Venice has a rich history and strong ties to Catholicism, and hence, the city boasts of many magnificent churches and chapels.
In 2018, the Vatican City participated in the Venice Architecture Biennale which strove to redefine the concept of spirituality and sacredness.
The end goal was the construction of ten chapels by ten world-renowned architects, and it included Norman Foster, Eduardo Souto de Moura, and Teronobu Fujimori.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Vatican Chapels.
Table of Contents
What to expect
Embark on a pilgrimage through the lush forest of San Giorgio island in the heart of Venice’s lagoon.
Explore the serene ambiance as you visit the ten tranquil and spiritually evocative chapels scattered amidst the verdant landscape.
The placement of chapels in the wood symbolizes silence, serenity, meditation, shade, and light.
All the chapels are completely different from each other and are made from a variety of materials such as wood, steel, iron, cement, or ceramic.
For instance, Melbourne-based Sean Godsell conceived a bell tower as part of his design vision.
Carla Juaçaba, hailing from Rio de Janeiro, envisioned a collection of intersecting stainless steel crosses in chapels.
The chapels have something in common: A pulpit and an altar.
| Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|
| Vatican Chapels and Giorgio Cini Foundation Visit | €20 |
| Vatican Chapels, Cini Foundation, and Borges Labyrinth | €25 |
| San Giorgio Maggiore Island: Wood and Vatican Chapels Tour | €15 |
Where to book tickets
You can buy tickets for the Vatican Chapels tour online in advance or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
You also get your preferred time slot when you book early.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out.
Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Vatican Chapels ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and book them right away.
Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Vatican Chapels ticket price
Tickets for the Vatican Chapels Tour cost €15 for guests over 15 years.
Students aged between 15 and 25 years, seniors over 65 years, Venice residents, EU tour guides, and journalists can get a reduced ticket for €13.
Children between six and 14 years get discounted tickets priced at €5.
Vatican Chapels tickets
There are three ticket options for this tour, each providing guests with a unique experience.
You can choose from the Vatican Chapels and Giorgio Cini Foundation Visit, Vatican Chapels, Cini Foundation, and Borges Labyrinth, or San Giorgio Maggiore Island: Wood and Vatican Chapels Tour.
Vatican Chapels and Giorgio Cini Foundation Visit
Buy this ticket and explore both the Giorgio Cini Foundation and the Vatican Chapels, delving into Venice’s rich tapestry of architecture, history, and culture.
At the Cini Foundation, visit the architectural wonders such as the Cloister of Palladio, the Palladian cenacle, Longhena’s Grand Staircase, Nuova Manica Lunga, and the Cloister of the Buora family.
Next, embark on an enchanting journey through a collection of ten chapels, each symbolizing one of the Ten Commandments.
An expert guide will accompany you throughout your tour, offering profound insights into the Foundation and the Chapels in the Wood.
For added depth, audio guides are available in multiple languages such as Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (26 to 64 years): €20
Senior Ticket (65+ years): €17
Youth Ticket (12 to 25 years): €17
Child Ticket (up to 11 years): Free
Vatican Chapels, Cini Foundation, and Borges Labyrinth tickets
Take a 2.5-hour tour of San Giorgio Maggiore Island which includes the three main attractions—the Giorgio Cini Foundation, Borges Labyrinth, and Vatican Chapels.
At Giorgio Cini Foundation, discover the Wedding Feast at Cana, the photo room, the Longhena staircase, and the two cloisters.
Then head to the chapels; here, use an audio guide to explore all the ten chapels.
The audio guide features original compositions by composer Antonio Fresa.
Conclude your excursion with a visit to the esteemed Green Theater, a cultural haven renowned for its film screenings and theatrical productions.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €25
Youth Ticket (15 to 25 years): €21
Senior Ticket (65+ years): €21
Child Ticket (6 to 14 years): €8
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Note: Venice residents, EU tour guides, and journalists pay a reduced ticket price of €21.
Buy This TicketSan Giorgio Maggiore Island: Wood and Vatican Chapels Tour
Wind through San Giorgio Maggiore Island’s woodlands adorned with ten chapels crafted by world-renowned designers.
