The complete guide to the Vatican

The Vatican is a tiny country in the heart of Rome, Italy, and is much more than a religious symbol. It is a spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church, headed by the Pope.

Although it is the smallest country in the world, the Vatican maintains signs of impressive independence – with a unique flag, anthem and even a government. This magical enclave offers fascinating experiences to visitors, including a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, as well as a stroll through the vast and magnificent Vatican Gardens, and of course the Vatican Museums, which display some of the rarest art collections in the world. The museums display masterpieces by Da Vinci, Raphael and Titian. And if that’s not enough, Michelangelo’s fresco paintings in the Sistine Chapel – which adorn its ceiling – are an integral part of the visit experience and are a focal point of attraction for millions of visitors from all over the world.

The gates of the Vatican are guarded by the soldiers of the Swiss Guard, who are ready to protect the Pope in traditional and colorful ceremonial uniforms, and also with swords and axes alongside modern weapons. No wonder UNESCO declared the Vatican a world heritage site, thanks to the artistic and historical treasures that await anyone who comes to discover the magic within its walls.

If you want to experience all of this, you must purchase tickets. Tickets can only be purchased through the official website of the Vatican, which opens ticket sales two months in advance.

to purchase tickets

It is important to know that it is not possible to cancel, change the name or date of purchasing the ticket.

The ticket grants entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and costs

25€ for an adult and 12€ for a child up to the age of 18

You can buy up to 6 tickets with each purchase

It is important to remember that this is a holy place and therefore you must dress accordingly, you cannot enter the Vatican with tank tops and pants or a skirt above the knee.

Some small tips from us

  • Don’t forget to bring your passport, many times they require to see a passport together with the tickets to allow entry.
  • Mondays and Tuesdays are usually less busy days.
  • Lunch hours are less busy than mornings.
  • Every last Sunday of the month entry to the Vatican Museums is free, keep in mind that this means standing in long lines so you should also arrive early
  • You can enter the Vatican square and the basilica for free and without reservation.
  • You can take a guided tour in Hebrew – for more details

It is important to know that the year 2025 will be a significant landmark for Catholics around the world, with the arrival of the Jubilee, or the Holy Year. This event, which takes place every 25 years, offers a special opportunity for soul-searching, spiritual renewal and bringing hearts together. The Vatican, the center of Catholic Christianity, stands at the heart of the events and is preparing to receive millions of visitors from all over the world, so the Vatican will be packed throughout the months of 2025 and tickets must be bought well in advance.