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Vatican Museums in Jewish Perspective

from € 760

Meeting point

Accommodation lobby or TBA

Duration

4 Hours

Language

English

Group

1-7

The tour includes

Pick up by the guide (no car included)
Skip-the-line tickets
St.Peter’s Basilica Tour
Vatican Museum Tour
Sistine chapel Tour
Lapidarium Tour
Private English speaking Guide
Headsets if needed

Not included in the tour

Transfer service
Drop off
Gratuities

Description

An immersive journey through pictures and symbolism in one of the most significant museums in the world. Due to the complexity of the themes and symbolism, this tour might be a unique educational opportunity with a focus on contextual understanding from the perspective of a Jewish guide.

The Vatican Museums house a vast collection, which includes artifacts dating from Ancient Egypt to the late Renaissance and up to the present day. We will view the Picture Gallery, Sculptures, Gallery of the Candelabra, Tapestries, and Maps. Continue your exploration to the Sistine Chapel to witness one of the most significant works of art and architecture from the Italian Renaissance.

The most important examples of “visual theology” are found in the so-called Bible pauperum, or “Bible of the Poor,” which enabled the majority of illiterate people to “read” through visuals about God’s salvation plan for humanity. This includes also the visit to the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is more than just the most important building in Christendom.

It is a jewel within Vatican City, from where Popes have spread the word of God throughout the world. The Jewish Lapidarium, which was brought to the Vatican in 1963 together with the early Christian collections, is one of the most significant collections of ancient inscriptions. Nearly all the inscriptions found during the excavation of the Jewish catacomb in Monteverde, on the Via Portuense, are contained in it.

Additional information

Not suitable for:

Wheelchair users
People with walking difficulties
Claustrophobic

What to bring:

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed:

Shorts
Baby strollers
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts
Backpacks
Umbrellas
Tripod
Animals
Potentially dangerous objects
Foods and drinks

Know before you go:

Some parts might not be accessible and are subject to unexpected closures until further notice due site’s restrictions
On religious holidays or Wednesday mornings (Papal Audience), please note that the tour will be adjusted to include only the visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
Wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. If your clothing does not comply with the rules, you may be denied entry
All guests must undergo airport-style security
During high season, the wait may be up to 30 minutes
Photography is not allowed in the interior of the Sistine Chapel and some parts. The staff are authorized to delete any files taken
Food and drinks are not allowed, with the exception of water
Bags and suitcases larger than 40x35x15 cm, tripods, large umbrellas and potentially dangerous objects are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums and must be left in the cloakroom. The cloakroom is a 20-minute walk from the end of the tour

Before the activity:

Transfer service not included (optional)
Your guide will pick you up at the accommodation lobby, and together you will reach the tour destination with any type of transportation at your own expense
Drop-off not included
The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays
The St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays morning due to the Papal Audience, in this case only the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are included in this service
If you are a wheelchair user, please inform us, as the Vatican has strict policy (to be informed upon confirmation)
Before the activity starts, please provide us your complete passport names and birthdays because the attractions required this information then bring your ID or passport during the activity that should be identical with the provided names during booking

Highlights

Vatican Museums

Sistine Chapel

St. Peter’s Basilica

Lapidarium

Meeting point

Your guide will pick you up at the accommodation lobby (optional), and together you will reach the tour destination with any type of transportation at your own expense. Drop-off not included.

Accomodation Lobby or TBA