As mentioned in the previous post, the Vatican Museums of Vatican City in Rome are one of the most incredible museums in the world. The largest dedicated floor space of a museum in the world, it is home to a varied collection that encompasses Renaissance masterpieces (such as the Sistine Chapel), architectural gems, Egyptian artifacts, Ancient Greek and Roman statuary and much more besides. There is a reason that it is the most visited museum in Italy, one of the most visited museums in the world and garners over seven million visitors a year: it is a truly astounding place. Just find a vacation rental in Rome and check out our guide to helping you plan a visit.
There is so much to see that you cannot possible do it all in one visit (or even many). Instead, narrow down your list to a few key attractions and sections by browsing some of the most important parts of the museums below!
There is so much to see that you cannot possible do it all in one visit (or even many). Instead, narrow down your list to a few key attractions and sections by browsing some of the most important parts of the museums below!
1. St. Peter's Square
Starting off, before even entering the museums or even Vatican City, itself, take your time to admire the grandest entrance to the Vatican, the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. The incredible fountains and the tall obelisk that decorate the square interior and the sheer size and awesome architecture of the semicircular arms of colonnades that stretch from each side of St. Peter’s Basilica to envelop the square will take your breath away. Once you've gotten your pictures and your breath back, head into the Vatican City and begin exploring the museums themselves.
2. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is the absolute highlight for many. With every inch of wall of its ornate interior illustrated with frescoes by famous Italian artists, particularly the famous ceiling by Michelangelo, it is a rather extraordinary sight.
Starting off, before even entering the museums or even Vatican City, itself, take your time to admire the grandest entrance to the Vatican, the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. The incredible fountains and the tall obelisk that decorate the square interior and the sheer size and awesome architecture of the semicircular arms of colonnades that stretch from each side of St. Peter’s Basilica to envelop the square will take your breath away. Once you've gotten your pictures and your breath back, head into the Vatican City and begin exploring the museums themselves.
2. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is the absolute highlight for many. With every inch of wall of its ornate interior illustrated with frescoes by famous Italian artists, particularly the famous ceiling by Michelangelo, it is a rather extraordinary sight.
Its origins date back to the reign of Pope Sixtus IV, when, between 1482 and 1483, a team of highly skilled Renaissance painters were commissioned to fill the interior walls of this chapel with biblical scenes. Then, between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo Buonarroti was commissioned to complete the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel under the rule of Pope Julius II. The most famous scenes in his cycle being the iconic masterpieces that are ‘Creation’ and ‘The Last Judgement’. When it was revealed, it immediately stunned the world and had a profound effect on the history of art. Today, it is one of the most visited and beloved works of art in the world.
For more beloved and stunning works of art and sections of the museums that are must-sees, be sure to read on to the rest of this series.
For more beloved and stunning works of art and sections of the museums that are must-sees, be sure to read on to the rest of this series.