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• Blog  /  Events  /  Michelangelo’s Secret Room Will Finally Open to Visitors

Michelangelo’s Secret Room Will Finally Open to Visitors

Starting November 15, 2023, small groups of 4 people with required advance bookings

Almost 50 years after its discovery in 1975, the small area called Michelangelo’s Secret Room will open to the public. The small area within the Medici Chapel museum complex with entrance from the New Sacristy, will open during an experimental time period from November 15, 2023 through March 30th, 2024 .

⚠ 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝟭𝟱/𝟭𝟭: 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧 ⚠

The news of this opening had been shared during the presentation of the new exit for the Medici Chapels on September 26th by the Director General Massimo Osanna and created a lot of excitement considering the secret room has never been open to the public before on a regular basis. The room will be constantly monitored while the room is open to visitors to check that the conditions required for the conservation of the drawings is maintained. The number of visitors will be limited in order to maintain a balance in the amount of light and darkness required to conserve the drawings on the walls.

THE HISTORY OF MICHELANGELO’S SECRET ROOM

If you explore Florence, you will know that there was a period when the Medici were expelled from the city and the city formed a republic. In that short period of the Republic, Michelangelo helped the new city government build fortifications around the city against the Medici Pope’s military fight to retake the city. It is said that once the Republic fell after just 3 years (1527-1530), Michelangelo was in grave disfavor with Pope Clement VII Medici and had to hide from the Pope’s ire. The Prior of San Lorenzo gave him refuge in this small space while Michelangelo awaited to be forgiven, which he obtained after two months of hiding. During those two months, the great artist used the walls of the small room where he had haven to distract himself.

In November 1975, when the then director of the Medici Chapels Paola Dal Poggetto was already searching for a way to create a better exit for the museum, the team restoring the museum was charged with cleaning up the small corridor off the New Sacristy. The room, 10 meters by 3 meters wide and about 2.5 meters high, had been used as a storage for coal up to 1955 and then remained unused and actually forgotten, covered by a pile of wardrobes and other furnishings. While the rooms were being checked out, the head of the restoration team Sabino Giovannoni was able to discern a series of drawings of human figures under two layers of plaster made with charcoal and dried blood. The majority of the monumental figures were quickly attributed to the grand master by Poggetto herself. The drawings were studied and it was said that Michelangelo used the walls of this small room to sketch out some of the projects he had been working on, including the legs of the Duke of Nemours, Giuliano de’ Medici, within the New Sacristy. Other of the sketches have found references to other of his works.

HOW TO VISIT THE SECRET ROOM

Michelangelo’s Secret Room can be visited ONLY with advance bookings for specific times. There will be a limit of 4 people to a time slot, for a total of 100 people per week.

The hours will be: Monday and Friday – 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm Wednesday and Saturday – 9am, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm Thursday – 9am, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm

Maximum time for each group visit will be 15 minutes , accompanied by museum security personnel. Since it is necessary to go down a narrow stairway to reach the area, for security reasons the room will not be accessible to disabled visitors nor to children under 10 years of age.

The cost to visit Michelangelo’s secret room will be 20 euros for full price tickets (2 euros for reduced tickets, free for those under 18) in addition to the cost of entrance ticket to the Medici Chapels museum (10 euros full price, 3 euros reduced up until December 15) and the cost of booking (3 euros). So the total cost for full price will be 33 euros and 8 euros for reduced tickets .

The only way to book is by phone by calling the Firenze Musei booking number +39-055-294-883.

Photographs courtesy of the Medici Chapels Museum, credit Francesco Fantani

The Florence Insider

Your guide to travel and experience Florence, Italy

Michelangelo’s secret room. How to book tickets and visit it

The most interesting news in recent years in Florence, in the world of art and culture, is certainly the opening to the public of one of the most extraordinary places ever: Michelangelo’s secret room . I have already visited it several times and I can assure you that it’s an exciting experience. But visiting and booking Michelangelo’s Secret Room is not at all easy . Availability is very limited, and tickets sell out months and months in advance. But I will help you in your endeavor!

Ciao! My name is Claudia , I am a licensed tour guide in Florence with more than 10 years of experience. Learn more about me and my private guided tours in Florence .

Here are all my tips for booking tickets and visiting Michelangelo’s Secret Room.

What’s the story behind Michelangelo’s secret room

Michelangelo Buonarroti had an excellent relationship with the Medici family for many years. After all, his talent was discovered when he was just a teenager by Lorenzo the Magnificent . And he often worked for members of this family, including Pope Leo X and Pope Clement VII (he was working on the New Sacristy for them). But at the beginning of the 16th century Michelangelo had a very different political vision of Florence from that of the Medici. And when Florence rebelled against the power of the Medici, Michelangelo sided with the Republic of Florence and against the powerful family.

When, after three years of exile, the Medici returned to power in Florence, they accused all supporters of the Republic of treason . An d Michelangelo was also wanted. To escape the revenge of the Medici he hid for about two months in a coal deposit under the New Sacristy , with the complicity of the prior of San Lorenzo. During those two months he drew some sketches on the walls of the room, and finally managed to escape from Florence.

Pope Clement VII spread the word that he was willing to forgive Michelangelo for his betrayal, as long as he completed the work on the New Sacristy. And so Michelangelo returned to Florence, even if reluctantly. He continued to work on the Sacristy for four years, but eventually abandoned the construction site anyway and never returned to Florence again .

• If you want to learn more about Michelangelo’s life, read a biography or a novel about him! Here are the best books about Michelangelo .

How it was lost and forgotten

Michelangelo’s secret room with his drawings on the walls was at one point totally forgotten. Someone placed a large wardrobe above the access hatch to the underground room which completely hid it. The wardrobe remained in place for centuries, and so even the memory of the existence of that underground storage room was lost.

