As part of LivItaly Tours’ Vatican Early Entrance Small Group Tour, you will be able to tour St. Peter’s Basilica which comes after visiting the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter’s Basilica
We reached St. Peter’s Basilica around 11 am and the crowds were getting larger. But that did not diminish my excitement in seeing the world’s largest church in all its glory. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful church in the world. The basilica is pretty massive from the ceilings that are high, the numerous statues, mosaics, dead popes and the piece de resistance Michelangelo’s La Pieta. Did you know that the interior has a capacity to hold 60,000 people? Wow!
Michelangelo’s Dome which rises to a height of 394 feet.
Bernini’s Bronze Baldachinno made up of four marble columns which are situated at the end of the church.
Lots of dead popes are showcased.
Michelangelo’s La Pieta
Have the patience to brave the crowds that are queued up to get close Michelangelo’s La Pieta (The Pity.) Michelangelo was only 23 when La Pieta executed and it is the only work that he put his name on. La Pieta shows the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion and one of his most recognizable pieces. La Pieta is the only piece St. Peter’s Basilica behind the plastic wall because a deranged man attacked the statue and broke off several parts of Mary.
Yes, it is worth it to get close to the La Pieta.
It is quite overwhelming to visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica which is why I so recommend LivItaly Tours. We learned so much and I think my teen daughter did as well certainly more if we had done it on our own. Frankly, I think she would have been more vocal about leaving early but in a crowd, she was not likely to whine. and
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Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum
- Because it is a small group, I recommend booking early especially if you go during the busy months.
- Hours: Vatican museums are closed on Sundays and Catholic holidays.
- Do not forget that you need to dress appropriately. That means no hats, sleeveless shirts. Dresses or skirts have to cover your knees. Women need to cover your shoulders so bring a wrap although you find vendors selling wraps outside every church
- Our guide gave us the opportunity to use the restroom after we received our tickets before we began our tour. If they don’t offer ask because you will not have an opportunity to go until the tour is over.
- There is NO photography is allowed in the Sistine Chapel!!
- As I mentioned earlier eat before the tour or get to the meeting spot at 7 am to get something to eat at the restaurant. This will not go over well with teens or kids but they won’t be ready to drop when you are done! I didn’t bring any snacks because my daughter is not a granola bar eater.
LivItaly Tours’ Vatican Early Entrance Small Group Tour is the way to go when visiting The Vatican Museum, The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. It is well worth getting an early start to beat the crowds to see some of the world’s best art and architecture.
Learn more about our visit to The Vatican Museum.
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was provided with complimentary entrance courtesy of LivItaly Tours All opinions are 100% my own.
