Raphael's Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello)

The Basics

The frescoes adorning Raphael’s Rooms were originally commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 1500s; Pope Leo X continued the commission after Julius' death in 1513 and, when Raphael died just seven years later, artists from his studio completed the frescoes.

The Vatican Museums, home to the Raphael Rooms, are the most visited attraction in Rome, so booking a guided tour with skip-the-line access in advance is a must. Tickets to the Vatican Museums include entry to Raphael’s Rooms. A small-group tour offering early-morning access before the museums are open to the general public is an excellent way to enjoy Raphael's works in relative peace. Many Vatican tours include Raphael's Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and other highlights of the Vatican Museums—along with St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Vatican Museums have notoriously long lines; it is imperative that you book tickets in advance. Tickets to the Vatican Museums include entry to Raphael’s Rooms.

• Attire covering shoulders and knees are required to enter certain areas of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

• There is a security check to enter the museums, and pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas are banned.

• You can check large backpacks, umbrellas, and luggage in the free cloakroom.

• The Vatican Museums and Raphael’s Rooms are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Vatican Museums complex is in Vatican City. The nearest metro station is Ottaviano along line A, about a 5-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The Vatican is busiest in summer, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are recommended. Though the museums are less crowded during winter, they can still fill up around midday, so join a private tour in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The museum’s opening hours apply to Raphael’s Rooms.

Raphael’s Rooms by Name

The Room of the Segnatura (Stanza della Segnatura) was the first to be decorated and contains Raphael's most famous painting, The School of Athens. The other rooms, also decorated with scenes inspired by both religious and political history, are known as The Room of Constantine (Stanza di Costantino), Heliodorus (Stanza di Eliodoro), and Fire in the Borgo (Stanza dell'Incendio del Borgo).

Ways to explore

Set aside several hours for visiting the Vatican Museums. It’s one of the world’s largest museums and also among its busiest, so you’ll want to allot ample time to see everything. If you’re on a tight schedule, consider visiting on an express tour that just focuses on the collection’s highlights. Highlights typically include Raphael’s Rooms, as well as the Gallery of Maps, the Pinacoteca art gallery, which features works by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, and the Sistine Chapel. Use your tickets to the Vatican Museums for reduced admission to Villa Farnesina, a 16th-century mansion that has artworks by Raphael.

Accessibility

The Vatican Museums are wheelchair-accessible, and free wheelchairs are available for loan to visitors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle (fountains in the outdoor areas), guidebook, camera

What to wear

Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees

Not allowed

Eating or drinking in the museums, smoking, making phone calls (keep your cell phone on silent mode), using selfie sticks and tripods

Amenities

Vending machines, café, pizzeria

Address

The Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City, which is accessible by walking, public transportation, and car from central Rome.

Driving

It’s not recommended to drive yourself, but a taxi or rideshare can drop you near the entrance of the Vatican Museums. There is a taxi stand out front for catching a cab to return to your hotel.

Public transportation

By metro, take line A and get off at Ottaviano or Cipro stations. You can take bus 49, which stops in front of the Vatican Museums, or buses 32, 81, 982, 492, and 990, which stop within walking distance. There’s also tram 19, which goes to Piazza del Risorgimento, or the regional train to Roma San Pietro.

Best times to visit

Go in the morning, just after opening. Or get a ticket that grants access to the museums before the official opening time or after-hours.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally the least crowded. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the Papal Angelus and Papal Audience take place, so it’s best to avoid those days if you’re looking for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Vatican City is best in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, roughly mid-March through June and September through November.

Special events

Easter and Christmas are the biggest festivities in Vatican City, with special Masses, Papal audiences, and celebrations. Carnival, before Lent, is a big festival. There’s also the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art in November.