When you visit Rome, you also should visit the smallest country in the world – Vatican City. It is a country and a city at the same time. It is surrounded by Rome and it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. There is no passport control around the border as you can enter or exit freely. Although there was not much greenery around, it was very clean and tidy.
Before we departed for Rome, we wrote to the museums to enquire about getting a disabled ticket for my daughter. They were very kind and arranged the tickets at our convenience. We requested for 11am entry (normal timing tickets were already fully booked for the day) and we were allowed to enter 30 minutes beforehand.
We took a Metro to Ottaviano-S. Pietro station, but they did not stop at this station at all. It was only later we learned that they have shut the train station from 22 July until 9 September 2024 for renovation works ahead of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year 2025. Each Metro ticket costs a total of €2 (€1.50 plus €0.50 for the paper ticket) for one person.
Anyway, we alighted at the next stop, Lepanto station, or you could alight a stop earlier at Cipro station. When we came out of the station, we just followed the crowd and found the entrance to Vatican Museums. Be aware that the restaurant opposite the museum charges an arm and a leg. It is best to read the reviews before going into the restaurant. We spent nearly €40 for three drinks and a brownie as they included a service charge.
As we entered the museum, we had to go through the security check before we headed towards the Special Permit counter to pay. They provided free disabled and carer tickets for free. So we had to pay for one adult (€20) and one child (€8). They also arranged a private English speaking tour guide to take us around for free.
With our special pass from the tour guide, they allowed my daughter to touch some of the sculptures during our tour. They have catered really well for visually impaired visitors.
Without our tour guide, I do not think we would have enjoyed this trip as much as we wanted. She explained everything so well and took us via a shortcut into the Sistine Chapel. We avoided the massive queue and were also able to sit in a corner of the chapel sectioned away from the crowds. It allowed us to enjoy seeing Michelangelo’s ceiling. It was so impressive. As no one was allowed to take photos or videos inside the church, our tour guide had already explained and showed us the details via an interactive TV before going in.
This is definitely a place to visit when you visit Rome. It houses many iconic art, architecture, paintings, ancient Roman sculptures and many more. We are very thankful to the staff for this brilliant tour.
