Churches are open from early morning until 1 p.m. and then again in the afternoon. Major cathedrals and basilicas are open all day. Special hours apply during particularly significant religious periods such as Christmas, Easter, Lent, etc.
To visit churches a suitable "dress code" is required and visits are not allowed during religious services.
PAPAL AUDIENCES, VATICAN, GARDENS AND MUSEUMS
General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 am) in the Vatican City. They may be held inside the basilica itself or in the hall of Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
To participate in a general audience, one must apply to the office of the
Prefetto della Casa Pontificia, 00120, Citta' del Vaticano Tel. +39 06 6982 at least two weeks in advance. For tickets you can call +39 06 6988 3114 or +39 06 6988 3273.
Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. Also bring your passport with you, it might be required by the Swiss Guard when entering. For this audience, women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dark or subdued colours are requested. Men are asked to wear a tie and jacket and dark colours are suitable.
To visit the Vatican Gardens apply at the Information Office for Pilgrims and Tourists in St. Peter's Square; Tel. +39 06 6988 4466. Group visits by minibus take place from March to October.
Vatican Museums: opening hours: REGULAR HOURS: Monday to Saturday 8.45 am to 1.45 pm (last admission 12.45 pm). SUMMER HOURS and Easter period: Monday to Friday, 8.45 am to 4.45 pm (last admission 3.45 pm). Saturday and the Last Sunday of every Month (on this day only admission is free) HOURS: 8.45 am to 1.45 pm (last admission 12.45).
CLOSING DAYS: Sundays (except on the last Sunday of the month), January 1 and 6, February 11, March 19, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, May 1, the Feast of the Ascension Day, the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 29, the Feast of the Assumption (August 14-16), November 1, December 8, December 25 and 26.
Ticket price: 12 euros. Info Vatican Museums Tel. +39 06 6988 4947 www.vatican.va www.radiovaticano.org