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Vatican Operator: +39 066982

School groups - special visits: +39 0669884947

Information on events: +39 0669886272

AUDIENCES AND OTHER CEREMONIES WITH THE POPE

to participate to an audience with the Pope (on Wednesday morning) and to other ceremonies celebrated by the Holy Father, it's necessary to reserve invitation tickets. These are distributed free at the Prefettura della Casa Pontificia of the Vatican City (see contact numbers below.) To get to the Prefettua enter the Bronze Gate (under the colonnade to the right of St. Peter's square.) Office hours: from 9am to 1pm on work days.

Prefettura della Casa Pontificia
Città del Vaticano
00120 ITALIA
tel. 06-698-83-273
fax 06-698 85-863

VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL

These are open on working days from 8.45am to 3.45pm. From the 16th of March to the 30th of October the museums are open from 8.45am to 12.45pm. On the last Sunday of each month both the Museums and the Sistine chapel are open - with free admittance - from 8.45am to 12.45. For further information call 06/698.83333 or 06/698.84466 or 06/698.84866.
In the Vatican Museums the following services are available to the public: restaurant and bar, bookshops, souvenir shops, audio-guides, change, wardrobe, toilets, telephones, post office, first aid.
Itineraries: you can plan your visit by following one of the four itineraries as illustrated on the panels inside the Museums.
Disabled visitors: There are 4 itineraries and toilets for disabled visitors; ask for the informative brochure at the ticket control point. Wheelchairs are available - please reserve at 06/698.83860.

VATICAN GARDENS - THE ITINERARY

It is possible to visit the gardens in the morning by reserving a place in the guided tour at the Tourist and Pilgrims Information Office on St Peter's Square. For further informaiton call 06/698.84466 or 06/698.84866.

SAINT PETER'S BASILICA

The Basilica is open everyday from 7am to 7pm (April-September); and from 7am to 6pm (October-March).

MUSEUM OF THE VATICAN TREASURES

This Museum is open every day from 9am to 6.30pm (April-September); and from 9am to 5.30pm (October-March). The entrance is on the left nave of the Basilica. Admittance is possible until 30 minutes before the closing time.

ST PETER'S DOME

It is possible to visit Michelangelo's dome of St. Peter's up to its very top. This is open from 8am to 6pm (April-September); and from 7am to 5pm (October-March). The entrance can be found to the right of the Basilica's facade. There is the possibility to walk either the whole height or take an elevator to the Basilica's roof and walk from there to the top of the dome. Unless you are very determined for religious reasons or had made a bet with some friends, I would highly recommend taking the elevator for the very first part!

SACRED VATICAN GROTTOS (TOMBS OF THE POPES)

These are open every day from 7am to 6pm (April-September); and from 7am to 5pm (October-March). The entrance (rather hidden) is to be found on the right of the central nave, on one of the corners that face Bernini's bronze canopy. In the vicinity of the bronze statue of St. Peter you'll see some tiny steps leading downstairs through a small door. This is the entrance. Admittance is free.

THE TOMB OF PETER AND VATICAN NECROPOLIS

To join a guided visit it's necessary make a reservation at the "Ufficio Scavi" which can be found after the "Arco delle Campane", the large arch which opens to the left of the Basilica's facade and which is guarded by two Swiss Guards. Ask to one of the Swiss guards permission to get to the "Ufficio Scavi". They will give you the directions to find it. The Ufficio Scavi is open on work days from 9am to 5pm.

Ufficio Scavi
tel. 06-698 85318
fax: 06 6988-8518
EMAIL: scavi@fsp.va