Vatican access..

[ghady]

Hey,

When in rome, i'd wanna see the sistine chape, which is in the vatican.. can i just walk in to the vatican? how does that work exactly? do i need to be stopped at the border?

thanks,
ghady

[me]

there were no immigration controls at all when i was there i '04. unless there's a change, you won't even need your passport.

[Eagle]

ghady, I didn't notice any immigration controls, however you WILL have to go through an airport-style security station (complete with scanners and armed guards). From what I remember, the security check is on the right side of the large plaza (when facing St. Peter's).

Depending on the time of day, there might be a large queue to climb the Cupola. If that's the case, tour the Church and this might decrease to some extent. One important point -- BE SURE to observe the "dress conventions" regarding bare shoulders or legs, etc. as the Guards are VERY strict!!!

Happy travels!!!

[madamtrashheap]

You can just walk across the "border" with no checks, and you won't even know you've just changed countries (there's a small line marking the spot on via della Conciliazione)!

Eagle's info about the security checks is absolutely correct - they've been doing these for many many years, both in the Piazza and the Vatican Musuems, although the Piazza one is spasmodic. For the Vatican Museums check, best to not have any sharp objects (including Swiss Army Knives, etc) as they sometimes confiscate them). Very large backpacks are also not allowed and must be checked in. The Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums) are home to many treasures, including the Sistine Chapel and you walk through the halls that are decorated with busts of the Popes, tapestries and frescoes before you reach the Chapel. You need to arrive at the entrance to the Vatican Museums either early in the morning (around 8.30) as the line to get in is always long (unless the Pope is in St Peter's Square, then there is no line utnil he's finished) and the doors now don't open until 10am. Have a look at www.vatican.va for information on prices, times and days open. Also have a look at this post pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=intinary&action=display&n=1&thread=7243 for information on what else to see in Vatican City. Here's a post from last year on the Dress Codes (Church Dress) for all Italian churches (incl. the Sistine Chapel - it's the Pope's private chapel so is the strictest of them all!) pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=Tips&action=display&n=1&thread=443