VATICAN - Vatican Museums open in the evening for the first time, July 24

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – For the first time, the Vatican Museums will be open to the public in the evening hours, on Friday, July 24. On that day the Museum will remain open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with the last visitors being admitted at 9.30 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sight of the sunset over St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens from the Courtyard of the Cuirasses and from the windows of the Gallery of Maps. They can also stop in the “Octagonal Patio” and observe the ancient sculptures by torchlight. In addition, they will also have access to the Rooms of Raphael and to the Sistine Chapel, and be able to wander through the galleries of the Vatican Apostolic Library in the twilight.
It is obligatory to book this special visit in advance at the following address: http://mv.vatican.va/2_IT/pages/MV_Home.html. Booking costs four euros, while the entrance fee will be the usual 14 euros full price, 8 euros reduced. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 17/7/2009)