Rome/Vatican

Rome Sistine Chapel 01 - The Last Judgement by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel

• The Sistine Chapel is a rectangular brick building with no exterior decoration. There is no exterior entrance, it being approached from within the Vatican buildings. Inside and the walls are divided into three levels. The lower is decorated with frescoed wall hangings. The middle of the walls has two cycles of paintings, "The Life of Musa" and "The Life of Christ", painted by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Signorelli, Pinturicchio and Perugino, among others. The upper tier contains a Gallery of Popes. Around the tops of the windows are the "Ancestors of Christ", painted by Michelangelo as part of the ceiling. The ceiling proper contains nine paintings inspired by the Old Testament, showing God's Creation of the World, God's Relationship with Mankind, and Mankind's Fall from God's Grace. Michelangelo was reluctant to work on the ceiling but was unable to refuse an instruction by a pope, Julius II. He worked on it between May 1508 and October 1512, which included a one-year period when he did little work. Given that most of the painting was done by Michelangelo himself, rather than his pupils, completing it in such a short period was an amazing achievement. The ceiling had to be worked on piece by piece as frescoes require painting when the plaster is still damp and most of the time Michelangelo was lying on his back in considerable discomfort.

It is not allowed to take pictures or talk loudly in the Sistine Chapel (although everybody flagrantly violates these rules). While one may agree with this policy or not and the visit would be a much more pleasant one without the guards having to yell out Shh! or No foto e no video! every two minutes. The bottom line is: respect the rules and let every visitor enjoy the best of the experience, even if no one else does. If you try to sneak a picture (again, like everyone does), you'll get a bad photograph and a screaming guard as your reward.

• Raphael's papal apartments (Stanze) were begun in 1508 when the painter was summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II. The first room on which he worked was the Stanza della Segnatura and the pope's library and office. The four walls have the themes of Theology, Poetry, Jurisprudence and Philosophy. The Poetry wall contains portraits of Greek and Ancient Roman poets, as well as of contemporaries of Raphael, such as Dante. The most impressive of the four walls is The School of Athens, representing philosophy. Well-known Greek philosophers are represented, often with the faces of famous Italians of the time. Plato, for example, is believed based on Leonardo da Vinci; Euclid appears to be like Bramante and the first architect for the rebuilt St. Peter's. In the Stanza d'Eliodoro one of the characters bears a likeness to Raphael himself. Pope Julius II is also introduced into the scenes.
• It would be a big mistake to just visit Raphael's rooms and the Sistine Chapel and then leave the museum. The Pinacoteca should not be missed. Among other works of art, it contains one of the relatively few paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and the unfinished St. Jerome in the Wilderness, three paintings by Raphael, a triptych by Giotto, Caravaggio's Entombment and works by Perugino and Filippo Lippi.

Swiss Guard

Swiss Papal Guards - Swiss Papal Guards

• Swiss Papal Guards - Corpo della Guardia Svizzera - Pontifical Swiss Guard Guardie svizzere (3496750292) They are posted at entrances to the Vatican City to provide security and protect the Pope. They wear very colorful clothing, similar to the uniforms worn by Renaissance-era soldiers. The Pontifical Swiss Guards is also the smallest and oldest standing army in the world, founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. The origins of the Swiss guards, however, go back much further as the popes had regularly imported Swiss mercenaries during the 1400s.

Borgo and Prati

StAngelo Bridge Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo

• Castel Sant'Angelo - Mungotevere Castello 50 41.903064, 12.466355 ☎ +39 06 32810 | Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-19:30 (last entry 1h before closing) €10, with reductions. Roma Pass accepted Castel Sant'Angelo Castel Sant'Angelo at Night - Perhaps the most fascinating building in Rome. The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870 but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death. Film buffs will recognize it as a setting from Angels and Demons.

