FRIDAY EVENING, AFTER HOURS SMALL GROUP VATICAN & SISTINE CHAPEL

Visit: Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City Italy

In recent years the Vatican has begun opening its doors on Friday evenings, allowing the opportunity to the explore the Pope’s museums after sun down. Even for those who have visited the Vatican before, there is something special about exploring its courtyards and collection under a starlit sky. In order to preserve the artworks, the Vatican normally keeps the gallery lighting quite dim, but on these rare nights you get to see these pieces illuminated as never before. Secondly, the museums tend to be less crowded after dark and, finally, temperatures are much more comfortable after hours. Explore the multitude of works, appreciate the details and revel in the history of this fascinating destination.

Duration: 1 hour

Visit: Sistine Chapel, Citta del Vaticano 1, 00120 Vatican City Italy

Housing not one but two massive works by Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel is certainly a must see for anyone visiting the Vatican. Your guide will cover every detail of this exquisitely decorated bethel. Learn how Pope Sixtus IV had the chapel redesigned, renovated and turned into his own private sanctuary. Hear how he sought out the best artists of the time to decorate it, only to be outdone by his nephew Pope Julius II a few years later. Find out about Michelangelo’s strained relationship with the latter, why he fled to Florence halfway through painting the ceiling, and how he got his own revenge on the Pope.

Duration: 1 hour