Stroll through the island’s tranquil forest, immerse yourself in the ambiance, and plug into your audio guide that’s available in six languages.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €15
Youth Ticket (15 to 25 years): €13
Senior Ticket (65+ years): €13
Child Ticket (6 to 14 years): €5
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Note: Venice residents, EU tour guides, and journalists also get a discounted ticket for €13.
Save time and money! Buy the Venice Pass and get skip-the line and Fast Track access to attractions in and around the city, including St.Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Vivaldi Church, etc. This pass entails a digital audio guide, a Gondola ride, and a boat island tour.
How to reach
The Vatican Chapels are located on the San Giorgio Maggiore island, and the only way to reach this attraction is by ferry.
Address: 30133 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy. Get Directions
By Ferry
If you board Ferries N and 2, get down at the S. Giorgio ferry terminal. The Chapels are a 7-minute walk to the attraction.
Note: If you’ve booked the Giorgio Cini Foundation and Vatican Chapels tour or Giorgio Cini Foundation tour, meet your tour guide at the San Giorgio Café
Opening hours of Vatican Chapels
The Vatican Chapels are open to visitors from 10 am to 1.30 pm.
The chapels remain closed on Wednesdays.
How long does the tour take
The San Giorgio Maggiore Island: Wood and Vatican Chapels tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, encompassing visits to the Vatican Chapels and Bosco.
The Vatican Chapels and Giorgio Cini Foundation Visit extends over 2 hours.
Tourists spend 3 hours at the Vatican Chapels, Cini Foundation, and Borges Labyrinth, allocating 50 to 60 minutes at each site.
Best time to visit Vatican Chapels
The best time to visit the chapels is when they open at 10 am.
During the mornings, a few tourists are around, allowing you to peacefully explore all the chapels.
It is best to book a visit during the weekdays as it gets crowded on the weekends.
FAQs
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Vatican Chapels in Venice.
Can I buy Vatican Chapels tickets online?
Yes, tickets for the Vatican Chapels are available online. You can choose from three tours — Vatican Chapels and Giorgio Cini Foundation Visit, Vatican Chapels, Cini Foundation, and Borges Labyrinth and San Giorgio Maggiore Island: Wood and Vatican Chapels Tour.
Do I have to bring an identification card or passport for verification purposes?
If you’re eligible for a reduced ticket fare, please bring official ID proof to enter the attraction.
Can I cancel my tickets on the day of the tour?
The chapel ticket allows cancellation until 11.59 pm the day prior to your visit to receive a full refund. Opt for a refundable ticket option during the checkout process.
Which artists contributed to the making of Vatican Chapels?
The chapels in Venice are designed by artists from ten countries. This includes Norman Foster (UK), Terunobu Fujimori (Japan), Francesco Cellini (Italy), Andrew Berman (US), Javier Corvalan Espinola (Paraguay), Flores & Prats (Catalonia), Carla Juacaba (Brazil), Smiljan Radic Clarke (Chile), Eduardo Souto de Moura (Portugal), MAP Studio: Francesco Magnani and Traudy Pelzel (Italy), and Sean Godsell (Australia).
Can visitors take photographs inside the attraction?
Yes, visitors can take photos of chapels, but flash photography is strictly prohibited.
Are all the areas of chapels accessible to guests?
Yes, all the areas of the chapels are open for public tours. However, some areas of the complex may be closed during activities, concerts, or other events.
In what languages are the Vatican Chapels Tours offered?
The chapel tours are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Russian.
Do I have to bring my own headphones for the audio tour?
Yes, all guests must bring their own headphones for the audio-guided tour of the chapels, Giorgio Cini Foundation, and Borges Labyrinth.
The Vatican Chapel on San Giorgio Island offers a deeply spiritual experience. Its serene beauty, intricate design, and rich religious art inspire profound reflection. The island’s tranquility enhances the sense of peace. As someone who loves history and religion, I highly recommend this sacred space for anyone seeking spiritual solace and inspiration.
The Vatican Chapels on San Giorgio Island are a total vibe! The architecture is so unique and the whole place feels super serene. It’s a hidden gem that’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Venice. Totally Instagrammable too!