If you’re planning a trip to Vatican City, a visit to the famous Pinacoteca is obligatory – especially if you’re an art buff! Offering a glimpse of the works of some of the most famous Italian painters – from the middle ages to the Renaissance – the Pinacoteca offers a stunning window into the impact Italian art had on the world of art, beauty, and culture for centuries. But what do we know about the Pinacoteca, and what can you expect when you visit? Let’s take a look!

What is the Pinacoteca?

The Pinacoteca, also known as the Pinacoteca Vaticana, is the Vatican’s art gallery, and it’s a vital part of the Vatican Museums. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1932, the Pinacoteca houses an impressive collection of paintings and other works, and is a popular site for visitors to the Italian capital.

The collection in the Pinacoteca is organised chronologically and spans from the Middle Ages to the 1800s, comprising works by many famed Italian artists, such as Giotto, Fra Angelico, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as one of the gallery’s most notable pieces, Raphael’s “Transfiguration”. The Pinacoteca is housed in a purpose-built, 18-room building, and each room is dedicated to a different era or theme, allowing visitors to take a journey through the development of Italian painting.

What is the history of the Pinacoteca?

The history of the Pinacoteca, or the Vatican’s art gallery, dates back to the early 19th century. The establishment of the gallery can be attributed to Pope Pius VII, who had the vision to bring together and preserve the vast collection of paintings owned by the Vatican.

Pope Pius VII initially intended to create a separate building specifically for the display of these artworks, however, due to various challenges and limitations, his plans did not come to fruition during his lifetime. It was not until the reign of Pope Pius XI in the early 20th century that the dream of a dedicated art gallery within the Vatican was realized. In 1932, Pope Pius XI officially inaugurated the Pinacoteca Vaticana, providing a permanent space for the display and preservation of the Vatican’s impressive collection of paintings.

What to expect at the Pinacoteca

When visiting the Vatican Pinacoteca, you can expect to be immersed in a world of artistic wonders spanning centuries; there’s so much to see that you have to take your time or you’ll miss an important fresco or portrait! And if you want a tip, visit the Pinacoteca with one of our private tours in Vatican City – our knowledgeable tour guides will be able to guide you through the gallery while providing detailed stories and facts about each art piece, while also answering unlimited questions.

Among the many remarkable works, here are some highlights that you shouldn’t miss:

Fra Angelico, The Virgin and the Child Enthroned

Fra Angelico’s masterpiece, The Virgin and the Child Enthroned, is a serene depiction of the Madonna playing with her child, and one of the most popular pieces for tourists within the gallery. The delicate colors, gentle expressions, and intricate details convey a sense of divine grace and maternal tenderness, and help explain why Fra Angelico was once known as the “Angelic Painter” during the 14th century. An unmissable Renaissance piece, you don’t want to miss this when you visit the Pinacoteca.

Giotto, Stefaneschi Polyptych

Giotto’s Stefaneschi Polyptych is a magnificent altarpiece that showcases his innovative approach to composition, as well as use of vibrant colors. One of the most important artworks of the 14th century, Giotto’s piece is one of the oldest in the Vatican gallery, so make sure you get a glimpse of it during your visit.

Melozza de Forli, Sixtus IV Founding the Vatican Library

Melozzo de Forli’s masterpiece, Sixtus IV Founding the Vatican Library, adorns the walls of the Pinacoteca, and is as much a stunning historical artifact as it is a beautiful fresco. With a glimpse of all the major figures who headed Italy near the end of the 15th century, the composition celebrates the establishment of the Vatican Library, reflecting the intellectual and cultural legacy of the Vatican.

A testament to human ingenuity, the Colosseum has stood for centuries, bearing witness to the rise and fall of empires and the complex trajectory of European history. In the following guide, we’re going to explore its fascinating history, and discover the secrets that lay within its walls. While this guide can’t compete with a real Colosseum tour, we’re sure it’ll make you hungry to learn more about this historic Roman site. Let’s get started!

