Growing up as a Jewish girl in northwest London, I never imagined a day where I would be holding the keys to a church, let alone one of the holiest Catholic sites in the world.
Yet here I am, turning the key and pushing open the massive doors to the Sistine Chapel, and it’s nothing short of a religious experience.
Staring at Michelangelo’s masterpiece covering every inch of the ceiling and walls, I have to pinch myself.
Even bleary-eyed from a 5:30am start to beat the crowds, the early wake-up is completely worth it.
For once, I can enjoy one of Rome’s biggest attractions without being shoulder to shoulder with thousands of tourists.
A Private Vatican Adventure
I’m part of GetYourGuide’s Turn the Lights On at the Vatican experience, a monthly tour that allows a lucky few to explore the Vatican in near-complete solitude.
For two hours, our group of just 20 people has the entire Vatican to ourselves.
At £300 per person, it isn’t cheap, but the magic of walking through the museums alone, in silence, is priceless.
With the Vatican welcoming around 25,000 visitors every day, it’s no wonder tourists are willing to pay for this exclusive experience.
Africa2Go even names Vatican City the world’s most overcrowded destination, with an astonishing 7,709 tourists per resident.
But on this early morning tour, the usual crowds are nowhere in sight.
Unlocking History
Guided by Gianni Crea, the keeper of the keys for the past 25 years, and Elena, an incredibly knowledgeable English-speaking guide, we move quietly through each room.
The awe is palpable; you could hear a pin drop as we take in the grandeur of the Vatican’s art collection.
I get the extraordinary honor of unlocking the Sistine Chapel, while everyone else unlocks at least one other room and flips the lights on.
Watching each space transform from pitch black to glistening golds and bright colours is magical.
With no crowds, you truly appreciate the architecture and scale of the building, something impossible when the museums are bustling.
Sunrise and Solitude Over Rome
As we wander, the sun rises over Rome, streaming through the Vatican’s windows, adding a magical touch to the experience.
Elena even offers everyone a chance for a photo with the lit-up Basilica in the background, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A Sweet Ending to a Unique Morning
By the time our tour ends, the crowds are already pouring in. We finish with a hearty American-style breakfast, pancakes included, which feels well-earned after the early start.
The group can’t stop talking about the past two hours, sharing their excitement and amazement at having had the Vatican almost entirely to ourselves.
For those hoping to experience this rare glimpse of Rome’s treasures in solitude, tickets for GetYourGuide’s next tour sell out quickly, so regular checking is essential.