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See our most helpful articles on the Vatican from purchasing tickets & tours to what to see once you are inside. The best way to have a positive and memorable visit to the Vatican is to do a little research and find an option you feel is best for you. We recommend tours as they help curate and add depth to your visit that you really can’t get on your own. But our content provides info to help you on a self-guided visit as well, so read on.
The Catholic Church is the oldest running institution in western civilization dating back to the first bishop, or pope, St. Peter himself. According to Catholic dogma and substantial facts, Peter began his papacy around 33 B.C. until his death by the hand of Nero in 64 A.D.
The Vatican started off as a small “cult” surrounding the life and message of Jesus Christ and St. John the Lateran before exploding in Rome and eventually overthrowing paganism with Emperor Constantine the Great.
While the Catholic Church has been long established, the Vatican we know today did not always look like it does now. Much of what you have seen, or will hopefully see, was the product of the Renaissance and the great “builder popes” like Pope Sixtus IV, Alexander VI, Julius II, Paul III, and other ambitious popes of the 16th and 17th centuries.
These Popes were less like the beloved John Paul II and Francis of today. These Popes were ambitious kings of kings who controlled money, power, and influence throughout Europe. They did not have to threaten death to gain control, just damnation to everyone.
Many people criticize these popes for corruption and immorality and they likely would not be wrong. That said, they built the Rome we know today and the Vatican you and millions of people want to visit.
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Top Vatican City Tours
The Tour Guy offers a variety of small group and private tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Our tours are the best choice since we have many start times, durations, and group sizes to choose from.
We have a special agreement with the Vatican that lets us offer you exclusive entry times and after-hours access. The Vatican is best seen through the eyes of a passionate local guide. We secure the most exclusive tickets so you can have the best experience possible.
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
A great tour starts with the best tour guides, and we hand-pick ours to make sure you’re entertained and enlightened. Our Rome in a Day Tour covers the Rome essentials to get your trip started right!
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
With early start times to beat most of the crowds, this early-entrance tour is ideal for most visitors. You’ll see the best of the Vatican, stand beneath the Sistine Chapel, and tour the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and more.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Private Tour
Prefer to tour privately with a dedicated guide? We have you covered. Choose from start times throughout the day to enjoy a tailored visit to the Vatican Museums that you’ll love.
St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
Combo tours are the best way to maximize your time and money, and this one is extra special because few take the time to climb St. Peter’s Dome. We make it easy with skip-the-line tickets, elevator access, a fun guide, and all the best stops included in Vatican City.
Alone at the Vatican: After Hours Tour
Looking for the ultimate VIP private Vatican experience? This exclusive Vatican after-hours tour was made for you! After the crowds have left and as the night draws in, join a passionate Vatican guide for a journey through the incredible Vatican Museums and an intimate private viewing of the iconic Sistine Chapel.
Tips For Visiting The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
We believe the best way to visit a major attraction is with an expert guide and will recommend that as much as we can. That said, if you are going to try to brave it alone, we still want you to get the most out of your visit. Below you’ll see our best and most-read advice on visiting the Vatican. This way you get the most out of your visit.
10 Things to See Near the Vatican
Castel Sant’Angelo, local markets, underground passageways, and of course the Vatican gardens. Check out what to see and do near the Vatican!
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Where to Eat Near the Vatican
Hunger is a feeling stimulated by the brain when it notices you will soon need more calories to go on. Visiting the Vatican will put your brain to work so here are some restaurants nearby – pasta time!
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Who Painted the Sistine Chapel
Did you know Michelangelo was not the only person to paint the Sistine Chapel? He also didn’t do it all at once. Read more about the other Renaissance masters who painted the Sistine Chapel and got NONE of the credit!
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