What is the Colosseum? 

The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is an elliptical structure located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It was built by the Flavian emperors, who wanted to create a symbol of their power and authority, and spans 189 meters in length and 156 meters in width, with a seating capacity for over 50,000 spectators. To this day, it remains the largest amphitheater ever built, and stands as an enduring symbol of the might and splendor of ancient Rome. 

How was the Colosseum built?

Construction of the Colosseum began under Emperor Vespasian in 70 AD, and was completed by his son, Titus, in 80 AD. The construction of the Colosseum was – and continues to be – an incredible feat of engineering, with an estimated 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stone being used for the outer walls alone. Skilled Roman builders employed an innovative system of pulleys, cranes, and other tools to transport and assemble these massive stones, resulting in a structure that has withstood the test of time. Despite earthquakes, fires, and other catastrophes that have damaged the structure over time, the Colosseum remains largely intact and is 100% safe for visitors.

Why is the Colosseum so important?

The Colosseum holds great historical significance, not only for its role as a venue for spectacular events and entertainments, but also for the architectural innovations it introduced: the iconic structure is an early example of the use of concrete in construction, and its ingenious design – which includes a complex system of tunnels and passageways –  continues to inspire architects and engineers to this day. 

Plus, the Colosseum serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary cultural and artistic achievements of ancient Rome, as well as the darker aspects of its history, such as the brutal spectacles that took place within its walls.

What was the Colosseum used for?

Gladiatorial combats

Among the most famous and thrilling spectacles held within the Colosseum were the gladiatorial combats; these brutal and bloody contests pitted highly trained warriors, known as gladiators, against one another in fierce battles to the death. Gladiatorial games were an integral part of ancient Roman culture, serving both as a form of public entertainment but also as a means of reinforcing social hierarchy; victors earned not only fame and fortune but also the admiration of the Roman spectators. 

Wild animal fights 

Another popular form of entertainment held in the Colosseum were the wild animal hunts, known as venationes: these events showcased the prowess and skill of specially trained hunters, who faced off against exotic wild animals imported from all corners of the empire. Lions, elephants, and even wild bears were brought to Rome and released into the arena, where they engaged in to-the-death battles with the brave hunters; these spectacles allowed the Romans to demonstrate their mastery over the natural world, as well as to flaunt the vast reach and wealth of their empire. 

Reenactments

The Colosseum was also a stage for elaborate reenactments of famous battles and historical events; these performances were meticulously staged, with intricate sets and costumes, and often involved thousands of participants. In addition to these dramatic recreations, the Colosseum was occasionally filled with water to stage mock naval battles, known as naumachia; these events showcased Rome’s naval prowess and offered yet another form of thrilling entertainment for the masses. 

How to visit the Colosseum?

So, if that little slice of history sounds enticing, why not visit the Colosseum yourself and explore the historic site? A tour of the Colosseum is sure to be a truly unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating stories that surround this ancient wonder. But it’s not the same without a guided tour, led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts, who can offer invaluable insights into the architecture, history, and cultural significance of the Colosseum. At What a Life Tours, we offer some of the best Colosseum tours in the capital, where we’ll show you some of the ancient tunnels underneath the Colosseum itself, and other areas closed off to the general public. Alongside this, we offer intimate, private tours (up to 6 people) and even nighttime tours, which offer a unique and enchanting perspective of the Colosseum under the stars! Either way, no matter which option you choose, a tour of the Colosseum is a must-see experience for any traveler to Rome.

What’s a trip to Rome without a visit to the home of some of its most renowned and historic artworks? Nestled in the heart of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are a must-see for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and keen tourists alike – but what should you expect when you get there? In the following blog post, we’re going to go over everything you can expect during your visit, from the strict dress codes and safety guidelines to the breathtaking masterpieces that await you. Let’s take a look!

What are the Vatican Museums?

