Although the lines at the Vatican Museums in Rome are nowhere near as long as they used to be (some years ago the opening time was changed from 10am to 8.30am) waiting times of several hours ae still not exceptional. This is of course a big problem when it is raining or in the summer months of July and August when the temperatures in Rome can be well over 30 degrees Celsius.
As of November 2009 the wait will be less uncomfortable, since it has been decided to broaden the sidewalks on the Viale Vaticano and the Viale dei Bastoni di Michelangelo, the two roads leading to the Vatican Museums’ entrance. Moreover, an awning will cover these sidewalks and protect the visitors from the sun and the rain.
Another change that will take place, initially only on certain dates but later on a permanent basis, is that the Vatican Museums will also be open in the evening, from 7pm until 9pm.
Good stuff, so nice to see the Vatican changing with the times (better late than never)!
Comment by Regina — August 3, 2009 @ 3:21 pm