It was rediscovered by pure chance in 1975, and the drawings were attributed to Michelangelo (although not all of them were made by him). The secret room was closed to protect the great artist’s sketches. Being very small and without air exchange, humidity and human contact are very dangerous and risk damaging those drawings , made 500 years ago with simple coal dust.

It took almost 50 years of study and research in the field of restoration and conservation to finally make this extraordinary place open to visitors.

How to visit Michelangelo’s secret room

For many years Michelangelo’s secret room remained closed to the public for protection. An experimental opening to visitors was tested in 2023 , only three afternoons a week, for a period of three months at a time. Every three months the conditions of the drawings were checked and new openings evaluated.

Finally, in 2024, the regular opening of this unique place in the world was announced. I t’s now open five days a week, and can be booked well in advance. It is still quite difficult to find availability for the visit, but by organizing with large advance it is definitely doable.

To protect the drawings and maintain the delicate microclimate of the room, only 4 people are allowed at a time per hour for 15 minutes. Then, for another 75 minutes the room must remain empty to ensure that it maintains its climatic conditions.

Opening hours

The secret room is open on:

• Monday afternoons, after 3pm.
• Wednesday for the whole day.
• Thursday, until 3 pm.
• Friday afternoon, after 3 pm.
• Saturday for the whole day.

The room is closed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

How to book tickets for Michelangelo’s secret room

The only way to book tickets for Michelangelo’s secret room is through the official website of the national museums of Florence , B-Ticket .

The price of the full ticket is 32 euros, then you must add 3 euros for the booking fees. Minors can book a free ticket and will only pay the booking fees.

The ticket for Michelangelo’s secret room also includes access to the Medici Chapels .

Tickets sell out at least 3 months in advance , even 4 or 5 in high season. So get organized well in advance!

Please note that although there are 4 seats available for each time slot, it’s not possible to book more than 2 tickets at a time. I f you want to book all 4 available places you will have to make two separate reservations.

Michelangelo’s secret room guided tour

If you are planning your trip to Florence many months in advance, we can organize a guided tour of Michelangelo’s secret room. This is only possible under some conditions:

• Request this tour at least 3 months in advance (even 4 in high season).
• Be a group of maximum 2 people .
• I am giving this guided tour only as an extension of the Medici Chapels and church San Lorenzo private guided tour . The standard tour lasts 2 hours, the secret room will add 30 minutes to the duration.

To get more information about my guided tour, visit the page dedicated to the Medici Chapels private tour and fill the form at the bottom of that page.

If you have visited this place let me know how was your experience there, leaving a comment below. Sharing your experience will help other travelers and readers!

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Italy's hidden history revealed as Renaissance and Roman sites open to the public

Nov 22, 2023 • 4 min read

A general view of charcoal drawings inside "Michelangelo's Secret Room" at the Medici Chapels in Florence, Italy © Roberto Serra/ Iguana Press / Getty Images

When visiting Italy , it always feels like there's something new to explore. From the newly accessible  Roman remains of the Acra Sacra di Largo Argentina to the recent reopening of Cinque Terre’s Via dell’Amore , not to mention the ongoing discoveries in Pompeii , the list of attractions is constantly evolving. Just when you think you've seen it all, there's always a reason to return.

Among the latest incentives to visit are two historic sites in Florence and Rome that have just become accessible to the public.

In Florence it's a recently unveiled long-kept secret – a "hidden" room that is said to house works by the renowned Italian Renaissance master, Michelangelo. This underground space, discovered almost 50 years ago beneath the Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo Basilica , is believed to have served as Michelangelo's refuge for two months in 1530. Within this intimate chamber he allegedly left his mark, adorning the walls with dozens of sketches. On November 15, the room was finally made accessible to the public.

Fleeing from the wrath of Pope Clement VII due to his strained relationship with the ruling Medici family, it is believed that Michelangelo sought safety here during the pope's (who himself was a member of the Medici family) siege on Florence in 1530. 

The hidden room was discovered in 1975 by Paolo Dal Poggetto, a former director of the Medici Chapels. Initially mistaken for a mere storage area for coal, it was only upon finding charcoal and chalk drawings on the walls that Dal Poggetto felt there was more to this room than meets the eye. After weeks of meticulous work, the plaster was carefully removed and Dal Poggetto was proved correct when the walls revealed artwork reminiscent of Michelangelo's renowned masterpieces. Some scholars speculate that these walls served as a canvas for sketching out ideas for future projects, as well as preserving sketches of his previous works.

The drawings found in the room, including references to works like the head of the Laocoön, the statue of David and frescoes similar to those that adorn the roof of the Sistine Chapel , as well as other sculptures and paintings, are still being examined by art critics before they can be fully attributed to Michelangelo. Regardless, it's still an impressive collection of Renaissance artwork. 

"The moment you enter that room, you simply are speechless," Paola D’Agostino, the director of the  Bargello Museums , a group that oversees the Medici Chapels, told the  New York Times .

"As your eyes adjust to the room’s dim lighting, you start seeing all the different drawings and all the different layers," she added.

The room had remained off-limits to visitors for a decades due to concerns about the tight space and access down a narrow flight of stairs, which posed safety risks and potential damage to the drawings. However, now the room is open on a trial basis until the end of March next year. Visitors must book in advance and access is limited to 15 minutes per group. It costs €20 per person, in addition to the €10 charged for entry to the main museum and €3 booking fee (€33 in total).

Meanwhile in Rome, the Vatican made an ancient Roman burial ground more accessible, granting visitor access to an important piece of history below the ground of the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo .

Known as the Via Triumphalis Necropolis , the "city for the dead" is a burial ground for a significant portion of Rome's population from the first century BCE to the fourth century CE. The burial sites belong to people from various social classes, including the poor, middle, and upper classes. Over 200 individual burials and 40 sepulchral buildings can be found in the area, many adorned with frescoes and stuccoes that serve as poignant tributes to the departed.

The Vatican describes this site as exceptionally well-preserved, providing valuable insights into ancient Roman pagan funerary practices. These traditions were often associated with superstition, the fear of the afterlife, and the bonds of human affection and family unity, rather than being tied to any official religious sphere. "In many cases inscribed funerary stelae (monuments) have been found, clarifying the identity of the deceased and their individual stories," the Vatican Museums said.

Previously, access to the necropolis was limited to approved groups of academics, students and specialists. However, a gate overlooking Risorgimento Square has now been opened, granting general public access to the site.

This expansion coincides with the Vatican's new exhibition, Life and Death in the Rome of the Caesars , which opened on November 17. Visits to the necropolis cost €8.50 per person and are currently available on Fridays and Sundays. Tickets can be booked online through the official Vatican Museums website.

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How to visit Michelangelo's Secret Room in Florence

Hidden chamber to stay open to public until july ..

Michelangelo's "Secret Room", a tiny chamber with sketch-filled walls at the Bargello Museum in Florence, is to remain open to the public until July.

The cramped space at the Medici Chapels complex  opened to the public on a trial basis last November, almost 50 years after it was discovered hidden behind a trap door.

The visits were scheduled to finish in March however, following approval by heritage experts, it has been decided to extend the initiative from the start of April until the end of June.

However within three days of going on sale, tickets for the visits were completely booked up for the three months, leading authorities to add an extra month.

Tickets for July will become available on 25 January but are likely to be snapped up quickly .

Visits will follow the same procedure as before: on a limited basis and strictly by reservation.

The limited access is to protect the fragile nature of the charcoal and chalk wall drawings, created by the Italian High Renaissance master in 1530.

Visits to the room, which can be accessed via the New Sacristy, will be limited to four people at a time, for a maximum stay of 15 minutes.

Standard tickets cost €20 in addition to a compulsory €3 reservation fee plus the €10 price for the museum ticket, adding up to €33 per person.

The story behind Michelangelo's Secret Room

During the summer of 1530 Michelangelo Buonarotti went "off-radar" for about three months, with no official trace of the artist's whereabouts on record.

He was in fact holed up in a secret chamber, below the Medici Chapels in the Basilica of S. Lorenzo, in hiding from the Medici on their return from exile.

Michelangelo, then aged 55, feared reprisals after he had betrayed his patrons by siding with the revolt that had overthrown them.

However the artist did not waste his time while hiding out in the tiny windowless room, which measures just 10 metres long by three metres wide and was accessed via a trap-door.

He worked feverishly on studies for projects he was working on at the time, including a revision of David and some images from the Sistine Chapel.

He also covered the walls of his cramped hide-out with sketches in charcoal and chalk, including a possible self-portrait.

Details from Michelangelo's Secret Room. Photos Musei Italiani.

When Michelangelo eventually resurfaced, after being forgiven by the Medici, he was permitted to resume work on the family’s monuments in the same chapel below which he had spent his summer in hiding.

Until 1975 nobody knew of the existence of Michelangelo's Secret Room.

When the walls of the hidden chamber were stripped, curators made a sensational discovery: sketches made by Michelangelo more than four centuries earlier.

Until last November, only art experts and the occasional lucky guest were granted access to the tiny cell, and the room had never been opened to the public.

Michelangelo died in Rome, at the grand old age of 88, in 1564.

He is buried at the Basilica di S. Croce, fulfilling the master's final request to be laid to rest in his beloved Florence.

For ticket details and visiting information see the Musei dei Bargello website .

Article originally published on 18 January, updated on 24 January.

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The Secret Room of Michelangelo

Secret Room of Michelangelo  remained hidden for centuries until it was discovered by chance in 1975. Beneath the Medici Chapels in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence, a tiny room was found that is believed to have been Michelangelo’s hiding place for a short period in 1530.

In the room where he was seated, Michelangelo was armed with only chalk and charcoal, sketched figures from his previous and upcoming works, including The head of Laocoon and various revisions of David as some sketches taken from the Sistine Chapel, and even self-portraits.

This room was undiscovered until 1975, when the director at the Medici Chapels Museum , Paolo dal Poggetto, discovered it by accident. The walls were plastered, but meticulous restoration work was able to bring Michelangelo’s charcoal drawings to light.

There is a report that the room, which was in the past only accessible to experts in art, could be made accessible to the public in 2020.

What is Michelangelo hiding? The Medici Chapels, currently an art museum, were once mausoleums, the burial site for those belonging to Medici beginning in the second quarter 1500s. In 1519, Michelangelo received the task of building the New Sacristy, which he had worked on for about ten years. It was to become one of his most important architectural works. At the time of his creation, Michelangelo was, therefore, a protector of the noblest family; however, when a popular revolt was launched to overthrow them, the artist joined with the Medici. But the Medici clan quickly returned to power, and Michelangelo had to leave.

He didn’t travel very far, but after working on it for a long period and he was familiar with the Medici Chapels as well as that of the San Lorenzo complex, and it was there that he found his refuge in a large and narrow basement that was under the same sacristy that which he built. It is what is now called Michelangelo’s secret room’, which will soon be available to visit. Keep an eye on the site for updates.

The Secret Room of Michelangelo – Video

Here are some questions and answers about michelangelo’s secret room, who discovered the hidden room covered in charcoal and chalk drawings in florence.

Paolo Dal Poggetto, the director of Florence’s Medici Chapels Museum, discovered the hidden room.