The Vatican Museums are a collection of world-renowned art museums located within the Vatican City. Established by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, they contain priceless masterpieces of art, sculpture, and historical artifacts accumulated by the Roman Catholic Church throughout its history. The Vatican Museums are home to many Roman must-sees, including the famous Sistine Chapel decorated by Michelangelo, as well as the Raphael Rooms, frescoed by Raphael Santi himself.

What do I need to know before going to the Vatican Museum?

You need to follow the dress code

When visiting the Vatican Museums, it’s important to remember that you’re entering into a space of both religious and cultural importance, and as a visitor you will be expected to adhere to a strict dress code. Both men and women need to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knee, so sleeveless tops, shorts, and skirts above the knee are not permitted. Shoes must also be worn at all times, so no flip-flops or sandals. It’s a good idea to bring a scarf or shawl to cover up if needed, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months and wearing light clothing.

Safety and security is a priority

Safety is a priority at the Vatican Museums, and several measures are in place to ensure a secure environment for visitors. All guests must pass through a security checkpoint, similar to airport security, which includes a metal detector and X-ray machine for bags. Do note that you will need to leave any large bags or suitcases at your hotel or in a nearby luggage storage facility, as these won’t be allowed inside the museums for security reasons. Additionally, be mindful of pickpockets, as the Vatican Museums are a popular tourist destination – wear bum bags, keep your valuables at home where necessary, and don’t leave any handbags or valuables lying around unattended.

You should book tickets in advance

To avoid long waiting lines and ensure a smoother visit, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. Our private Vatican tours are incredibly popular – especially during peak season – so it’s a good idea to get your tickets reserved as soon as possible. Turning up without a ticket can mean waiting in the queue for hours with other tourists, wasting precious holiday time that could be spent visiting other sites, eating pizza and gelato, or soaking up Rome’s rich and vibrant city life.

Even better, opt for a guided tour

To make the most of your visit to the Vatican Museums, consider taking a guided tour. There are many tour options available, from private tours to group tours, which are led by knowledgeable and experienced guides. These tours can offer valuable insights into the history and significance of the artworks and help bring the experience to life. Additionally, guided tours – such as those offered by us at What a Life Tour – often include skip-the-line privileges, allowing you to bypass the long queues.

What can I expect to see at the Vatican Museums?

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, perhaps the most famous attraction within the Vatican Museums, is a must-see. The chapel’s ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, features an awe-inspiring depiction of scenes from the Bible. Michelangelo’s iconic fresco, “The Last Judgment,” also adorns the altar wall. Visitors should note that photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel, and talking should be kept to a minimum.

The Raphael Rooms

Another highlight of the Vatican Museums is the series of rooms known as the Raphael Rooms. These four rooms, which served as the private apartments of Pope Julius II, are adorned with magnificent frescoes painted by the renowned artist Raphael and his workshop. The fourth room was also recently restored in 2020 by Fabio Piacentini. 

The Gallery of Maps

The Gallery of Maps is a stunning 120-meter-long corridor featuring detailed maps of Italy painted on the walls. These maps, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1580, showcase the geographical knowledge of the time and are notable for their artistry and accuracy and attention to detail. As you walk along the gallery, you’ll be able to admire the beautifully painted topographical representations of Italy’s regions and cities, as well as the ornate ceiling adorned with frescoes depicting allegorical and mythological scenes. 

Is it worth visiting the Vatican Museums? 

We certainly think so! A visit to the Vatican Museums is an essential part of any trip to Rome, especially if you’ve come to the Italian capital with the specific aim of sightseeing. Just remember to plan your visit well in advance and adhere to the dress code and safety guidelines to ensure a fuss-free and enjoyable experience. 

FAQS

Do I need tickets for the Vatican Museums?

While tourists are permitted to enter into Vatican City without a ticket, you will need to pay if you’re looking to enter into the Vatican Museums. If you book a private guided tour, your admission fee will be covered as part of the price.

How long does a Vatican Museum tour take? 

