Visit the Vatican Museums

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

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

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

Another marvel of 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.

The Papal Collection

The collections housed in the Vatican Museums are an open window on the history of art and culture, from the 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: dedicated to classical sculpture, here you will find extraordinary works such as the Laocoön and the Apollo Belvedere, from the Roman and Greek periods.
• Gregorian Egyptian Museum: another jewel of the Vatican Museums, housing a rich collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt, including sarcophagi, mummies and statues.
• Gregorian Etruscan Museum: a tribute to the Etruscan civilization, with objects testifying to the artistic and cultural evolution of this pre-Roman people, which played a decisive role in the development of Italian culture.

Architectural spaces of immense beauty

As well as the art and internal collections, 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 and named after the giant bronze pine cone that dominates it. From here, you can go to the Cortile del Belvedere (Belvedere Courtyard). This is another spectacular space, with its vast openness offering a panoramic view of the Vatican buildings.

Planning 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 queues, 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 take you through the various rooms of the Museum, revealing curiosities and details that you might otherwise overlook.

• Wear comfortable shoes to make the most of the Museum's long route, with its many 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 enjoyable and relaxing.