What was the original purpose of the hidden room before it was sealed in 1955?

The hidden room was initially used to store coal until it was sealed in 1955.

What convinced Paolo Dal Poggetto that Michelangelo was the artist behind the drawings in the room?

Paolo Dal Poggetto was convinced that Michelangelo was the artist behind the drawings because he believed Michelangelo sketched them while hiding from a death sentence in 1530.

How many visitors can descend into the hidden room at a time?

Four visitors will be allowed to descend into the hidden room.

Why will the hidden room be dark between visits?

The room will be dark between visits to protect the drawings from light exposure.

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LivTours Private Highlights Vatican Guided Tour allows you to take the opportunity to thoroughly explore the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica*, at your own pace with your own private LivTours guide. Exploring the highlight of one of the world’s largest and most important art collections with a knowledgeable guide and priority access makes for an unforgettable experience.  The luxury of a private tour is that you have direct access to your guide, allowing you to ask questions and receive individual and exclusive attention. Your private guide will be happy to tailor your Vatican visit to suit your preferences.

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Your LivTours Private Highlights Vatican Guided Tour starts by entering through the Vatican’s VIP entrance and skipping the often long lines and start your tour without any delay. This exclusive experience allows you to take in all of the Papal Palace highlights, including the vast collection of Greek & Roman statues, among them the stunning Laocoon and the inspiring Apollo Belvedere. With your private guide, you will learn the fascinating stories of the statues which occupy this charming courtyard.

Your private LivTours tour guide will weave together the fascinating history adding in the little-known stories about the Popes and the artists who walked these lavish hallways. Soak up the intriguing gossip that only a private tour guide can provide. After a thorough visit of the museums, your tour continues to the Sistine Chapel. This stunning room is home to one of the most important examples of Michelangelo’s artistic greatness. Take your time to admire the top to bottom details of this absolutely breathtaking room.

The last stop on your private Vatican tour is the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica*.  You will enjoy skipping another long line as your guide shares with you the masterpieces of the largest and most ornate church in the world. This magnificent tour promises to teach, entertain, and give you new insights into the wonderful art and history in Vatican City.

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Guests of the Early Morning Vatican Tour can upgrade to add on a visit to the Bramante Staircase. The Bramante Staircase is one of the most iconic sites of the Vatican Museums, so get your cameras ready! Your private guide will lead you to this Renaissance staircase designed by Donato Bramante for Pope Julius II. Its double-helix formation gives it a stunning visual effect. This is an exclusive secret room, closed off to the general public

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• *Access to the Raphael Rooms is contingent upon crowd conditions, timing constraints, and guard-regulated routes. Including them may not always be feasible. In these cases, your tour guide will exercise discretion to adjust the itinerary, ensuring a high-quality experience
• *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
• *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended. On Wednesday mornings the Holy Father is having his weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square and due to security, Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed. If you book an early morning tour on a Wednesday, we can therefore not guarantee access to the Basilica.
• *Please note: Michelangelo’s Pietá is currently under restoration until September 2024
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When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience , you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people* . Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable.  *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.

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Private Vatican tour in German

We did a private Vatican tour with Patrizia and we enjoyed it very much. Patrizia is such a lovely person and we felt she was so knowledgeable about everything she told us and all the questions we had. She guided as well through the masses of tourist and always tried to find a good spot for us to enjoy the arts and architecture. Defo recommend Patrizia to any one but also especially to German speakers. She speaks it very well

Awesome tour!

Ettore was so awesome!! Our whole group loved him. The Vatican was busy and he navigated us through it all in a way that felt totally manageable, enjoyable, and somehow despite how packed it was made it feel like we were not in a horde of people.

Once in a lifetime experience

We had the most wonderful experience this morning, thanks to LivItaly's Vatican highlights tour and our superb guide, Max. We got so much more out of the museum and the Sistine Chapel, never feeling bored, tired or overwhelmed, and we have lots of great memories and photos to bring home. We definitely recommend this company and this tour.

Great tour, great experience

We did a private tour of the Vatican with Rich yesterday...it was absolutely incredible! He is so knowledgeable, I can’t even begin to tell you everything he told us! I wish the tour could have been 5 more hours! We loved every minute and will never forget this experience!

Choose dates later / Buy as a gift

By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here .

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Privacy overview.

The Secret Annex

Take a look around and discover the Secret Annex where Anne Frank hid for more than 2 years during WWII and where she wrote her diary.

Hiding in the Secret Annex on the Prinsengracht

In July 1942, the Frank family went into hiding. The Van Pels family followed a week later. The two families already knew each other: Hermann van Pels worked for Otto’s company. Four months later, they were joined by an eighth person: Fritz Pfeffer, an acquaintance of the Frank family.

Go in-depth

The history of the Secret Annex

A typical day in the Secret Annex

How unique was the Secret Annex? People in hiding in the occupied Netherlands

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Vatican Secret Rooms - Discover Amazing Hidden Places In The Vatican Museums!

By Elyssa Bernard

November 21, 2023

Have you ever wondered what’s in the Vatican Secret Rooms?  

Not sure what I’m talking about? 

These are very special rooms, normally not open to visitors - but I'm going to tell you how to visit them!

Vatican Secret Rooms – a Special Way to visit the Vatican Museums 

The Vatican Museums contain one of the world’s largest collections of art.

And there is almost no way to see it all .

Certainly not during a typical visit there. 

In order to keep the crowds and tour groups flowing, there are several set routes you can follow. 

Whether you visit on your own or on a tour , you will go through some of the same rooms , like the Octagonal Courtyard, the Maps Galleries, the Candelabra Room, and of course, the Sistine Chapel at the end. 

If you go on your own, you can also choose to visit some other parts of the Vatican Museums , like the Etruscan wing, the Egyptian wing, the Pinacoteca, or the New Wing.

