Christmas Tour: Christmas at the Vatican
St Peter’s Basilica and the Nativity Scene
The Nativity Scene and the Tree at the Vatican represents one of the most symbolic events for Rome and for the Christian world to mark the advent of Christmas.
It was in 1982, when Pope John Paul II started the tradition of the Tree in St Peter’s Square. From then on, by express wish of the Holy Father, this tradition is renewed every year, in memory of the Nativity of the Saviour. Next to the tree at the foot of the obelisk stands the great presepe, which is designed new every year.
Visit the wonderful Vatican museums in the Christmassy environment and seeing Nativity displays from all over the world. Explore the breath-taking St Peter’s Basilica at this most wonderful time of year.
It is important not to miss the visit to the Basilica of San Pietro and the masterpieces kept inside.
Not far away, in Piazza Cavalleggeri, is the permanent nativity scene of the Roman garbage collectors, which is visited with affectionate esteem and has been admired by over 2 million people, including Benedict XVI, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Paul VI and John Paul II, who never missed the traditional Christmas appointment with the Roman garbage collectors.
Price and Information
Cost of Tour: €395 plus entrance tickets for St Peter’s Basilica – adult (each): €35 and under 18s (each): €25
Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: Outside the entrance to the Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano
Meeting time: 8:30am, 10:30am or 1pm (only 1pm on Wednesdays)
Maximum participants: 12
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