The Vatican Museums, located in the heart of Rome, represent one of the most important and visited art collections in the world. With more than 6 million visitors a year, they are a place where art, spirituality and history are uniquely intertwined, famous not only for their vastness but also for masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Stanze and the famous Laocoon.
To visit the Vatican Museums is to immerse oneself in a journey that spans centuries of art and culture, being enchanted by the beauty of the works. However, to fully enjoy this experience, it is essential to plan your visit carefully, avoiding long lines and choosing carefully what to see.
A historical look
The Vatican Museums originated in 1506, when Pope Julius II acquired the Laocoon sculpture group, one of the most iconic works of classical art. This was the first step toward the creation of a collection that would become a symbol of papal patronage. Over the following centuries, each pontiff enriched the museums with new works, from Renaissance frescoes to Roman and Greek antiquities, transforming them into an extraordinary record of art history.
Over time, the Vatican Museums expanded to include galleries, courtyards, and rooms reflecting the artistic and cultural evolution of different eras. From a simple private collection, they have become a point of reference for scholars and art enthusiasts from all over the world. Even today, their function is not only to preserve masterpieces but also to promote culture through temporary exhibitions and educational tours.
For those who love painting…
Among the most famous attractions is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, decorated by Michelangelo with the famous ceiling narrating episodes from Genesis and the majestic Last Judgment. To enter this room is to experience a moment of pure wonder, immersed in the details and majesty of one of the most famous masterpieces in art history.
The Raphael Rooms represent another highlight of the tour. Frescoed by the great Renaissance master, these rooms are a triumph of beauty and symbolism, with works such as the “School of Athens” celebrating classical philosophy. The Gallery of Geographical Maps, on the other hand, is a long corridor adorned with frescoed maps of the regions of Italy, an extraordinary work that testifies to the cartographic knowledge of the 16th century.
…For those who prefer sculpture
Some people prefer impressive sculptures to frescoes. If this is the case, the Pio-Clementino Museum will be a must-see for you: it houses masterpieces such as the Apollo del Belvedere and the Laocoon, symbols of classical art. Finally, the Cortile della Pigna offers an outdoor break, with its imposing bronze sculpture that gives the courtyard its name. Every corner of the Vatican Museums holds a story, making it impossible to visit everything in one day.
Useful information and shortcuts
The Vatican Museums are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission allowed at 4 p.m. They remain closed on Sundays, except for the last of the month, when free admission is available from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tickets cost €17 for full admission and €8 for reduced admission, with an additional €4 charge for online booking, which is highly recommended to avoid long lines. Also, by booking directly on the official website, you can gain access without going through the ticket office.
Choosing the right time of day is crucial, in fact visiting the Museums early in the morning or late in the afternoon allows you to enjoy the tour in greater tranquility, away from the crowds, and fully experience the magic of these places, being fascinated by the art and history that make them unique.