If you are visiting Rome, the Vatican Museum is among the most recommended sites to visit, especially if this is your first visit to the city. It is interesting to know that this museum, is considered one of the largest museums in the world. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous museums, began its journey with a small statue of someone who was a priestess of the city of Troy.
Today, the museum is a stopping point even for those who are not museum lovers, and a visit to Rome would not be complete if you skipped it.
The fascinating museum was built during the 16th century AD and in accordance with its name and the subject to which it is dedicated, it is located inside the Vatican City. During the tour of the place, you will discover that it is actually several separate museums that have been merged together and as such it also has quite a few separate galleries spanning over ten thousand rooms.
Passing through the many rooms in the museum, you can get an impression of spectacular exhibitions and unique collections that present the impressive history of the Vatican and of Italy in general and allow you to learn in a fascinating way about the great abilities of the Roman government during the Renaissance period. In this context, it is important to take into account that this is a huge place and if you consider yourself a history buff (and even if you are not), it is recommended to spend a good few hours visiting it.
Still, if your time is limited, here are some places you don’t want to miss:
The Sistine Chapel – the famous church located in the papal palace where the ceremony of electing the new pope was held. This chapel is also known for its frescoes which were painted by famous artists such as Michelangelo.
Pio Clementino Museum (Museo Pio-Clementino) – is a museum with classical Greek and Roman sculptures. This style characterized by precise proportions requires technique and experience and the sculptures in this museum act out some of the key events in history and mythology.
The Painting Gallery (Pinacoteca) – is a special gallery that presents an impressive collection of paintings that spans about twenty exhibition rooms. Among the famous artists whose works are displayed in the gallery, you will find Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and more.
Gregoriano Egizio Museum (Museo Gregoriano Egizio) – if you find ancient Egypt fascinating, you should visit this museum, especially if you are accompanied by small children. In the museum, you can see Khartoum letters, ancient cards, and special statues of pharaohs.
