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"Claudio is an engaging, enthusiastic and approachable tour guide. His knowledge and passion for the Vatican museum and gallery offers amazing insight. His conversational style of touring was the perfect approach to elevate the tour. He had an answer for every curiosity and there was never a dull moment. The sights are incredible on their own, but Claudio's tour enrichens the experience beyond comparison. We would highly recommend him.” (Gianni from Canada, Septembre 2025)

"Claudio was fantastic. He ensures that the group is not too big which allows the opportunity to connect both with him and the rest of your group. He is an extremely knowledgeable student of art and overall was a great experience.” (Alexia from South Africa, Septembre 2025)

"Claudio is an engaging, enthusiastic and approachable tour guide. His knowledge and passion for the Vatican museum and gallery offers amazing insight. His conversational style of touring was the perfect approach to elevate the tour. He had an answer for every curiosity and there was never a dull moment. The sights are incredible on their own, but Claudio's tour enrichens the experience beyond comparison. We would highly recommend him.” (Gianni from Canada, Septembre 2025) "Claudio was fantastic. He ensures that the group is not too big which allows the opportunity to connect both with him and the rest of your group. He is an extremely knowledgeable student of art and overall was a great experience.” (Alexia from South Africa, Septembre 2025)

The Popes.

Who are the Popes, and why do they matter? What is the origin of the Papacy? Why has it remained so influential for nearly 2,000 years?

In a small group of no more than 8 people, through the collections of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, we will trace the rise of the Papacy from saint Peter, the first pope, to Pope Leo today. Over the course of history, 267 popes have shaped the Church and the world, with some leaving particularly lasting legacies.

Together, we will explore key questions such as:

  • How did it all start?

  • What is the role of a Pope?

  • How are Popes elected? What happens during the Cardinal’s conclave?

  • How did the Vatican’s extraordinary art collection come to be, shaped by the vision and ambition of the Popes?

  • Buongiorno, I am Claudio and I have been going to the Vatican Museums since I was a little boy. I am born and raised in Rome.

    I am an art historian with a PhD from La Sapienza University. I earned a double degree and a PhD under the supervision of Professor Alessandro Zuccari, one of the world’s leading experts on Caravaggio. Specializing in late 16th- and early 17th-century painting, I also work with contemporary art, curating exhibitions and cultural events.

    I write for Il Foglio and scientific journals on art history topics, and I host an interview column with Masters for the magazine Storia dell’arte. I have participated in international conferences at prestigious institutions such as the Warburg Institute.

    I am also involved in educational outreach, collaborating with Menarini to produce videos in Italian and English, available on YouTube, which have obtained over 500,000 views.

    I founded and direct the cultural association and online magazine L’Amletico, dedicated to cultural insights and the organization of artistic events.

    I am a member of the scientific committee of the Museo Laboratorio d’Arte in Tor Bella Monaca, with which I have organized the Festival dello Stupore and other events.

    Currently, I work as a consultant for the Galleria Borghese and serve as an official guide at the Vatican Museums.

  • The Vatican Museums are, first and foremost, the Papal Palace—a symbol of faith, power, and politics. As we explore its halls, we will uncover the legacy of each Pope through their artistic and architectural contributions, including:

    • Pinacoteca Vaticana – The masterpieces of Italian painting assembled under Pope Pius XI.

    • Torre dei Venti – The creation of the modern calendar by Pope Gregory XIII

    • Braccio Nuovo – The retrieval of ancient sculpture taken by Napoleon under Pope Pius VII (Chiaramonti).

    • Cortile del Belvedere – The first rooms of the museums, open in 1506 by Pope Julius II della Rovere

    • Galleria dei Candelabri – The grand sculpture gallery created under Pope Pius VI Braschi.

    • Galleria degli Arazzi – Home to magnificent tapestries, assembled under Pope Clement VII de’ Medici and Urbano VIII Barberini.

    • Galleria delle Carte Geografiche – The remarkable cartographic hall commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII.

    • Apartments of Raphael – The private chambers of Pope Julius II, featuring Raphael’s masterpieces.

    • Apartments of Borgia – The rooms built for the controversial Pope Alexander VI Borgia.

    • Contemporary Art Collection – A rich yet intimate collection of modern works, initiated by Pope Paul VI.

    • Sistine Chapel – The site of papal conclaves, where the Pope is still elected today.

    At the end of the storytelling, we will have the opportunity to take a moment to reflect and discuss over a coffee or water in the beautiful Giardino Quadrato before you continue your visit of the museums on your own.

    Our goal is to gain a deep understanding of the Pope—a devoted patron of the arts, the representative of God on Earth according to the Roman Catholic Church, and the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.

  • * Includes Skip-the-line tickets. We will walk right in without waiting.

    * The ticket will allow you to walk freely within the Vatican Museums afterwards, for as long as you’d like.

    * Includes a coffee or water at the end of the tour.

    * Our group will be small and intimate, with a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring a more personal and immersive experience.

  • Tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

    The tour takes place within the Vatican State, through the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. We meet in front of the entrance of the Vatican Museums, adress: Vatican Museums, 00120 Città del Vaticano.

    Upon booking, your confirmation email will include all relevant information.

  • Special occasion? Proposal? Team building? Send us a message through our Contact Form on this website.