Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums), Rome (must see)

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over centuries. With approximately 70,000 works, of which 20,000 are on display, they rank among the most significant museums in the world and are the second most-visited art museum after the Louvre.

The museums trace their origins to Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. Their foundation is closely linked to the discovery of the famous Roman sculpture "Laocoon and His Sons" in 1506. Following expert advice from Michelangelo and Giuliano da Sangallo, who was an Italian sculptor, architect, and military engineer, the Pope acquired the piece and put it on display. Over time, the collection expanded, with Pope Pius IX establishing the Museum Christianum and Lateran Museum in 1854. In 2006, the museums celebrated their 500th anniversary by opening the Vatican Hill necropolis to the public.

The museums include 24 galleries, culminating in the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and The Last Judgment. Other highlights include the Raphael Rooms, featuring masterpieces like The School of Athens, and the Vatican Art Gallery, showcasing works by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and Veronese.

Several museums surrounding the Belvedere Courtyard specialize in sculpture. The Pio-Clementino Museum is the most prominent, housing Greek and Roman sculptures, such as Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and His Sons. The Chiaramonti Museum displays statues, friezes, and sarcophagi, while the Gregoriano Etrusco and Gregoriano Egiziano museums feature Etruscan and Egyptian antiquities, respectively.

The Vatican Historical Museum (established in 1973) displays papal artifacts, including a red marble papal throne. The Gallery of Maps, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII, remains the largest geographical pictorial study ever created. The Borgia Apartment, once home to Pope Alexander VI, contains Renaissance frescoes. Another highlight is the Bramante Staircase, a stunning double-helix design from 1932.

Tip:
Before embarking on a visit, ensure you have a satisfying breakfast and wear comfortable walking shoes. It can be helpful to prioritize a few key pieces of art that you don't want to miss and focus on experiencing those. Alternatively, if you wish to explore the entire collection, plan for multiple visits.

It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance online, particularly for an afternoon visit during the middle of the week. Saturdays and Mondays tend to be the busiest days, so opting for other times can enhance your experience.