Vatican City Travel Answers

Sandi... Comparatively (and practically) if you are so stretched for time take a darn taxi. For 10E or 15E, per trip for two trips. Inside the Vatican Museum I thought the was precious little to photo (except for the cool double circular stairways) and you can't photo, flash or no flash, in the Sistine Chapel since the Vatican sold the photo rights away and I have heard that Security now tosses scoff-laws. By April things will be open longer. You really need to get some time to wander through Palatine Hill. It is awesome in its own way. Karl

Sorry, forgot to mention that I have already visited Palatine/Coloseo/Forum twice so this is just for old ma who can't handle much but might be able to handle the stroll through the forum on the way to the Coliseum. And no problem about the Sistine, I want to photograph the Pieta, which is fair game, apparently. So, just leaves the question of how long it takes to grab a bus to the Vatican (no cab--too afraid of traffic jams). I found out that bus 64 goes there? And it's 1 euro?

Buses get caught in traffic jams too! Yes, bus 64 goes from Termini to the Vatican. It's known for pickpockets (for very obvious reasons) so be alert. The ATAC website has a journeyplanner and info in English: atac.roma.it/index.asp?lingu... 1. I'd take the Metro from Termini to the Vatican, definitely..it will be faster than the bus, although there's a bit of a walk from the Metro station to the museums entrance. 2. Yes, book on the Vatican website. You avoid the line of non-pre-bookers, but may have a smaller line of pre-bookers to join. No-one can tell you exactly what will happen on the day you visit. 3. You could take the Metro to the Colosseum. Again, no worries about traffic jams (though it may be busy). You'll need to change, but that's easy. Metro map here: http://www.rome.info/metro/ and bus info on the ATAC site. 4. Not sure what you mean by 'the Vatican'? Vatican museums closing times in April are 9-6, last ticket at 4pm: mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-I... St Peter's is open 0700-1900 No tickets, though I imagine the security staff won't let you in much after 1830. The Colosseum/Forum is open 0830-1915 when you visit. Last admission at 1815. 060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago...

O, photographs... Yes, you can take photos (without flash and without tripod) in the Vatican Museums, except in the Sistine: mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-I...

>I want to photograph the Pieta Just to note that this is behind a protective wall of glass - it can be a bit interesting to try and shoot because of some reflective glare.

Not to mention all the other people trying to do exactly the same thing at the same time.....

Everyone else has answered all the questions about times, etc. As a photographer, yes, you can take photos throughout the Vatican Museums, even with flash EXCEPT of tapestries and paintings. (I was very surprised by this and was expecting to have to turn my professional flash unit in). Tripods are not allowed inside and you will be asked to check it in. You can even photograph inside St. Peter's Basilica using your flash unit - another big surprise for me. As already stated, you cannot photograph the Sisteen. when photographing La Pieta, make sure you angle your flash unit either upwards with a diffuser and bounce your flash or shoot it a bit from the side. I shot this image using my flash and bouncing it off the flip card attached to the SB900 flash: "ST PETERS BASILICA" - St. Peter's Basilica Tip by Homanded Please be mindful of others taking pictures when using your flash. Do not shoot standing next to someone who in turn may be photographing, especially if using a strobe or professional flash. Set your ISO to 800 for darkened interiors such as St Peters. I hope this helps, Homer

I'm surprised about the flash in the Vatican Museums too, Homer; the official website is clear that it's not allowed. But perhaps they've just given up trying except where it really matters? :-) Flash only damages tapestries and artwork (and even that is debateable) so I suppose that's why it doesn't really matter in the Basilica.

Seriously? They allow flash in the basilica now? That's sort of sad: how very disturbing for people how are there for purposes other than sightseeing? I don't think I'd use my flash in the church even if allowed. There's just a wee bit of something that bothers me about that.

I was too jane! I always carried my flash and tripod throughout Rome being mindful to read the obvious (and innovative - leaving no chances to mis communication) clearly posted signs with pictures outside of buildings where flash was not permitted. I knew I would have to check my tripod in which I did and, as I began removing my flash our guide told us that there was no need. He would let us know when we couldn't use it. As it was, there were clear signs in the Vatican Museum etc. where no flash was allowed. In the Sistine Chapel absolutely no pictures of any kind, flash or otherwise. Statues, sculptures in the modern room (my least favorite), hallways, stairwells, etc. were all fair game for flash.

Kate, I used flash throughout both Italy and Spain inside churches where allowed. Yes to inside Basilica. I photograph a lot of communions and ring graduations, church ceremonies here at home. I've written about this before in tips here on VT. I too found shooting inside a church disturbing - at first. As long as you follow proper protocol it is ok. Amongst what is improper: No shooting directly at parishioners who may be praying or worshiping (but you can photograph general ceremony) and photographing the blessing of the body and blood of Christ while the Priest is blessing it is a BIG no-no. Even this some priests are relaxing a bit on especially during special masses such as Baptisms, Weddings, etc.

I genuinely think it is simply too much faff trying to enforce the rule: too many visitors, too many people who just ignore the signs, too few attendants and, ultimately, there is little in there to damage. I think using flash is seriously disrespectful when there are services, but these are mostly in the Basilica side-chapels. Other churches (not just in Italy) often don't allow flash, but that's usually because they either a) have artwork or b) consider it disrespectful for those who are worshipping. You don't usually see many people in the Basilica just sitting quietly or praying, but you do in other churches....and there are far fewer visitors, of course.

Good point: worshipers in the basilica tend to be in the side chapels so just avoiding flash in those areas would probably make me feel less uncomfortable.

Yes to the side rooms and smaller private chapels inside the Basilica and other major churches througout italy. I too would feel uncomfortable photographing a general service - actually wouldn't interest me to do so . Here are some examples of inside Cathedral shots in Siena's Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). "DUOMO DI SIENA - SIENA'S CATHEDRAL" - Siena Travelogue by Homanded

Lovely, Homer!

Well, that answers most of my questions on this visit. We'll do the metro route, the drop off is closer to the entrance, methinks. Now to choose the time of visit...we get into town around 10am and we'll have to meet up with our b&b host to drop off our luggage....then have lunch somewhere...then on to the North entrance (it's on the north side, right?). Is there a little cafe between the metro station and the entrance anyone can suggest we grab a bite at? Lastly, has anyone got a RECENT report on being able to take the 'special door' from the Sistine direct into St Peter's? I heard that if you pretend to be part of a tour group going through it, you may be able to sneak in as well, otherwise you'll be turned away. Saves us 2 old ladies a ton of walking/standing.