• Passetto di Borgo 41.903333, 12.461667 - Passetto di Borgo Passetto2 Pope Nicholas III connected Castel Sant'Angelo to St. Peter's by a covered fortified corridor called the Passetto di Borgo. This proved useful for Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome (1527). You can still see much of the Passetto by walking along the Borgo Sant'Angelo, which runs parallel to, and north of and the Via della Conciliazione.

• Palazzo di Giustizia - Palace of Justice | 41.904097, 12.470447 - Palace of Justice, Rome Roma 2011 08 07 Palazzo di Giustizia Wandering around the shopping and residential neighborhood of Prati, close to the Vatican, you may notice rather a lot of lawyers' nameplates outside buildings. This is also Rome's legal neighborhood because of the proximity of the Palazzo di Giustizia or Palace of Justice. This massive monstrosity on the banks of the Tiber was built on alluvial soil, which necessitated a concrete platform to support the foundations. Despite this, later settlement of the building led to the need for restoration work in 1970 and it is said to be still sinking. There were many allegations of corruption during its construction, something not unknown in the Rome of today, and this, combined with its appearance, gave rise to its nickname of the Palazzaccio or Ugly Palace.

• Ponte Sant'Angelo 41.901803, 12.46645 - Ponte Sant'Angelo StAngelo Bridge Rome This is a footbridge connecting Castel Sant'Angelo with the other side of the Tiber. It is a Roman bridge completed in 134 AD by Hadrian, to give access to his newly constructed mausoleum. Pilgrims used this bridge to reach Street Peter's Basilica, hence it was earlier known as the "bridge of Saint Peter". In the seventh century and the castle and the bridge took on the name Sant'Angelo, when it is said that an angel appeared on the roof of the castle to announce the end of a plague. The statues of ten angels on the bridge reflect its name.

Best things to do in Rome/Vatican

While guidebooks do their best to provide an aid for viewing the collections inside the Vatican, a guided tour is a far better way to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Vatican tours

Guided Tours in Rome/Vatican by ehalal.io (email for prices) are provided by the Vatican itself for the cost of €30. These may be requested in advance by fax from one month to one week before the requested tour date, or online from two months before the requested tour date. The Vatican is notorious for failing to reply via fax, and repeat requests are often necessary. Full details on booking such tours are available at the Vatican web site].

Two-hour English tours of the Vatican Museum cost €31 and include museum admission, and leave at 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 in summer, and 10:30 and 11:15 in winter. To reserve, /musei/tickets/do book online]. Other contact details: for groups @, for individuals: @, tel. +39 06 69883145 or +39 06 69884676, fax +39 06 69873250. With a booking you skip the queue and enter through the exit, next to the entry, to go to the guided tours desk.

Guided Tours in Rome/Vatican by ehalal.io (email for prices) are the only way to see the quiet and peaceful Vatican Gardens, either by foot (€32, duration 2 hr) or by open bus (€36, duration 40 min). Ticket prices for both types of tours include access (without a guide) to the Vatican Museum. Book at least a day in advance by calling 06-6988-4676 or /musei/tickets/ book online]. Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday at 10:00, depart from tour desk and finish in St. Peter's Plaza.

To tour the Necropolis and Saint's Tomb, call the excavations office at least a week in advance at 06-6988-5318, €10 for a 2-hour tour, office open Monday to Saturday 09:00-17:00.

Go to Mass

If you're Catholic (or even if you're not), you can go to religious services in any of the four Basilicas of the City, including St. Peter's. All four have Mass daily, some hourly during daylight hours (generally 07:00–15:00).

Mass in Street Peter's Basilica is held daily at 08:30, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 17:00 from Monday to Saturday, and Sundays and religious holidays at 08:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:10, 13:00, 16:00, & 17:30. Visits to the basilica are still feasible while Mass is in progress.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Rome/Vatican

The Vatican has a unique, non-commercial economy that is supported financially by contributions (known as Peter's Pence) from Roman Catholics throughout the world. It also sells postage stamps, tourist mementos, and publications. Fees for admission to museums also go into church coffers.