I love all of these sections.

Or if you're pressed for time, you could also take the fastest route to the Sistine Chapel , seeing the bare minimum and keeping your visit to under an hour.

But there are some Vatican Secret Rooms you cannot visit on your own.

You have to book a special tour to see them. 

What are the Vatican Secret Rooms? 

I’m guessing there are many rooms we don’t even know about inside the vast Vatican Museums.

But there are 3 that you can access if you plan and book ahead.

The 3 Vatican Secret Rooms you can see are:

The Bramante Staircase

• The Room of the Masks (also known as the Cabinet of the Masks)
• The Niccoline Chapel  (also known as the Chapel of Nicholas V)

Jump down here for how to book tours of these rooms .

In 1505, famed Renaissance architect Donato Bramante completed his design for a staircase that would connect the Belvedere Palace to the outside. 

The staircase was also a way for the Pope, his horse, and other pack animals to go up and down inside the palace. 

Long before the structure of DNA was discovered, Bramante came up with the idea of a double helix (although he was surely not the first.)

This would allow people (and animals) to ascend and descend without running into each other.

So, the staircase is really made up of two staircases, just like a DNA molecule. 

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Located in a square tower, the Bramante staircase,  Scala del Bramante in Italian, offers gorgeous sweeping views of Rome from the top. 

Just 3 years after its completion, in 1508, Michelangelo would begin using this staircase to access the Sistine Chapel he’d been ordered to paint.

When I visited this staircase the first time, I shut my eyes for a moment and pictured Michelangelo going up and down, tired from his work, yet committed, dedicated as he was to anything he did.

I could almost feel him there on the staircase with me.  

Today, many visitors to the Vatican Museums are familiar with a similar staircase , designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

This staircase is based on Bramante’s original design and is also a double helix.

It’s the exit of the Vatican Museums (but not the entrance. In fact, when you descend this staircase, note that you will not see anyone on the other half, the up-side of this staircase.) 

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The Cabinet of the Masks

The Cabinet of the Masks, Gabinetto delle Maschere in Italian, is another one of the Vatican Secret Rooms not visitable on a normal entry or tour of the Vatican museums.

The Room of the Masks, also called the Cabinet of the Masks, is a small square room that's named for the tiny mosaic tiles in the floor, which came from Emperor Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli . 

The mosaics depict theater masks. 

It’s amazing to think how they would have gotten these mosaics from Tivoli to the Vatican! 

For me, one of the things that makes a visit to the Cabinet of the Masks so special is being able to enter, and pass through, the animal room , sometimes affectionately nicknamed “The Stone Zoo”.

Even the Animal Room offers a lot to see, including a gorgeous ancient Roman mosaic floor, showing scenes of foods the Romans ate. 

I love the carved animals even if some of the scenes are pretty violent. 

To get to the Hall of the Masks you get to pass through another hall containing gorgeous sculptures. 

The hall is noteworthy for its layout and sense of perspective space. 

There is also a wonderful sculpture of Ariadne sleeping, which is set in its own showcase with red background, providing even more drama for the piece. 

Once inside the Room of the Masks, there are some other fascinating things, such as the reproduction of the Three Graces, a statue of Aphrodite, and, most strangely, a chair used to determine the gender of a newly-elected pope.

Supposedly this is due to a (possibly untrue) story of a woman, Pope Joan, who fooled everyone into thinking she was a man, became pope, and was killed on the spot when she gave birth during a procession.

The Niccoline Chapel

The Niccoline Chapel ( Cappella Niccolina in Italian) is a chapel in the Apostilic Palace (where the Pope is supposed to live) inside Vatican City . 

The chapel is a small jewel, in part because of the stunning, well-preserved frescos by Fra Angelico (1447 – 1451.) 

Pope Nicholas V had it built for use as his private chapel.

The chapel is located in the Tower of Innocent III, which is the most ancient part of the Apostolic Palace .  

The wall paintings show images from the lives of two of the earliest Christian martyrs – Saint Stephen and Saint Laurence. 

Stephen was a Greek-speaking Jew who was stoned him to death for his teachings of Christianity. 

Laurence distributed alms to the poor from the Church’s treasure, and was martyred by being grilled (burned) to death. 

The frescoes by Fra Angelico are the only remaining works by the artist from his 5 years in papal service 1445 and 1449. 

Fra Angelico died in Rome and was buried in the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva , where you can see his tombstone.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

How can you book visits to these rooms? 

Booking via the vatican museums official website .

Usually the first thing I suggest when it comes to tours and tickets is to book directly with the entity in question (in this case, via the Vatican Museums website).

However, when it comes to these special rooms, booking on the Vatican website is not easy or straightforward.

When you visit the Vatican Museums ticketing page, you'll first have to select a date and number of people (you can modify both of these after you search if you need to.)

When you arrive at the search results page, click "show only bookable visits" to tighten up the options.

The Vatican Secret rooms are usually not visible on the first page as there are other ticket types that are more popular and more common.

Click "Show more visits" to see more options.

When you click that, you will see the different options.

You can choose 1 – 2 hidden rooms to see on one visit, but not all 3 together. 

But here’s the kicker.

If you try to book this on the Vatican museums website, you will see that the cost is very high.

You will pay 300 Euros to see just one room, plus 180 Euros for a Vatican guide, plus your entry ticket to the museums, 21 Euros (17 Euros plus the booking fee.)

If you choose two rooms, the price goes to 500 Euros , plus 180 Euros for the guide, plus 21 Euros per person to enter. 

Granted, if you have several people going, that price per person becomes more manageable.

Even with 2 people, the price per person comes down considerably.

This might be a good way to go if you have a small group.

