Visiting the Vatican Museums is a great way to learn more about the history and art of the Catholic Church. There are several different museums to choose from, including the Gregorian Egyptian Museum and the Gregorian Etruscan Museum. There are also the Borgia Apartments and the Raphael Rooms to visit. The Pio Clementino Museum is also a must-see.
St. Peter's Basilica
Visiting the Vatican is a whirlwind journey through thousands of years of history. In order to make the most of your visit, you'll need to plan ahead. In this guide, we've compiled a few of the most important things you should know before you head off on your journey.
The first thing you should know is that the Vatican is actually a country, and not just a city. It is located in Italy, and is a self-declared state. In fact, it is the smallest nation in the world, with a population of just 920 full-time residents.
The Vatican also happens to be home to the largest art collection in the world. In fact, its collection could wrap four and a half times around the walls of the Vatican.
Gregorian Egyptian Museum & Gregorian Etruscan Museum
Located in the Palace of the Belvedere, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum & Gregorian Etruscan Museum are part of the Vatican Museums. These museums contain artifacts from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The Egyptian museum contains sarcophagi, sculptures, hieroglyphs, and papyrus. These are displayed in an ornate series of galleries. Among the most notable exhibits are the Book of the Dead, which consists of formulas to accompany the deceased to the afterlife.
The collection of Egyptian artifacts was begun by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum is one of the most exciting and intriguing of the Vatican Museums.
This museum focuses on the ancient Egyptian civilization. Several Egyptian artifacts, such as statues and sarcophagi, were brought to Rome during the Roman Empire. The collection also includes artifacts from ancient Syria and Mesopotamia.
Pio Clementino Museum
Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican is one of the most visited art museums in the world. Visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours to suit their interests. These tours include skip-the-line tickets to some of the most popular exhibits.
The Sistine Chapel is the most famous gallery in the museum. It's a 134-foot-long mural that was painted by Michelangelo. It is a masterpiece that remains in its original location and is a must-see on any tour of the Vatican.
There are several other interesting exhibits to see in the Vatican. The Pio Clementino Museum is the largest inside the Museums, and contains some of the most important Greek and Roman works of art. There are also several statues by Raphael.
Raphael Rooms
Among the most famous Renaissance interiors in the world, the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican are a must-see attraction. This collection of frescoes was painted by the Renaissance artist Raphael. They are considered a vital part of art history, just as the Sistine Chapel.
The Raphael Rooms are located in the apartments of Pope Julius II. These were originally intended as a private study for the pontiff. It was completed in 1508-1524, and it is now a part of the public portion of the papal apartments.
The room is decorated with an illusionistic ceiling. It contains 244 manuscripts. The room is filled with murals that show ancient religious and historic events. Despite its size, it is easy to tour the room.
One of the most recognizable paintings in the Raphael Rooms is The School of Athens. It was painted by Raphael and his workshop between 1508 and 1524. This painting symbolizes the marriage of art and science. It is a depiction of the Greek philosopher Diogenes. The most famous figure is Justice, who holds a sword.
Borgia Apartments
Visiting the Vatican Museums is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. This collection of art and religious paraphernalia contains the works of some of the world's most famous Renaissance artists. It is also home to the Sistine Chapel fresco by Michelangelo. Visiting the Vatican Museums is a great way to learn about the history of the Catholic Church.
Pope Sixtus IV commissioned the building of the Sistine Chapel in 1473. The fresco, which has been painted by Michelangelo, is one of the most recognizable pieces in the world. The chapel is 44 feet wide and 134 feet long.
The Vatican is home to the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace, and the Raphael Rooms. The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Roman Catholic Pope. It is a complex of private and public chapels and apartments.