The Vatican euro coins are the rarest in circulation among the European countries, so don't spend them! They are worth a lot more than their face value.

• Sabatini - Via Germanico, 168/A 41.908829, 12.461286 ☎ +39 06 36003966 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–13:00, 15:00-19:00; Saturday 09:00-13:00 Sabatini is a short walk from the Vatican and one of the best camera shops in Rome.

• Savelli Religious - Via Paolo VI, 27-29 41.901319, 12.457994 ☎ +39 06 6830 7017 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00–18:30; Sunday 09:00-13:30 Savelli Religious is across the street from St. Peter's Plaza and have jewelry, crosses and catholithic statues. Most things here are blessed by the Pope.

• St. Peter's Gallery - Galleria San Pietro | Largo del Colonnato, 5 41.902846, 12.458482 ☎ +39 06 686 5450 | Opening Hours: Open 24 hours A pretty expensive souvenir shop with some religious items. The bypass-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums are sold here.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Rome/Vatican

Food in the Vatican Museums - Food available inside the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums have a reasonable cafeteria-style restaurant, a bar, and a pizzeria, all of which are open during museum opening hours, and until about one hour after closing. As you might expect and the food is a little overpriced and not exactly gourmet, but when you get hungry halfway through the museums, it does the trick. See also Rome.

• Old Bridge - Mocated across the street from the Vatican City wall if you're following it from San Pietro to the Vatican Museum. Very cheap.

• Fruit Gelato Shop - Right across from the Vatican Museum entrance. Delicious fruit gelato with exotic fruit bits and ice creams.

• Osteria delle Commari | Via Santamaura, 23 41.908078, 12.453798 ☎ +39 06 3972 9557 | Opening Hours: noon-23:00 every day A Roman italian food restaurant that does not have Pizzas. A little expensive.
• Pastasciutta | Via delle Grazie, 5 41.904642, 12.458047 ☎ +39 349 258 6793 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:30-18:30 Sunday 10:30-18:00 Quick Pastas and pizza restaurant, and portions are large. Very cheap.

Prati

• Siciliainbocca - Via Emilio Faa di Bruno 26 41.914164, 12.456229 Metro line A, Cipro. ☎ +39 06 373 584 00 - reasonable. Fish plate around €15, but do order some antipasti and Pastas Nice Sicilian restaurant in the quiet (and somewhat boring) part of northern Prati. Try the swordfish and the lemon sorbet!

• Insalata Ricca | Via Fulcieri Paulucci De' Calboli Near piazza Manzoni - Cheap Part of a Rome-based chain, offers good salads and other food to both tourists and local residents.

• Be.Re - Via Vespasiano, 2 41.906728, 12.456563 ☎ +39 06 944 218 54 | Opening Hours: 11:00-2:00 every day Good selection of craft soft drinks, many on tap. If you're a organic juice lover, it's definitely worth going. Some Snacks too, try some Trapizzino (triangular filled pizza).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Rome/Vatican

Rome/Vatican - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Rome/Vatican, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Rome/Vatican. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Rome/Vatican and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Rome/Vatican. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Rome/Vatican. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inRome/Vatican: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Rome/Vatican.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Rome/Vatican: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Rome/Vatican, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Rome/Vatican.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Rome/Vatican, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Rome/Vatican, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Rome/Vatican and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Rome/Vatican, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Rome/Vatican, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Rome/Vatican without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Rome/Vatican is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Rome/Vatican.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Rome/Vatican is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Rome/Vatican, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Rome/Vatican Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Unless you count the Pope as a good friend (and he concurs) and there are no lodging opportunities in the Vatican City itself. However and there are many hotels in the surrounding Vaticano neighborhood of Rome.