If there are 5 of you booking to see one room, you’d pay 300 Euros + 180 Euros, divided by 5, so 96 Euros per person, plus 21 Euros per person to enter the museums.

So for 5 people to see one room will cost 117 Euros per person.

In my opinion, booking via the Vatican Website is not an easy way to see one of the Vatican Secret Rooms, especially if you are 1-2 people.

Booking Vatican Secret Rooms with a Tour Agency 

It turns out that a few of Rome's best tour companies offer tours that allow you to see one or more of these secret rooms.

The price varies depending on what else is included with the tour.

I've been to the Vatican Museums often and have taken a lot of tours there.

It's already one of my favorite places to visit in Rome.

But seeing these hidden rooms is really the cherry on top.

I've been able to see these rooms on different tours and it's an amazing feeling.

Besides the beauty of the room you are seeing, there is also the sense of getting in on a secret that most visitors will never even know about, let alone see.

One of my favorite tours ever is the Key Master Tour - Waking up the Vatican Museums .

This tour is exclusive because unlike the early-bird tours that give you access to the Sistine Chapel “before the crowds come in”, this tour really is the only one going at that hour (it starts at 6 AM.)

So we were the only group in the Sistine Chapel after we literally opened its doors and turned on the lights.

They had us leave around 7:30 AM when the other (many) "early-bird" tours would start streaming in.

On this tour, we were able to visit the Bramante staircase, AND get to see the sun rise from there.

There are several other tour agencies that offer tours that allow you access to one or more of these hidden rooms.

Not all of them offer you the experience of seeing the Sistine Chapel alone. 

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Links for Booking Tours that include some of the Vatican Secret Rooms

You can use one of our trusted tour agency partners to book a small group, private, or semi-private tour that includes just one or some of the Vatican Museums Secret rooms.

Every one of these tours also includes a visit to the Sistine Chapel .

Vatican Museums group tour including Cabinet of the Masks

Vatican Museums private tour including Niccoline Chapel

Vatican Museums private tour including Niccoline Chapel and Bramante staircase

If you’re looking for more traditional Vatican tours,  visit my page all about this here . 

Links For Booking a tour with Exclusive After Hours Access to the Sistine Chapel

If you'd just like to book a special tour of the Vatican Museums after hours, but without the secret rooms, you can book one of these with our trusted tour agency partners:

Vatican Museums Friday or Saturday night small group tour  (this is not an exclusive visit.

The Vatican Museums are open later from March 2024 on Friday and Saturday nights.)

Links for booking an early morning tour and having early Access to the Sistine Chapel

Another way to enjoy visiting the Vatican Museums and getting to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is to go early morning.

Just above, I listed an early morning tour that includes one of the Vatican Secret Rooms.

You can also book an early morning tour that does not include these rooms:

Vatican Museums early entry + breakfast in Pinecone Courtyard

Map of Vatican Museums and Vatican Secret Rooms 

Click here to visit my interactive Google map showing the Vatican Secret rooms and where they are inside the Vatican museums .

It will open in a new window.

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Inside the Palace of Versailles Secret Rooms

Versailles is a place steeped in history. A tour of this beautiful place takes you back in time to the former excesses of the French monarchy. The Palace of Versailles, which is the most prominent landmark here, was originally a simple hunting lodge way back in the beginning of 17th century. Over time, the structure was renovated and expanded to create one of the grandest palaces in the world. It was a major power center of the French royal family until 1789, when the French Revolution broke out, and the Versailles secret rooms are its hidden core.

Louis XV's desk in the Palace of Versailles

Exploring the Palace

Most tourists visiting the stunning Palace of Versailles tour the huge halls and grounds. The stunning architecture, ornate furnishings, gold leaf detailing in the interiors, gorgeous mirrors and the sheer luxury of the Palace is completely breathtaking. Spread out on 1,800 acres of well maintained gardens and lawns, the Palace is a pleasure to explore.

In addition to the spectacular halls and rooms, there is another very interesting part of the Palace – the secret apartments. These cavernous rooms played host to the French royals for hundreds of years. At City Wonders, we organize a special tour of the secret Versailles apartments.

Our English speaking guide narrates interesting stories about these secret apartments and keeps you captivated all through the tour. For instance, there is a story about how the royals had to sleep in public when they had guests or court members staying with them. Only when the guests left could the royals retreat into their private chambers. But they had to be back on their public beds before sunrise so that people could see them waking up from there. There are several such stories that you’ll enjoy on the tour.

The Palace, as it stands today, is only a reflection of the past because much of the original furnishings were burgled and destroyed during the French Revolution. However, modern restoration works have been able to reinstate its past glory to a certain extent. With the restored interiors and the detailed explanations from our knowledgeable guide, you’ll easily be able to visualize the original beauty of the Palace.

The Secret Rooms

The secret rooms are hidden from view by a secret door. Once you enter these doors, you are transported into another world altogether. You don’t have to wait in long queues to gain entry into these rooms because we arrange your tickets beforehand. You need special tickets for entry into the secret chambers.

If you would like to explore the dazzlingly ornate private side of the French monarchs check out the City Wonders Versailles Secret Rooms Tour .

Welcome to the new City Wonders blog! Inside these pages you'll find everything you need to experience your travels to their fullest. Whether it’s on our top-rated tours, or getting tips on what to do during your free time, our travel experts provide you with that 360° insight that makes every trip totally unique.

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You Can Stay in an Apartment in the Eiffel Tower

Go behind the scenes of a hidden apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower with Condé Nast Traveler .

