For many years, it has been possible for a selected few people to see parts of the Vatican you could not as well as to see the Sistine Chapel empty. Now we can offer you the closest experience to this.
The Sistine Chapel will be the absolute highlight of your tour for sure! It was constructed over the site of the original Cappella Maggiore. The Chapel was designed by Baccio Pontelli and constructed between 1475 and 1481 on the instruction of Pope Sixtus IV. The Chapel, which bears his name, was consecrated on August 15th 1483. The original fresco art around the walls was completed before the opening by the most remarkable artists of that period, including Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandeo and Cosimo Rosselli. Pope Sixtus IV was to miss witnessing the greatest accomplishments in his chapel. It was not until under the Papacy of Julius II that Michelangelo created its most renowned masterpiece. He worked on this between 1508 – 1512. Michelangelo returned in Rome, after the Sacking of Rome under the reigns of Popes Clement VII and Paul III to create his greatest artwork “The Last Judgement”. Nowadays Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo is considered one of the greatest achievements of mankind.
In this “Vatican Dream Tour”, ascend the Bramante Staircase and have its significance fully explained. Once at the top, you will be at one of the highest points in the Vatican and Rome with a tremendous view over the city. Visit the Cabinet of the Masks along with the beautiful mosaics from Hadrian’s’ Villa. Both of these are closed to the general public. Proceed onwards through the Vatican galleries and take time to admire the breathtaking frescoes and paintings in the Raphael Rooms. Leave the public areas again to enter the perfectly proportioned Chapel of Nicolas V painted by Fra Angelico in between 1447-1455.
Enter the Sistine Chapel accompanied only by your very small group and, as you step into this sacred place, enjoy a blissful silence. You get 30 minutes to admire its magnificence. Allow your guide to point out and explain the details of the world’s most beautiful fresco art. I am sure this is how Michelangelo wanted his masterpiece to be admired. Take the time to talk about it with your guide as you admire its immense beauty.
We do hope you will be able to join us on this once in a lifetime experience!
Spots are extremely limited so please reserve your place early.
Please Note
- Please bring an ID document for children as proof of age for the reduced price tickets.
- This tour operates in all weather conditions.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible but may be customized to meet this requirement upon special request.
- Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.