Get into St Peter's Basilica without the line

APR

Get into St Peter's Basilica without the line

By Dana McMahan
The line to enter St. Peter's Basilica in Rome can stretch for days. Free entrance to one of the most significant and magnificent sites in Christendom, featuring such blockbuster attractions as Michelangelo's Pieta and the Tomb of St Peter pretty much guarantees you'll cool your heels as you wind you way along the famous piazza. (And the piazza is vast -- check out the Google satellite image.) Even during the supposed low season, on a visit in March a couple of years ago I gave up when I saw the line.

However, if you are planning a visit to the Vatican Museum, here's a tip that can save you the dreaded wait.

You'll wrap up your visit to the Vatican with the grand finale -- the visit to the Sistine Chapel. When you've had your fill of the glorious ceiling and the Shhh-shing guards, don't follow the crowd. As you face the back of the chapel, where the exit is, you'll see everyone is shepherded to the exit on the left. Ignore that.Unless you want gift shops and not St. Peters. Take the exit to the right. You'll come out at St. Peter's on the inside of the gated-off area. The crowds are on the other side -- you've bypassed the line. Enjoy! Just remember when planning your visit, no visitors in shorts or short skirts or with bare shoulders are allowed.

TAGS: italy rome sistine chapel st peters vatican

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

Gunner and Bud's Mom said:

You always have great travel tips but I think this was the best one yet. Lines can be horrendous. Aside from the crazy Sistine Chapel girl, it was well worth the tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and finally ending in voila...St. Peter's. Nice picture BTW.

Posted at 12:17 AM, on April 4 2008

Get into St Peter's Basilica without the line

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