It’s recommended to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit to the Vatican Museums. However, if you’re an art or history enthusiast, you may want to spend even more time exploring the vast collection. Keep in mind that the museums can be quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, which is why we’d always recommend opting for one of our private tours – there’ll be no time wasted waiting in line! 

Are the Vatican Museums wheelchair accessible? 

Yes, the Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, and there are ramps and elevators available to assist visitors with limited mobility. If you require a wheelchair, you can reserve one in advance through the Vatican Museums’ Special Permits and Services Office.

Can I bring food or drink into the Vatican Museums?

Food and drink are not permitted inside the Vatican Museums, except for water in a plastic bottle. There is a cafeteria within the museum complex where you can purchase food and drinks during your visit.

If you’re heading to the Vatican during a trip to Rome, you’ve probably already thought about hiring a tour guide. After all, the Vatican stretches for miles, and it’s almost impossible to explore the historic site thoroughly without the helping hand of an expert.

While large group tours remain the most common type of tour that visitors take at the Vatican, there are also many tour companies operating in Rome that offer private guided tours for smaller groups of people. These types of tours are ideal for those with genuine interest in the Vatican and its artifacts, as private tours tend to only accommodate between 6 and 12 people; this means that you have a lot more time to speak with your tour guide and ask questions during the tour.

But are you able to choose your own places to visit when you opt for a private Vatican tour, or do you have to follow a strict, pre-planned programme? Let’s take a look.

What is a private Vatican tour?

A private Vatican tour is a more intimate alternative to a large group tour, and will usually accommodate between 6 and 12 visitors at one time. Private tours are increasingly popular amongst tourists, who are losing interest in the scattered, impersonal nature of large group tours. With a private guided tour, you’ll enjoy a more personalized, one-to-one experience with your tour guide, and greater flexibility over the areas of the Vatican that you choose to explore.

What does a private Vatican tour include?

While tour guide companies across the Italian capital may vary in what they offer, most private tours will include a full tour of the Vatican, unlimited questioning and answering, as well as an expert tour guide who will guide you from site to site and offer thoughtful commentary on the history and culture of the Vatican. Additionally, a private tour will also include access to areas that are not available to those who take part in large group tours, such as certain artifacts or monuments that can only be viewed by small groups.

In addition to this, some private tours (such as those offered by What a Life Tours) offer skip the line privileges, meaning that you won’t need to wait outside for hours before being granted entry to the Vatican. Some private tours also offer early morning access, where you’ll be able to explore the Vatican privately at your own leisure, before the bustle when the afternoon tourists arrive.

Can I choose where to visit with a private Vatican tour?

In general, a Vatican private tour will be somewhat pre-planned; your tour guide will usually take you through some of the following areas of the Vatican (do note that these may vary from company to company, and some private tours may not cover all of the following sites):

• The Vatican Museums
• The Sistine Chapel
• Pinecone Courtyard
• St Peter’s Square
• Gallery of Tapestries Gallery of Maps
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Michelangelo’s Pietà
• Bernini’s Baldachin

That being said, you do have greater flexibility with a private tour. While large group tours may rush from site to site in order to respect their given time slot, private tours can last for around 3-4 hours; plus, as you’re exploring the Vatican as a smaller group, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the direction of the tour, or spend more time visiting the areas of the Vatican that you find the most interesting.

Is a private Vatican tour worth the money?

Yes! If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, with greater flexibility – as well as the opportunity to explore parts of the Vatican that aren’t available to the general public – then a private tour is definitely worth the investment. Not only will you have an expert guide to help explain the history and culture of the historic site, but with skip-the-line privileges, you’ll be able to get in and out of the Vatican without waiting around for hours beforehand. Aka, you’ll be able to spend more time eating pizza and gelato, taking photographs at the Trevi Fountain, and exploring the beautiful Italian capital!

