kismetchimera

I have a reservation for Saint Peter's Scavi in june..my question is, where is the entrance of the Scavi? I must be there at 9:15 in the morning.. I was lucky after I sent an e-mail to the office for a reservation, in a matter of days I had my confirmation.

Vita

If you're facing St. Peter's, go to the entrance at the left where the Swiss guards are standing. They won't let you in until your scheduled time.

Maira

Remember to bring a printed copy of your confirmation/reservation, it would expedite your access from the Swiss Guards Area to the Scavi Tour Offices. An early morning appointment is great timing! Have a great time!

Terry

I did the Scavi tour at 9:15, June 2002. Yes, the Scavi entrance is on the left as you face St. Peter's. BUT, first you must pass through the security checkpoint. Security was on the right of the stairs as you face St. Peter's, when we were there. We went to the Scavi entrance first and then were told we must pass through security first. We were not allowed to walk across the top of the steps to get back to Security. We had a long walk back to the middle of the piazza and then around to the right to get to security. My advice is to allow enough time (20-30 minutes) before you tour time to find the Security checkpoint and get through any line that may have formed there. You should also leave your purses, etc. at Baggage Check, also on the right, after you go through Security, before crossing the top of the steps to get to the Scavi Tour.

kismetchimera

Vita, Maira and Terry, thanks a lots for your informations.. I have been to Rome numerous times, and finally I am going to see the Scavi and perphas take a day trip to Assisi.. another day of course..It looks like that this visit to Rome is more spiritual oriented, but I have seen and walked everywhere.. and wanted to do something different for a change.

Maira

Very good point Terry, I forgot about the Security Check Point at the right end of the Colonnade (if facing the Vatican Basilica). Definitely to take into consideration when planning timelines.

Maira

You are welcome Kis! Your trip sounds a lot like mine to Rome with Mom this past November. I did spent three days in Assisi and I can't even described the emotions of been there with my Mom on her first trip to Europe. Have an amazing time!

kismetchimera

Thanks maira!! I am planning doing that!!

Bellarose

Maira, Saw your post about three days in Assisi. My mom and I will be in Umbria for three days also, on a day(s) trip out of Rome. Just wondering, did you get out of Assisi? How long were you in Assisi itself? We hope to see Assisi, but other towns in Umbria as well. thanks much,

oldorch

just to stress the importance of leaving extra time. i unfortunately didn't allow enough time for transit from relatively close by and arrived, regrettably, much to late for my appointed tour. the traffic, both auto and pedestrian, were much worse than i had expected. if i had to do it over i would have left 1 hour in advance from pantheon area. cheers

GARYNFLA

How do I e-mail them for a reservation? Also anyone know how to reserve at the Borghese Gallery? These boards are awesome....

MarkY

Here is the email I used for reservations: [email protected]

Here is a web site with a lot of info:
http://www.twenj.com/romevatican.htm#necropolis

Remember, check belongings and security to the right FIRST, enter the tour on the left. Say hi to the Swiss guards, remember, they're all single.

Grinisa

Don't get too excited over the Swiss Guards! They must be single when they are recruited but may be given permission to marry during their term of service and some have wives and children living with them in the Vatican.

MarkY

Grinisa, very interesting, I wasn't aware of that. I thought if a Swiss guard wanted to marry, he could no longer guard the Vatican. Do you know when this changed? Just curious.

Everyday, I learn something new on this board. Thanks for the info.

Grinisa

According to Jamie Seidel on a site entiteled "Church Knights", only Officers and Senior Sargents are allowed to be married. I am not sure when the Pope allowed this but it has been several years at least. There was a scandal in 1998 involving a murder of a Swiss Guard, Colonel Estermann, and his wife by another Swiss Guard who later committed suicide.