The Vatican Museums : you can't leave Rome without seeing them.

Opulent, decadent, a peek back in time, an artist's dream - whatever your take on the Vatican Museums, they're one of Rome's most fascinating places to visit.

They're not for everyone though, so we take a critical look at where and what they are, what's worth seeing, a child's eye view and how to beat the crowds - all based on our own practical experience.

Use this page to decide whether it's a tour you want to take during your stay in Rome, or whether you'd prefer to sit in a square enjoying a 'Gelato'.

The Vatican Museums : what are they?

The Vatican Museums : where are they?

The first time we tried to find them we got completely lost.  We expected the entrance to be somewhere off St Peter's Square - in fact it's not, it's up an adjacent street.

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