After a few weeks of social distancing, even—we hate to say it—Netflix is starting to get old. Same goes for all of the audiobooks and podcasts you’ve downloaded to cure your boredom. Luckily, there are countless virtual tours of museums, theme parks, and gardens to enjoy in these times. Whether you’re looking for a way to keep your kids busy or you simply want to safely get your culture fix, start up your computer and click here to take a tour the Vatican’s seven popular sites, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and more.
Start with a 360º view of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. While the painted ceiling is a showstopper, each chapel wall explores a different aspect of the Christian faith journey: the stories of Moses, Christ, and the Popes throughout history. Then work your way through the remaining Vatican museums: Pio Clementino Museum, Chiaramonti Museum, New Wing, Raphael’s Rooms, Niccoline Chapel, and Room of the Chiaroscuri.
Right now, Vatican City—like many other public gathering spaces around the world—is completely empty. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Italian government issued a national lockdown, causing Pope Francis to cancel all public appearances through April 3. In the meantime, you can get a glimpse of what the Vatican is like in real time with an around-the-clock live stream, which includes the Pope’s daily mass.
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Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
