Bramante Staircase (Scala del Bramante) Tours
23 Reviews
The Bramante Staircase (Scala del Bramante), designed by Donato Bramante in 1505, is an innovative double-helix spiral lined with Doric columns that connects the Vatican’s Belvedere Palace to the city of Rome below. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and inspired Giuseppe Momo’s impressive 1930s staircase at the Vatican Museums exit.
The Basics
Many visitors mistake Giuseppe Momo's 1930s staircase for the historic Bramante Staircase, but the original was built more than 400 years earlier and is closed to the general public. Only private groups led by an official Vatican-approved tour guide are authorized to visit the elegant Renaissance staircase.
Some small-group guided tours of the Vatican Museums—among the most popular attractions in Italy—include access to the Bramante Staircase. Book in advance to avoid long ticket and entry lines. Extended tours generally also include stops in the Painting Gallery (Pinacoteca), Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, Gallery of the Candelabra, the Sistine Chapel with its frescoes by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms before moving on the St. Peter's Basilica.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a security check at the entrance to the Vatican Museums, so items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas must be left at the coat check.
- If your Vatican tour includes entry to the Sistine Chapel, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Vatican tours generally require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- The Bramante Staircase is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Vatican Museums are located adjacent St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano on Line A.
When to Get There
The museums are most crowded at midday, so opt for a morning (or early-access) tour or plan a visit in the offseason winter months if you prefer a quieter experience.
Visiting the Vatican’s Painting Gallery
Most Vatican Museum tours include a stop in the Painting Gallery, a highlight of the museum complex. Here you can view one of the world's best collections of works by Italian masters such as Giotto, da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
Address: Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Bramante Staircase (Scala del Bramante)
Sort by:Featured
Vatican Museums Tour with Bramante Staircase, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's
Skip the long lines and enjoy no-wait access to the Vatican Museums on this half-day tour. Visit the Vatican Paintings gallery, St. Peter's Basilica, and the spiral Bramante Staircase. Also, see Raphael’s Rooms, with frescoes painted by renowned Renaissance artist Raphael and the Gallery of Tapestries. Step inside the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s famous 'Creation of Adam' and 'Last Judgement' paintings.
…More
From
$113.63
From
$113.63
Strolling around Rome's city center enjoying art, culture and a vegan break!
Hi, I'm Sara, a tour guide madly in love with art, culture, Rome and nature!
I want to show you some of the most important, and iconic, Roman sites with a particolar attention to small and hidden treasures (alleys, small but beautiful palaces, and so on). I will offer you a vegan break in one of the ancient pastry-shop of the center (even non-vegan guests are welcome, of course! I only want to offer a cruelty-free option to those that love animals).
…More
From
$67.93
From
$67.93
Private Walking Tour Highlights of Rome
Benefit from exploring Rome's city center on a half-day walking tour with a private guide that features top attractions and classic street scenes. Take in landmarks such as the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, and the Piazza Farnese — the Palace of Pope Paul III. Walk at a leisurely pace that is suitable for most people, and have time to snap photos and ask any questions to your guide.
…More
From
$127.38
Price varies by group size
From
$127.38
Price varies by group size
Things to do near Rome
- Things to do in Lake Bracciano
- Things to do in Lake Bolsena
- Things to do in Assisi
- Things to do in Perugia
- Things to do in Siena
- Things to do in Naples
- Things to do in Pompeii
- Things to do in San Gimignano
- Things to do in Sorrento
- Things to do in Florence
- Things to do in Pisa
- Things to do in Bologna
- Things to do in Lazio
- Things to do in Umbria
- Things to do in Tuscany