Vatican Tips

Pope Benedict XVI has passed away as the oldest ever Pope. Here are a list of of the oldest Pope's in history

The Oldest Popes in History - Vatican Tips It is rare these days for the Pope to be a young man. Rising through the ranks of the church can take nearly a lifetime which means that many Popes are quite old when they are elected in conclave. On the 4th of September, 2020 Pope Benedict XVI would officially have become the oldest Pope […]

This is what is happening at the Vatican today for Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday at the Vatican - Vatican Tips Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and it is considered a day of fasting and reflection taking place on a different day each year on the seventh week before Easter Sunday. In 2020, Ash Wednesday takes place on the 26th of February. In 2021, Ash Wednesday is on the 17th of February and […]

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the Vatican flag?

History and Meaning of the Vatican Flag - Vatican Tips On the 7th of June, 1929 the Lateran Treaty was signed under Pope Pius XI and the Vatican officially became its own country. Vatican City became the smallest country in the world with a population of less than a thousand people and an area of 44 hectares. Despite its small size, the Vatican has its....

Favorite treasure in the Octagonal Courtyard?

The Vatican's Octagonal Courtyard - Vatican Tips The octagonal courtyard, once known as Cortile delle Statue, is one of the most beautiful courtyards in Vatican City. The courtyard gets its name from its eight-sided shape and is arguably the oldest part of the Vatican Museums. The courtyard was first used by Pope Julius II (1503-1513) to displa...

Being Pope is not a young man's game...

The Oldest Popes in History - Vatican Tips It is rare these days for the Pope to be a young man. Rising through the ranks of the church can take nearly a lifetime which means that many Popes are quite old when they are elected in conclave. On the 4th of September, 2020 Pope Benedict XVI would officially have become the oldest Pope […]

Did you know that the statue that gives the Pinecone Courtyard was originally part of a fountain dating back to the 2nd century A.D. and was crafted during the Ancient Roman times? Here's what to know about visiting this major part of the Vatican Museums!

The Pinecone Courtyard at the Vatican - Vatican Tips The Pinecone Courtyard, or the Cortile della Pigna, is the first main courtyard you pass through on your way to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums. After you scan your Vatican Museum ticket at the museum entrance, you will see in front of you a large escalator. Once you have reached the top o...

Starting tomorrow, the Vatican will require proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test, or recovery from COVID, before allowing any visitors entrance to the Museums.

Here is more about the Green Pass and what you need as proof.

Vatican Museums to Require COVID "Green Pass" for Entry - Vatican Tips The Vatican Museums is aligning with Italy’s new coronavirus rules and will now require a COVID “Green Pass” for all visitors. The Green Pass is an EU-wide scheme that certifies that the bearer: is vaccinated has tested negative for COVID within the previous 48 hours OR has proof of recovery f...

Not sure where to go? Many people expect to find the entrance to the Vatican Museums off of St. Peter's Square but the doors to get in are actually on the other side of Vatican City!

Where is the Entrance to the Vatican Museums? - Vatican Tips Trying to find the entrance to the Vatican Museums? The good news is that Vatican City is fairly small so you WILL find it, but most people make the mistake of thinking the way in is near St. Peter’s Basilica. Here’s how to get where you are really trying to go: The easiest landmark to […]

Bernini's Scala Regia is usually off limits to the public. But this staircase is the official entrance to the Vatican's Papal Palace and you can catch a tantalizing glimpse if you know where to look:

Bernini's Scala Regia at the Vatican - Vatican Tips Patrolled by the Swiss Guards, Bernini’s Scala Regia is one of the most impressive staircases at the Vatican. Unfortunately, the stairs are closed to the public because they link the Apostolic Palace directly to the Sistine Chapel. However, you can get a glimpse of the staircase for yourself as yo...

The Gallery of the Candelabra – or Galleria dei Candelabri – is a spectacular hallway of Ancient Greek and Roman artworks featuring statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, and Candelabra.

Do you know what to look out for inside?

The Gallery of the Candelabra - Vatican Tips The Gallery of the Candelabra – or Galleria dei Candelabri – is a spectacular hallway of Ancient Greek and Roman artworks featuring statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, and Candelabra. Entering into the Gallery of the Candelabra through the beautiful bronze gates brings you to the beginning of a specta...

Are you an art fan? Caravaggio is one of the most celebrated Italian painters, and many of his works follow a religious theme.

It should be no surprise that the Vatican Museums are home to one of his masterpieces:

Caravaggio in the Vatican - Vatican Tips Caravaggio was one of the most important painters of all time. Here is a guide to the only work by Caravaggio in the Vatican - the Entombment of Christ.

Ready to travel again? The Vatican Museums are open and we couldn't be more excited.

Here are the best times to visit (keeping in mind that it all requires pre-booking now):

The Best Time to Visit the Vatican - Vatican Tips A former Vatican tour guide shares the best times, days and months to visit the Vatican to avoid the crowds and have the best experience.