If you’re traveling to Paris, seeing the sights from the top of the Eiffel Tower is a can’t-miss opportunity. Now, four lucky people will have the chance to enjoy the iconic building in a unique way—from their own luxurious apartment on the first floor. Vacation-rental company HomeAway is giving four winners the chance to stay in Haussmannian-style living quarters for the duration of the UEFA Euro 2016 soccer tournament, June 10 to July 10. The guests will enjoy panoramic views of the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacre Coeur, and the Seine river and surely treasure an unprecedented vacation memory.

But this isn’t the first and only apartment in the tower. When Gustave Eiffel designed his namesake tower, he included a private apartment for himself at the top, which is now available for the public to tour.

Eiffel was “the object of general envy” among Parisians during his lifetime, and it wasn’t for designing one of the most famous monuments of all time. Rather, it was due to the fact that he had a private apartment at the top of the tower—and almost no one else was allowed access to it.

In his book *La Tour Eiffel de Trois Cent Métres (The Eiffel Tower of 300 Meters),*author Henri Girard explains that Parisians would offer up “a small fortune” to rent his private space for a single night, but Eiffel consistently refused. However, he would occasionally entertain guests of the utmost prestige (Thomas Edison is one notable example).

Unlike the scientific marvel of steel and hard lines it’s housed in, the pied à terre is cozy and romantic—think paisley wallpaper, wood furniture, and oil paintings. All in all, not a shabby place to view Paris from the best vantage point in town.

While Eiffel Tower visitors were previously denied access to the apartment (what Monsieur Eiffel would have wanted, no doubt), the 1,000-foot-high space is officially open to the public. At long last, we mere peasants can get a look at what it’s like to live at the world’s most enviable address.

War latest: Ukraine destroys Russian bridge in Kursk region; Putin's forces capture territory in Donetsk

Moscow's forces have captured parts of Donetsk amid Ukrainian strikes in the region. Meanwhile, Ukraine has destroyed a bridge over a river in the Kursk region, Russian state news reports. Listen to a Daily podcast on how Ukraine broke through Vladimir Putin's "red line" as you scroll.

Friday 16 August 2024 22:52, UK

• Putin's forces capture territory in Donetsk - amid Ukrainian strikes on region
• Ukraine destroys Russian bridge in Kursk region - report
• Kyiv hints at plan behind invasion of Russian towns
• Ukraine's invasion bringing world to 'brink of a third world war' claims Russian MP
• 'We could lose': Russian state TV commentators gloomy over Kursk
• Michael Clarke : Pokrovsk in real trouble as Russian troops advance
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all our live coverage on the war in Ukraine for now. 

We'll be back tomorrow with all the latest updates. 

Before we go, here's a reminder of today's key events: 

• An ally of Vladimir Putin - parliamentary deputy Mikail Sheremet - warned that Ukraine's invasion of Kursk had put the world "on the brink of a third world war";
• An anti-Putin group of Russians fighting on behalf of Ukraine urged Russian soldiers in Kursk to surrender and fight with Kyiv's army;
• Russian forces took control of the village of Serhiivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, according to the Russian defence ministry;
• A bridge over the River Seym in Kursk was destroyed in a Ukrainian attack, Russian state media reported, citing security officials;
• Ukrainian air force commander Mykola Oleschuk later shared a clip showing the moment a bridge in Kursk was hit, saying Ukrainian pilots had struck "enemy strongholds" and supply routes in the region. 

Nine people linked to the late Putin critic Alexei Navalny have been added to Russia's list of "terrorists and extremists", the news agency AFP has reported. 

It said those placed on the list include:

• Mr Navalny's former spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh
• His lawyers Olga Mikhailova and Alexander Fedulov
• The chair of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation Maria Pevchikh
• Opposition journalist Antonina Kravtsova
• Activist Olga Komleva
• Dmitry Nizovtsev, a host on Navalny's YouTube channel
• The YouTube channel's producer Nina Volokhonskaya
• Alexei Malyarevsky, a software programmer jailed for seven years for donating to Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation

The names were included on the website of the Russian financial monitoring service Rosfinmonitoring. 

The service is responsible to tackling the financing of people and groups that Russia has deemed as "terrorists" or involved in "extremist activity" and is able to freeze the bank accounts of those listed.

On X, Kyra Yarmysh claimed one of her accounts had been blocked within three hours of being added to the list. 

Mr Navalny died in February while serving a prison term in an Arctic penal colony. 

Russia's prison authorities said the 47-year-old died after a walk, but his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused investigators of trying to cover up his murder. 

Riding armoured vehicles and playing with dogs, Ukrainian troops are still firmly on the Russian border. 

Reuters has captured photos of them in Sumy - the area where they launched their surprise invasion of Russia's Kursk region last week. 

Since then, they've taken land and pushed on with their offensive, capturing the town of Sudzha yesterday and advancing up to 3km (1.8 miles) today, according to their commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. 

Five villages in Russia's Belgorod will be evacuated due to ongoing Ukrainian attacks, the region's governor has said. 

Writing on Telegram, Vyacheslav Gladkov said entry to the areas would not be allowed.

"From August 19, we are closing entry to five settlements in the region, resettling residents and helping to remove property," he said. 

Yesterday, Russia's Emergencies Ministry declared a "federal level" state of emergency in the Belgorod due to ongoing Ukrainian attacks. 

A regional-level state of emergency had been declared earlier in the week, and the change in status suggested a worsening situation in the region. 

A Ukrainian lion with "shellshock" is being driven 1,400 miles to start a new life in the UK.

Yuna has psychological issues and coordination problems after debris landed near her enclosure in January, according to a Kent animal sanctuary.

Yuna and male lion Rori - who's also said to be traumatised following a "massive attack" on Kyiv - are the first of five lions being rescued.

Read the full story here ...

Footage has emerged of the moment a bridge in Kursk was destroyed. 