A trip to Italy isn’t complete without a trip to the famous Colosseum, and you’ll need a guided tour if you really want to appreciate the site’s full history and beauty. While many large group tours may offer general tours around the ancient amphitheatre, if you’re looking for some lesser-known history and access to parts of the Colosseum unavailable to the general public, a private tour is your best bet.

So, what are some lesser-known aspects of the Colosseum that you might learn about on a private tour? Let’s take a look!

What is the Colosseum?

For the uninitiated, the Colosseum is one of the most recognizable monuments in Rome; it was once used for gladiator fights, public executions, theatrical performances, and even animal hunts, as well as a variety of other spectacles during the Roman period. The amphitheatre could hold up to 50,000 spectators at once, and was the site of some of the most brutal public entertainment in history. Known as the largest amphitheatre in the world, the Colosseum welcomes around 4 million visitors every year.

What secret areas of the Colosseum will I see with a private tour?

Booking a private tour isn’t just about getting skip-the-line privileges and an expert storyteller to guide you through the site – it’s also about getting access to some of the lesser-known aspects of the Colosseum:

Underground tunnels

On a private tour, you’ll have access to parts of the Colosseum usually off-limits to the general public, and this includes the labyrinth of underground tunnels and chambers known as the hypogeum. The hypogeum was once used to store wild animals and allow gladiators to enter the arena from every angle, and was also often used to prepare them for events. The hypogeum was also where prisoners were held before they were taken out into the arena, so it’s full of dark and bloody history. If you’re passionate about Ancient Rome, this is something you must see when in Rome – and you won’t get access when you book generic tours of the ancient amphitheatre.

The gladiator’s entrance

When you book private Colosseum tours with What a Life Tours, you’ll slip the long waiting lines and gain entry to the amphitheatre via the back door, also known as the gladiator’s entrance. You’ll stand where so many gladiators took their final steps – a moment you’re unlikely to forget, and an experience that isn’t possible if you only book a large group tour.

Arena floor and top tiers

While the general public isn’t allowed access to the arena floor, you’ll be able to stand where the gladiators once stood when you visit the Colosseum with a private tour guide. Not only will you be able to walk across the history-filled arena floor, but your expert tour guide will be able to give you unique and expert insight on historic battles, animal fights, gladiator battles and more. You’ll also get to visit the top tiers of the Colosseum, giving you a magnificent view of the historic arena floor – and commentary from your tour guide that will make the experience that little bit more special.

Is it worth getting a private tour of the Colosseum?

We certainly think so! After all, the Colosseum is steeped in bloody and cruel history, and much of what you read in history books or see in documentaries is just half the story. Your tour guide won’t simply guide you through the site and list off facts or stories that you likely already know; our tour guides are masterful storytellers, who will transport you back to Ancient Rome with tales of bloody animal fights, deathly battles, and more.

Plus, don’t forget that the Colosseum isn’t just the amphitheatre; you’ll also want to explore the surrounding areas, including the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill, and the Temple of Caesar. It’s best to visit these areas of the Colosseum with a guide, who will be able to offer expert insight while also answering any of your questions throughout the tour.

And when it comes to questions, you won’t be limited in the same way that you would be with a group tour; given that most private Colosseum tours accommodate between 5-12 people, you’ll be able to explore the historic site in a more intimate, personal and relaxed setting, conversing with your tour guide and questioning them as often as you please.

FAQs

Do you need tickets for the Colosseum?

Yes, you’ll need a ticket or a pre-booked reservation in order to visit the Colosseum and be granted entry. Don’t forget that you’ll need to pass through security, so always read up on the site’s prohibited items before coming.

How long is the wait for the Colosseum?

You can expect to wait around 1-2 hours to gain entry to the Colosseum – and that’s with a general ticket! However, if you opt for a private skip the line tour, you’ll be given priority access and gain entry to the Colosseum as soon as you arrive (after passing through security checks).
Why is half the Colosseum gone?
In 1349, Rome was rocked – quite literally – by a large earthquake, which altered the structure of the Colosseum significantly. Today, only around one third of the site’s original structure remains intact.