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Visit Vatican Museums

Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world choose to visit the Vatican Museums.

Among the main works housed within the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel, famous for its extraordinary frescoes by Michelangelo. The most iconic work is the Last Judgment, painted on the altar wall between 1536 and 1541, depicting Christ judging souls, separating the blessed from the damned.

Another unmissable treasure in the museum complex is the Raphael Rooms, four rooms decorated by the artist and his workshop, commissioned by Pope Julius II. The frescoes in the Raphael Rooms not only represent theological and philosophical themes but also reflect the Renaissance ideal of harmony between reason and faith.

Another marvel inside the Vatican Museums is the Gallery of Maps, a long corridor decorated with 40 frescoed maps representing the Italian regions as they were known in the 16th century.

Inside the Vatican Museums in Rome

The Papal Collection

The collections housed in the Vatican Museums represent an open window onto the history of art and culture, from ancient classical civilizations to the Renaissance. Each Pope has contributed to collecting priceless treasures, creating over the centuries one of the most comprehensive and prestigious collections in the world.

Among the various sections of the museum, the following stand out in particular:

  • Pio-Clementino Museum: Focused on classical sculptures, here you will find extraordinary works such as the Laocoön and the Apollo Belvedere, dating back to the Roman and Greek eras.
  • Gregorian Egyptian Museum: Another gem of the Vatican Museums, housing a rich collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including sarcophagi, mummies, and statues.
  • Gregorian Etruscan Museum: A tribute to the Etruscan civilization, featuring objects that testify to the artistic and cultural evolution of this people, pre-Roman but crucial to the development of Italian culture.

Architectural spaces of immense beauty

Not only the art and internal collections, but the architectural structure of the Vatican Museums itself is a work of art. One of the most iconic spaces is the Pinecone Courtyard, designed by Bramante, named after the giant bronze pinecone that dominates it. From here, you can head to the Cortile del Belvedere, another spectacular space that, with its vast openness, offers a panoramic view of the Vatican buildings.

Plan your visit: useful tips

To make the most of your visit to the Vatican Museums, here are some practical tips:

  • Buy your ticket in advance to choose your preferred time, avoid long lines, and ensure access to the Museums.

  • Choose an audio guide to deepen your understanding of the works and history of the Vatican Museums. Available in several languages, it will guide you through the museum's various spaces, revealing curiosities and details you might otherwise overlook.

  • Wear comfortable shoes to best tackle the long path of the Museums with its numerous rooms and galleries to explore.

  • Take advantage of less crowded times, such as early morning or late afternoon, when visitor numbers may be slightly lower. Planning your visit during these times can make the experience more pleasant and relaxing.

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