Ukrainian air force commander Mykola Oleschuk shared the clip on Telegram, saying forces had taken part in "combat operations" in the Russian region.

He said Ukrainian pilots had hit "enemy strongholds", equipment, logistic centres and supply routes with the "high precision strikes". 

"Thank you to the pilots and everyone who ensures the combat work of aviation," he added. 

It comes after Russian state media reported a key bridge over the River Seym in the area had been destroyed by Ukraine. 

The destruction had made civilian evacuations harder, TASS news agency reported, citing Russian security officials. 

A man has admitted to being a member of Russia's Wagner Group but claimed he was only "pretending" to be involved.

Piotr Kucharski pleaded guilty to membership of a proscribed organisation between 15 September and 28 October 2023 at the Old Bailey today. 

As he entered his plea, the 49-year-old said: "Guilty that I was pretending that I was a member of the organisation."

Dan Pawson-Pounds, prosecuting, said: "There is no evidence that Mr Kucharski actually travelled to the location he claimed to have gone to, or engaged in the activities relating to the Wagner Group, so that is why the charge has been framed in the way it has."

Simon Gledhill, defending, said: "In short, he told people, and gave the impression that, he was a member of the group rather than being an actual member."

Kucharski listed his address as Watford, Hertfordshire, but he said after the hearing that he was from Poland.

He was convicted and served a 15-year sentence for armed robbery in Poland, the court was told.

He remains on conditional bail.

Who are the Wagner Group?

The group was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in September 2023, making it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group in the UK.

The group became a focus of the war in Ukraine in 2022, with its recruits helping Russia in the battle of Bakhmut - one of the bloodiest of the conflict. 

Its former leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, later organised a march on Moscow in an attempt to oust senior Russian military leaders over the treatment of his mercenaries and the handling of war. 

But, his attempted mutiny failed. He was later exiled by Vladimir Putin and died in a plane crash a short time later.

Three police officers have been injured in a drone attack in the Mykolaiv region, Ukraine's national police has said. 

In a post on Telegram, the force said the officers were in the southern Ukrainian area to document the aftermath of previous Russian attacks when a drone hit their car. 

It said they all received "explosive injuries" and were undergoing treatment. 

It also shared images purporting to show the damaged vehicle. 

Russia has summoned Italy's ambassador in Moscow after journalists entered the Kursk region. 

The Russian foreign ministry said the official had been summoned over an "illegal border crossing" by a team of correspondents from Italian state broadcaster RAI. 

It said the team had reported from Ukrainian-held parts of Kursk earlier this week. 

"A strong protest was expressed to the ambassador in connection with the actions of the film crew of the Italian state television and radio company "RAI", which illegally entered the territory of the Russian Federation to cover the criminal terrorist attack of Ukrainian militants in the Kursk region," it said on Telegram. 

"In gross violation of Russian legislation and elementary rules of journalistic ethics, the Italian correspondents used their stay in our country to whitewash the propaganda support for the crimes of the Kyiv regime." 

It said the actions of the journalists fell under Russia's criminal code and authorities were taking steps to "establish the circumstances of the crime". 

On Tuesday 6 August, Ukrainian forces launched their invasion of Russia's Kursk region. 

The offensive came as a shock, with Russian officials scrambling to respond as troops and armour poured across the border. 

The Ukrainian operation has been taking place under tight secrecy, with participating forces reportedly only told about it a day before it began.

Since then, fighting has continued and Ukraine has been able to advance further into the region. 

Yesterday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his troops had captured the largest Russian town to date - an area called Sudzha. 

Now, Ukraine's military has released footage purporting to show day one of the Kursk offensive. 

In the clip, a Ukrainian tank fires at the Sudzha border crossing terminal.

At least three Russian soldiers are seen signalling their surrender before a larger group exit the rubble of the terminal.

An even larger group of Russian prisoners are seen walking towards Ukrainian territory.

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Secret Room

Secret Room nightclub in Moscow reopening party

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Secret Room Bottle Service & VIP Table Booking

Secret Room Moscow is a popular club and bar known for its ambience and energetic vibes. The live music and an amazing crowd add to the popularity of this club located in Moscow. You will also find some popular hip-hop musicians singing at the club. The club is mostly attended by youngsters who make it completely lively place.

What are the cover charges of Secret Room Moscow?

The tips, taxes, and charges are covered in your reservation fee. It is recommended that you spend an additional 20% margin for tips and taxes.

What the timings of the club?

The club remains open from Thursday to Sunday between 12 – 6 am.

What is SECRET ROOM Bottle Service?

The bottle service at SECRET ROOM is suitable for those who want to party in their social group. However, it is recommended to book the bottle service in advance or you can even ask for the prices of CHAMPAGNE, VODKA, GIN, RUM, WHISKY, and TEQUILA on request.

What is the drink price at SECRET ROOM Moscow?

It depends on the drinks that you order. You will get to the charges on spot.

What is SECRET ROOM’s Dress Code?

You should wear smart casuals at Secret Room. There is a restriction on some kinds of clothes.Beachwear, sportswear, and tacky T-shirts and dresses are not recommended both for men and women. Women should not overly revealing dresses.

What is the guestlist at SECRET ROOM Moscow?

Visit the club’s website to get on the guest list make sure that you book in advance so that you do not face issues later.

What kind of music is played at SECRET ROOM Moscow?

You will get to groove on to the music played by the in-house DJ at this club. The choice of songs played over here is amazing and would lift your mood immediately. The music at this place makes the night even more energetic and lively and would make you groove on to the beats.

What is the waiting time at the club?

It is recommended that you arrive early if you do not want to wait in the queue for long. You can also make prior reservations to save a seat beforehand.

What is the best day to go at the club?

You can go on any of the days when the club remains open.

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