For communication security reasons, the service is provided by the Basilica through its official concessionaire (JTL – Whisper).
The earphone service is available from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays from 12:30 to 17:30.
If groups already have their own earphones, different from those provided under this regulation, they must stop using them for the entire duration of the visit.
If the group already has devices supplied by the same concessionaire, they may continue to use the earphones they already possess, upon payment of the required fees at the Welcome Desk.
The cost of each rented device (or corresponding usage fee) is € 1.50.
The devices must be collected at the portico of the Papal Basilica. They must be returned at the exit point, also located at the portico.
It is also reminded that, in the aforementioned areas, only the following persons are authorized to provide explanations, in compliance with the current regulations:
- LICENSED GUIDE – Explanations may be given only by a licensed guide authorized to practice the profession and holding the appropriate identification card, which must be displayed during the entire visit within the basilica area.
- TEACHER ON A SCHOOL VISIT – Explanations may be given by a teacher on a school visit with their group of students, only upon presentation, on the day of the visit, of an official document on the school’s letterhead. In this case, the teacher will be authorized to explain and may use the earphone service.
- UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR ON A UNIVERSITY VISIT – Explanations may be given by a university professor visiting with their group of students, only upon presentation, on the day of the visit, of an official document on the university’s letterhead. In this case, the professor will be authorized to explain and may use the earphone service.
- PRIESTS WITH PILGRIMAGE GROUPS – Explanations may be given by a priest visiting with a group of pilgrims, only upon presentation, on the day of the visit, of an official document on the parish’s letterhead. In this case, the priest will be authorized to explain and may use the earphone service.
The earphone service will be provided only and exclusively in the presence of the above-mentioned persons. The Basilica’s authorized staff may intervene to immediately stop any behavior contrary to these provisions.
