Gay and Lesbian tour Rome: 'Vatican Museums in gay light'
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Gay and Lesbian tour Rome: 'Vatican Museums in gay light'

Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover all the hidden secrets about the private life of Michelangelo: scientists from all over the world now agree that he was homosexual and had a love story with a young poet.

This tour will make you discover the true history about gay and lesbian famous artists of the past trough those art works. Our researchers and our experts in history had discover evidence in different books, sculptures and poetry, that prove that a lot of famous personalities were homosexual.

Discover the Sistine Chapel and enjoy all the sculptures that will show you how gays and lesbians where very important. A time when inclusion existed and homosexuality was not a mere description but a way of life.

Available options

Gay and Lesbian tour Rome: 'Vatican Museums in gay light'

What's included

Highly qualified local expert Gay Friendly Guide
St.Peter ticket
3 Hours Escorted Tour
Skip the Line Tickets (Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel)

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

This tour at the Vatican Museums will show you what one of the greatest artists of all : Michelangelo.
The tour starts with the Vatican Museums’ tour. At first sight, you will be caught by the modern entrance built for the Jubilee in 2000, but then –inside the museums– the Sistine Chapel will amaze you.
The ceiling was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The order was originally to paint the twelve apostles, however Michelangelo demanded a free hand in the pictorial content of the scheme. He painted a series of nine pictures now worldwide famous.
However, the Church had some big homosexual scandals in theXVIth century: for example, Pope Julius III and his young lover Innocenzo del Monte, who became Cardinal at the age of 17.

You will be able to see the paintings of St. Sebastian, a Roman soldier and Christian Saint, patron of homosexuality. The history says that during the Black Plague St. Sebastian was invoked against pestilence and the identification of him with homosexuality strenghtened during Renaissance, when some artists painted him as a beautiful naked young boy tied up to a trunk or suffering the torments of piercing arrows.

Also, one of the biggest love stories in Rome was the one that Hadrianus, a Roman Emperor, had with Antinous. They were together until Antinous died drowned on a trip up the Nile in 130. Here you will see their sculptures and hear the story.

One of the masterpieces that you will see is the Torso del Belvedere, that probably represent the body of a muscle bear guy. It constitutes a real praise of the male body, that mostly of all of the artists tented to represent in their artworks.

In the Vatican Grottoes, the tomb of Princess Christine of Sweden (XVII century) who converted to Catholicism but was deliberately lesbian. She had a love story with the beautiful young court lady Ebba Sparre. Christine wrote her many love letters, where she declares her desperate love to Ebba. Christine aways refused any wedding the royal family proposed her, as she said, because ‘unable to accept any form of awe, which a wedding with a man always includes’

The Parnasus Fresco (1510 -1511), by Raffaello Sanzi, represents Mount Parnasus which the Greek mithology depicts as the Place of Muses. Eighteen poets are also to be found in this fresco. Amongst them, Sappho, the Greek Lesbian poetress is showing her name to the others.

In the Vatican Grottoes, the tomb of Princess Christine of Sweden (XVII century) who converted to Catholicism but was deliberately lesbian. She had a love story with the beautiful young court lady Ebba Sparre. Christine wrote her many love letters, where she declares her desperate love to Ebba. Christine aways refused any wedding the royal family proposed her, as she said, because ‘unable to accept any form of awe, which a wedding with a man always includes’

The Parnasus Fresco (1510 -1511), by Raffaello Sanzi, represents Mount Parnasus which the Greek mithology depicts as the Place of Muses. Eighteen poets are also to be found in this fresco. Amongst them, Sappho, the Greek Lesbian poetress is showing her name to the others.

2
Stop 2

Discover the hidden secrets of 'La Pietà' and of St. Peter Basilica

What's not included

Transfers
Gratuities
Tips
Flight and Accomodation
Everything not mentioned in the section 'The Price includes'

Available languages

Guide guide
EN IT ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of "Caffè Vaticano" at Viale Vaticano n.100

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Italian
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air
  • Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
  • Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center
By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica
30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli
30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto
120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
  • Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-75
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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