Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums

Visitors can explore the Vatican Museums through a series of interconnected galleries and halls, each offering a unique and enriching experience. Due to the vastness of the collections, it is recommended to plan ample time for the visit. The museums are a testament to the cultural and artistic richness of the Vatican and are a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history lovers.

The Vatican Museums, Musei Vaticani in Italian, are a group of art and Christian museums located within Vatican City. They are among the most visited museums in the world, and they house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries. The museums are renowned for their vast and diverse collections, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern times.

Sistine Chapel

Perhaps the most famous attraction within the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The ceiling depicts scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic “Creation of Adam.”

Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms, a series of interconnected rooms decorated by the Renaissance artist Raphael and his workshop, are another highlight. The Stanze di Raffaello contain some of Raphael’s most celebrated works, including “The School of Athens.”

Gallery of Maps

This gallery features a series of painted topographical maps of Italy, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th century. The maps provide a fascinating historical perspective on the geography of Italy.

Pio-Clementino Museum

This museum houses classical sculptures collected by popes over the centuries. Notable sculptures include the Laocoön and the Apollo Belvedere.

Vatican Pinacoteca

The Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery) features an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Fra Angelico, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

Egyptian Museum

The Vatican Museums also have an Egyptian Museum with artifacts from ancient Egypt, including mummies, statues, and other archaeological finds.

Ethnological Museum

This museum explores the history and culture of various peoples around the world, with a particular focus on artifacts related to missions and evangelization.

Gregorian Etruscan Museum

Focused on Etruscan art and artifacts, this museum showcases objects from pre-Roman Italy.