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Directions to the North American Visitor's Office from the Trevi Fountain. |
Bishops' Office for U.S. Visitors
to the Vatican
Attn: Rev. Msgr. Roger C. Roensch
via dell'Umilita, 30
00187 Roma
Italy
Ph: 011-39-06-690-011 Fx: 011-39-06-679-1448
e-mail: nacvisoffrome.csm@citiesonline.it
Please note the Bishop's Office cannot arrange Scavi or Garden tours.
orning visits are possible through a guided tour.
Perhaps our greatest regret of things undone over two dozen visits over 30 years to Rome
is in not taking this tour until just recently.
Don't wait that long! There is a little bustle involved, since, for most of us, they can only be seen as part of a tour, but it's an interesting, relaxed and informative one. The tour operates Monday-Saturday, except Wednesdays, at 1000. You must be at the office by 0945, prior to the tour.
We had to wait four days for our tour during the shoulder season (May). You might be able to go without a wait off season, but expect a longer wait in peak. |
ou'll take a slow bus tour with several stops
for history lessons until you reach the highest spot in Rome, the Papal helipad. From
there you walk, slowly, back to the square, visiting as fine gardens as you'll find, and
viewing superb architecture with commentary by a knowledgeable guide. (In English -- and
possibly other languages.) It's a pleasant, peaceful and enriching ninety minutes.
You must reserve the tour in advance at the Tourist Information Office. It is relocated near the Post Office in Saint Peter's Square. Phone: 011-39-06-6988-4466 or 6988-4866. Fax 6988-5100. The cost is around $10 per person, perhaps ITL20,000.
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Tomb of St. Peter and
Even if you've taken the tour in the past you may want to repeat. You will find vastly improved, technically advanced, lighting has been installed, and much restoration has been done in the time since our first visit 20 years ago. All in all, you'll see more than you've ever been able to see before.
The sides of the streets are lined with two-story high mausoleums. The decor is faded, more indistinguishable even in the dim light. Clearly, though, pagan satyrs and Roman and Greek gods display themselves side by side with Christ, the Apostles and Christian symbols. You'll find as well the remains of houses, shops and cemeteries ... and at the end you'll get within an eylash of what may well be Peter's tomb, directly below the high altar of the church.
While they usually respond to requests by e-mail promptly, it's not unusual to have problems. Should you not receive a response to your e-mail request, make a new request by fax, as directed below.
You may have to pay a non-refundable deposit for your tours within ten days of confirmation or the reservation will be canceled. (Too many no-shows in the past have spoiled it for the rest of us. The Scavi office seems to relax and tighten regulations from time to time, so see what they say.)
There's usually a wait of several days, often two weeks or more. In the past a small group of people have been added to a previously-planned tour leaving in just a few minutes. However the Soperintendenza appears to be 'encouraging' reservations by turning away folks with no reservations even when there is space on a tour. When you reserve you'll probably have to leave a deposit against the total cost. Even if your time in Rome is short, it's worth the effort to check on the availability of a tour. You can also reserve a tour by phone
or fax. Phone: 011-39-06-6988.5318; do not call from the US. From the US:
When you've booked
ahead from home you may have to go to the office prior to the tour to confirm your
reservation and leave the deposit if you did not send one earlier. Again, you'll receive
instructions as to "this week's" drill.
Be sure and
see our information on
Have you
seen our Ranking
the Top Attractions | Suggested Itineraries Vatican | Ancient Rome | Christian
Rome Complete Index of Articles on Rome/Italy Our Favorites Trip Tips and Tools Copyright © 1996-2001 E.J.
Gehrlein Traveling
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lease remember hundreds of millions consider
these sites quite holy. You will want to dress and act in a fashion respectful of
the sites and what they represent. No shorts. No tank tops. Women's shoulders must be covered. 
lmost anyone who has taken this tour
counts it among the highlights of their Rome visit.
ntering through a
door on the south (left) side of the basilica you quickly leave the present and
time-travel backwards 2000 or more years. You've entered a Roman 'city of the dead'
(necropolis) underlaying the modern church. The passageway opens into the main street of
what looks like a stage-set or Disney World ride.
No one under 15
is admitted,
You
will receive a confirmation within two weeks or less, normally. If a deposit is
required they'll send instructions. US dollar checks are usually accepted.
hen in Rome you may apply for the tour at the
Soperintendenza degli Scavi (Superintendent of the Excavations - "excavations
office"). This office is through the Arch of the Bells to the left of the church as
you stand facing it in the square; it's the archway you see guarded by the colorful Swiss
Guards. 
