Vatican to provide free access to Vatican Museums and catacombs on Sunday

Vatican to provide free access to Vatican Museums and catacombs on Sunday

The Vatican will provide free access Sunday to the Vatican Museums and all Rome catacombs normally open to the public.

The Vatican said Friday that the free access is part of initiatives for the 2006 European Heritage Days, which highlight architectural and cultural treasures in more than 40 countries.

The Vatican Museums, whose treasures include Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Italy, reports AP.

Also scheduled Sunday is the inauguration of a photograph exhibit entitled "Charity, Solidarity and the Catacombs" held at the Catacomb of San Callisto. The exhibit will remain open through Oct. 24, the Vatican said.