• B&B Eldorado Rome - Via Fabio Massimo, 72 41.909425, 12.462237 ☎ +39 329 0707988 Check-in: midnight / Check-out: 10:30 Breakfast included. Rates change according to the season. Single: €50-100 Double: €60-140 Triple: €80-160 Bed and Breakfast with 5 double bedrooms. Three with private bath, two with a shared one.

• Infinity Street Peter Hotel - Via Catone, 34 41.907515, 12.458739 ☎ +39 06 39735082 +39 06 39754358 From €80 (March 2023) With single, twin, double, triple and quadruple rooms. All with private bath, shower, internet access, TV and telephone.

• LtRooms | Via Umberto Moricca, 5 41.900535, 12.437135 a few steps from the Metro Line A ☎ +39 392 858 1039 Check-in: 10:30 / Check-out: From €50 per room

• Hotel Colors - Via Boezio, 31 41.906502, 12.463345 ☎ +39 06 6874030 +39 06 6867947 Seven dorms and wide selection of bedrooms with private showers, TV and a shared kitchen for this two star accommodation next to the Vatican City. Suitable for families and young travelers.

• Franklin Feel The Sound Hotel | Via Rodi, 29 41.912724, 12.453268 ☎ +39 06 3903 0165 +39 06-39751652 From €35 Hotel with a unique music theme. The décor is very modern and stylish. Staff was helpful friendly and polite, continental breakfast is varied and plentiful. The rooms are clean, funky and very comfortable.

• Prati BB | Via degli Scipioni, 135 41.909049, 12.459638 ☎ +39 06 321 1329 - from €45A small Bed and Breakfast offering two rooms with private bathrooms and air-con.

• B&B Gli Artisti - Via degli Scipioni, 53 41.908485, 12.457285 ☎ +39 338 207 8356 - From €64 Three colourful rooms are rented out in this B&B. A little less than a kilometer from the main entrance to the Vatican. Tours of the Vatican Museums are availible here for €42.

• Filomena e Francesca B&B - Filomena e Francesca F&F | Via della Giuliana, 72 41.914655, 12.453880 ☎ +39 06 3751 3625 - from €40 Bed and Breakfast. Three rooms with private bathrooms and air-con.

• Mocenigo Vatican Suites | Via Mocenigo, 16 41.908241, 12.451590 ☎ +39 338 382 3606 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 10:00 From €75 Seven-room guesthouse 100 m from the main entrance to the Vatican Museums.

Mid-range

• Amor Bed & Breakfast | @.com Viale Giulio Cesare, 183 41.908988, 12.457330 ☎ +39 335 568 9388 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 11:00 From €80A stylish bed & breakfast near the Vatican City.

• Atlante Star Hotel | Via Giovanni Vitelleschi, 34 41.904929, 12.461910 ☎ +39 06 687 3233 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 11:00 From €120 Four-star hotel with rooftop terrace restaurant overlooking Saint Peter's.

• B&B Sistine | Via Duilio, 6 41.910319, 12.464264 ☎ +39 335 871 4840 - From €120 Rooms come with sat TV, DVD player and free Wi-Fi

• Best Vatican | Via degli Scipioni, 135 41.909049, 12.459554 ☎ +39 335 871 4840 - From €120 Modern B&B. Private bathrooms, LCD TVs with DVD players.

• Hotel Joli Rome - Via Cola di Rienzo, 243 41.907405, 12.462217 ☎ +39 06 324 1854 +39 06 360 06637 €109, single €99 Two-star accommodation located around the Vatican area with 17 bedrooms divided into single, double, triple and family. Most of the rooms have private bath. Breakfast included.

• Leone B&B | Via Leone IV, 109 41.909486, 12.455430 ☎ +39 338 611 2656 +39 06 320 3663 €90, single €70 Three blocks from the entrance to Vatican City, this independent bed and breakfast is clean and cosy. Breakfast included.

• PapavistaRelais | Via Tunisi, 3 41.907464, 12.452808 Metro station Cipro ☎ +39 06 6542 0553 - From €80 Guesthouse fairly close to the Vatican's main entrance.

