A visit to the Vatican seems to be a "must" for most Filipinos (I think it's because of our "mostly" Catholic upbringing). But not being religious + seeing "Spotlight" on the plane en route to Italy, I began to doubt my intentions for visiting the Vatican. Did I actually want to say a prayer while in St. Peter's Basilica? (Fat chance. Even if I did, the line was super long as we came mid-afternoon.) Did I want see the Pope? (Not really, either. I think he's cool and all but I didn't want to spend several hours trying to get tickets then a half day hearing mass.) At best, I wanted to check out the Vatican museum, and I by check out I meant "skim" the galleries and go straight to the Sistine chapel. Again, that did not happen as the museum is huge and packed with tourists. Hallways and hallways and walls upon walls stacked with art from different periods and styles. And going straight to the Sistine chapel will not do justice to the vast collection of art that has been accumulated by the Popes since the 16th century. But if you are visiting with kids, don't say I didn't warn you: It was too overwhelming for our two younger kids (and even me!) that at some point, they were jokingly "daring" each other to jump out of the window to escape lol. My eldest, on the other hand, who's kind of a geek loved the museum and is planning to go back for a full day tour when she is older.
If you are an art/history buff, you will enjoy going through the different galleries. To fully appreciate St. Peter's Basilica + Vatican museum, carve out 4 to 6 hours for these two in your Rome itinerary. Entrance to the Basilica is free, but you do have to queue for security check. The entrance to the museum is on the other side of the basilica, and it's a good 20-minute walk, 30 if strolling leisurely. If you want the best prices on tickets, go to their official website (museivaticani.va). Cheapest tickets are 16 euros each. They offer audio and guided tours as well. Book online months in advance to avoid the queue, and go early in the morning or take the night tour to avoid the crowds. Oh, and entrance is free on most Sunday mornings.
As for the Sistine chapel ... It is beautiful, and bedecked with Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli but ... it is at the very end of the museum. Which took us about three hours to traverse. Then when you get to the chapel (which is small, by the way), it is packed almost shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. And the priests! Not sure if they were, but there were about 10 of them in the chapel, dressed in black priest-like garb and constantly shushing the crowd, "Silenzio! Taking pictures is not allowed!" You can't really blame them though. The Sistine chapel is a holy place, and not an art gallery.
Verdict: B-. Only because this was not my thing. Otherwise, ye holy pilgrims should visit.
Funny story: After the tour, I asked the fam what they thought of the museum. Best response came from the hubby. He was disappointed because he was expecting the Vatican museum to show the different popes through the ages! As in, enumerated in order throughout the centuries. And what they wore. LOLLLLLL. He did not expect to go to one of the largest museums in the world!
Side note: I'm probably the last person who's watched Spotlight, but in case you haven't, watch it. It is worth your time and it did deserve that Oscar.
Ciao!
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