground are HUGE when one stands next to them. . But, again, I don't know your family and how physically fit your family is, as the passage ways get a bit narrow the closer one gets to the dome, and the rope short climb with the assistance of the rope at the end is not for those who are not able.

While the Vatican Museum can be overwhelming (it would take days upon days to see everything), just seeing the halls and halls and halls of wealth (and then learning how some of it arrived there, if you have a good guide to share) is educational. It can also serve as a springboard for some philosophical discussions of "solving world hunger vs. accumulation of wealth" by the church, along with the surprise to learn that some objects were taken in order to be given to the church by those seeking absolution (for sins).

We attended a mass, and I also remember how so many waiting pushed, shoved and tried to cheat by attempting to go under the ropes....I found that humorous if they were there for the true spirit of mass :)

But, the whole experience is much more than just looking at a museum or a huge church or the ceiling of the Sistine. When we travel, it is not just the experience of the moment, but later every time we read something about a place we have visited or see a photo, it resonates a bit with us, as we know WE WERE THERE. THAT is the gift you would be giving to your teens, along with the opportunity to have some spirited discussion afterward........and some of those philosophical thoughts may come to them years from now as they recall their impressions from their brief visits, but nonetheless everything we see and experience in life helps to form who we are. The next time a new pope is elected and they see the little bit of smoke on the news, they will be able to think: Gee, we saw WHERE that happens. Why miss it all if you are that close? When will they be that close again? It is easy to save money, but is there more value in spending just a bit more after spending all the money on airfare, hotels, etc., so they can see a bit more? Something that will be with them for life?

I love going to St. Peter’s and will go again. My attention span for art is only good for about 2 hours before i need a break. By all means, climb to the top. Kids would remember that. Views from the top are magnificent. Have you thought about checking out an art book from the library? Find two or three paintings you all really want to see and find them. Find out when mass is held. The last time i was at St Peter’s, when we came down from the rooftop, mass was being held and the choir was fantastic. Just to hear the music amidst all that art was an amazing experience. No, i am not Catholic, and my knowledge of art history is self taught, usually with a library book and a glass of wine.
As for Sistine Chapel, i went on my own just before it closed and was the last one out the door. An amazing experience, totally different than the mob scene at other times, which is not too enjoyable. Again, study the paintings before going so kids can pick out the Bible stories. Amazing. You enjoy the art more when you know what you are looking at and a bit about the life of the artist. If your kids are not interested in learning a bit before going, i would skip both places.

Just a thought. Watch the RS episodes on Rome with your kids. That might help you decide what to see and what to leave out. Nothing worse than dragging unwilling people to museums and churches if they are not interested. On the other hand, something in the shows might catch their interest. Good luck!