The Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most precious art and historical artifacts, including the iconic Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, offer a unique blend of spiritual and cultural enrichment. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the opening hours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, along with tips on the best times to visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you plan your visit effectively.
Vatican Museum Hours
General Opening Hours and Times
The Vatican Museums are open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, with the final entry permitted at 6 pm. The museums remain closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of each month, when you can visit between 9 am and 12 pm, with the last entry being at 12.30 pm.
Vatican Museum Closing Days
The Vatican Museums will be closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month), January 1 (Wednesday), January 6 (Monday), February 11 (Tuesday), March 19 (Wednesday), April 21 (Monday), May 1 (Thursday), August 15 (Friday), August 16 (Saturday), November 1 (Friday), December 8 (Monday), December 25 (Thursday), December 26 (Friday).
Download the Vatican Museums calendar for more information.
Operating Hours of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
Sistine Chapel Hours
The Sistine Chapel has the same opening hours as the Vatican Museums. It’s open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday and from 9 am to 2 pm on the last Sunday of each month. The Sistine Chapel is a must-visit for its breathtaking frescoes, including Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling.
St. Peter’s Basilica Hours
St. Peter’s Basilica welcomes visitors daily throughout 7.10 pm, and During the summer season (April 1 – September 30), from 7 am to 7.10 pm. This offers visitors the flexibility to plan their visit according to the season.
Opening hours and days of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo
The Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo is open Monday through Friday between 9 am and 1 pm. For a better understanding of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo’s operating hours, refer to the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo—Calendar 2025 pdf attached below.
Download the Palace of Castel Gandolfo 2025 calendar for more information.
Best Time to Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
To avoid large crowds, the best time to visit is early in the morning, right at the opening time of 8 am. The hours between 8 am and 11 am are usually less crowded. Weekdays typically see fewer visitors than weekends. The off-season months from November through February are less congested, although special events like papal audiences or Christmas mass can attract more visitors regardless of the time.
How long does it take to tour the Vatican City and its major highlights?
For visitors planning their journey through the Vatican, knowing how much time you might spend at each key attraction is helpful. This breakdown provides a rough estimate of the time required to explore the main highlights of the Vatican, ensuring you can plan your visit effectively.
| Attraction | Tour Duration |
|---|---|
| Vatican Museums | 2 hours |
| Sistine Chapel | 30 minutes |
| St. Peter’s Square | 30 minutes |
| St. Peter Basilica | 1 hour |
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