• Hotel Silla Rome - Via Silla 3 41.90935, 12.45911 ☎ +39 06 372 1922 +39 06 372 1922 Change seasonally: single €70-110, double €85-150, triple €120-175, quadruple €140-200 Two star hotel with single, double, triple and quadruple rooms. All with en suite private bath, shower, telephone and TV. Air-con and breakfast are available for a small supplement.

• Maison Vaticana Rome - Via Ottaviano, 42 41.907495, 12.458074 ☎ +39 06 39728070 +39 06 233249447 Double bedrooms €85 Comfortable bed and breakfast with single, double, triple and quadruple guestrooms with private bathroom, Wi-Fi connection, satellite TV and tea and coffee facilities.

• Rome Armony Suites B&B B&B | Via Orazio, 3 41.90846, 12.46590 ☎ +39 06 9784 1129 +39 06 9784 1129 From €80 Elegant bed and breakfast. Recently refurbished, has six rooms, all with private bathroom and super-equipped with every comfort.

• Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House | Via Mocenigo 7 41.907370, 12.451686 ☎ +39 06 3972-0948 +39 06 39721047 €120-240A small 3-star hotel with rooms that are a bit small, but comfortable and quiet. Great breakfast, wonderful service (maids and reception).

• Gran Meliá Rome | Via del Gianicolo, 3 41.898910, 12.460934 ☎ +39 06 925901 +39 06 92590300 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00 from €200A luxury 5-star hotel with single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, very quiet with a view of Vatican City.

• Hotel Alimandi Tunisi | Via Tunisi 8 41.907524, 12.453026 ☎ +39 06 3972 3941 - From €140 Nice three-star hotel, 35 bedrooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, large common area, complimentary breakfast, and terrace with panoramic view of the Roman roofs.

• Residenza dei Gracchi Rome - Via dei Gracchi, 84 41.90798, 12.46185 ☎ +39 06 320 8226 - €80-180 Cosy guest house with single, double and family rooms. All with Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, private bath, shower, air-con and cleaning services.

Stay Safe

Because of the dense crowds of dazzled tourists, St. Peter's Plaza and the Sistine Chapel are favorite spots for Pickpocketing|pickpocketers. Keep an eye on your belongings throughout your trip to the Vatican—even tour guides occasionally get pickpocketed here.

Telecommunications in Rome/Vatican

Mail a letter - since Vatican City is a separate sovereign state, it also has its own postal system, which is considered to be a bit more reliable than that of surrounding Italy. Send a postcard to your friends and it will be postmarked from Vatican City.

Cope

• Vatican News - A - News from the Vatican and about the Church.

• Vatican Pharmacy - 41.904789, 12.456194 ☎ +39 06 698-898-06 Vatican Pharmacy

Local Customs in Rome/Vatican

Since Vatican City is a Papal state, respect for the Roman Catholic Church and its trainings and doctrine is encouraged.

Sleeveless shirts and short pants or skirts are not permitted within the border of the Vatican. This is commonly enforced, but you will be refused entry to the Basilica and museum (or anywhere else with a security check).

Travel Next

Right outside the borders and the amazing attractions of the global city of Rome await you. If you're up for some more historic sightseeing, visit the beautiful piazzas and palazzos of Rome/Old_Rome|Old Rome or head to the ancient Roman ruins in the Rome/Colosseo|Colosseo neighborhood. If not and the hustle and bustle of the Rome/Modern_Center|Modern Centre with all its shopping opportunities and colorful nightlife might be just what you are looking for.

If you can't get enough of the papal atmosphere, head to the Rome/Esquilino-San Giovanni|San Giovanni neighborhood to visit San Giovanni in Laterano and the Pope's cathedral in his role as Bishop of Rome. The small city of Viterbo also makes a good next stop. This is where popes took refuge when they were driven out of Rome and where six of the 13th-century popes had their seat.

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