Room Of Tears

The Room of Tears Vatican City: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to the Room of Tears and Its Significance

The Room of Tears, known in Italian as the Stanza delle Lacrime, stands as one of the Vatican’s most private and emotionally charged spaces. Tucked discreetly adjacent to the Sistine Chapel within the Apostolic Palace, this chamber is not open to the public, but it holds profound historical and spiritual significance as the first sanctuary where a newly elected pope dons the white papal cassock and privately contemplates the immense responsibility of his office. The room’s evocative name stems from the tears shed by popes such as Leo XIII and John XXIII, highlighting the gravity and humanity of the transition from cardinal to pontiff. Architecturally modest yet symbolically rich, the Room of Tears bridges the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel’s masterpieces with the solemnity of papal succession. Even though visitors cannot access the room itself, understanding its history, symbolism, and role in the papal election process can greatly enrich any Vatican City visit (Catholic Exchange; InfoANS; Walks of Italy).

Introduction
Historical Background
Ritual Significance in the Papal Election
Visiting the Room of Tears and Vatican Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Additional Resources

Historical Background

Origins and Architectural Context

The Room of Tears, or Stanza delle Lacrime, is a small, unadorned antechamber located directly beside the Sistine Chapel, to the left of the altar beneath Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. The Sistine Chapel itself was completed in 1481, and since 1492, has been the site of papal conclaves, making the Room of Tears a longstanding part of the election tradition. Architecturally, the room is simple and designed for privacy, featuring minimal furnishings such as a dark wooden table, two chairs, a red sofa, and a coat rack. Fragments of Renaissance frescoes adorn the vaulted ceiling and lunettes, and a plaque commemorates its historical significance (InfoANS; Wikipedia).

Within the room are three sizes of white papal cassocks, prepared in anticipation of the election outcome, and several pairs of red papal shoes, symbolizing readiness for any cardinal to assume the role. Historical vestments, such as the cope of Pope Pius VI and the stole of Pope Pius VII, are also preserved here.

Evolution of the Room’s Role

For centuries, the Room of Tears has served as the private sanctuary where the newly elected pope changes into his papal attire and takes a moment to reflect before being presented to the world. The room’s name originates from the tears shed by popes upon realizing the magnitude of their new responsibility. Notable anecdotes include Pope Leo XIII, who wept after his 1878 election, and Pope John XXIII, who is said to have remarked on the ill fit of his cassock in 1958. The room continues to serve as a place of emotional release and spiritual preparation (Catholic Exchange).

Myths and Misconceptions

Popular myths, such as the idea that the Room of Tears was used to confirm the gender of the new pope (linked to the legend of Pope Joan), have been debunked by historians. The room has always served a practical and ceremonial—not investigative—function (Walks of Italy).

Ritual Significance in the Papal Election

The Transition from Cardinal to Pope

After the white smoke signals a successful papal election, the chosen cardinal is led from the Sistine Chapel to the Room of Tears. Here, he changes into the white cassock—symbolizing his transformation and the acceptance of the papacy. This moment is one of profound solitude, prayer, and contemplation (Catholic Exchange).

Vesting and Preparation

The new pope selects from three sizes of cassocks, dons the papal sash and zucchetto, and prepares for his first public appearance. The red papal shoes, present in the room, symbolize the Passion of Christ and the blood of martyrs, while the papal stole—worn for the first blessing—represents the yoke of Christ and papal authority (Aleteia; Catholic News Agency).

Emotional and Spiritual Weight

Popes often emerge from this room visibly moved, and many have described the experience as overwhelming. The tears shed here symbolize humility, awe, and acceptance of the Church’s most sacred responsibility.

Integration with Broader Vatican Rituals

Following his vesting, the pope is greeted by senior cardinals and then led to the loggia above St. Peter’s Square for the “Habemus Papam” announcement, linking the private rituals of the Room of Tears to the public life of the Church (Walks of Italy).

Symbolism and Legacy

The Room of Tears stands as a poignant reminder of the human dimension behind the papacy—a moment of vulnerability and transition that underscores the continuity of apostolic succession and the solemnity of Catholic leadership.

Visiting the Room of Tears and Vatican Visitor Information

Accessibility and Public Viewing

The Room of Tears is strictly off-limits to the public and cannot be visited on any Vatican tour, including exclusive or “secret rooms” itineraries (Romewise; Visit Vatican). However, its door—located on the left side of the altar in the Sistine Chapel—may be pointed out by knowledgeable guides during tours.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Visiting Hours and Tickets

Vatican Museums: Open Monday to Saturday, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). Closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of each month (free entry, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) (The Roman Guy).
Sistine Chapel: Accessed via the Vatican Museums. Closed during papal conclaves or major Church events.
Tickets: Adult tickets are approximately €17; discounts available for youth, students, and certain residents. Book online in advance to avoid long lines (Earth Trekkers).
Guided Tours: Consider skip-the-line or early morning/after-hours tours for a quieter experience (Italy With Us).

Dress Code and Security

Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. No sleeveless tops or short shorts. Hats are not permitted inside (The Roman Guy).
Security: All visitors pass through airport-style screening; large bags must be checked.

Accessibility

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel offer ramps and elevators for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges (The Roman Guy).

Practical Visitor Tips

Arrive Early: Early morning or late afternoon visits are less crowded.
Photography: Strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel.
Ask Guides: Inquire about the Room of Tears during your tour for historical context.
Plan Ahead: Book Vatican Museums tickets and tours well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Other Vatican City highlights include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Vatican Necropolis. For a comprehensive visit, explore related guides and resources:

Summary Table: Room of Tears Symbolism

Element	Symbolism	Source
Room of Tears	Emotional and spiritual transition; humility	Catholic Exchange
White Cassock	Purity, new life, readiness for service	Aleteia
Red Papal Shoes	Passion of Christ, blood of martyrs, apostolic succession	Catholic News Agency
Papal Stole	Authority, yoke of Christ, blessing	Aleteia
Private Prayer	Seeking divine guidance, spiritual preparation	Legit.ng

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I visit the Room of Tears?
No, it is strictly reserved for papal conclave participants and is not accessible to the public.

Why is it called the Room of Tears?
The name comes from the tears many newly elected popes shed here, reflecting the gravity of their new role.

What happens in the Room of Tears?
The new pope changes into his papal vestments, prays, and prepares for his first appearance.

Are there tours that include the Room of Tears?
No, but expert guides may point out its location and discuss its history during Sistine Chapel tours.

Do I need special tickets for the Room of Tears?
No. The room is not open for visitation or tours.

Visuals and Virtual Resources

Images: High-resolution photographs of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the altar area where the Room of Tears door is located (alt text: “Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes — Vatican historical sites”).
Map: Diagram showing the location of the Room of Tears within the Apostolic Palace (alt text: “Map showing Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel locations”).
Virtual Tours: Official Vatican Museums Virtual Tour.

Conclusion

While the Room of Tears remains hidden from public view, its history and symbolism offer a compelling lens through which to understand the emotional and spiritual foundation of the papacy. By learning about this sacred chamber and respecting the traditions that surround it, visitors to Vatican City can deepen their connection to the Church’s enduring legacy.

For up-to-date visitor information, expert audio guides, and exclusive Vatican insights, download the Audiala app and explore our related articles on the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City. Follow us on social media for the latest news and special tour offers.