The Vatican Museums, nestled within the heart of Vatican City, are a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. From the grandeur of the Cortile del Belvedere to the intricate details of the Pinacoteca, every corner tells a story. Let’s embark on a journey through these iconic landmarks.
1. Cortile del Belvedere: A Grand Introduction
Your journey through history and art begins right here, first stop: The Courtyard of Belvedere. When I entered the Vatican Museums, I immediately appreciated this inner courtyard for its sheer magnitude and uniqueness. Moreover, you can view it from above as you commence your tour of the various museums.
If you get the chance to visit the Vatican Museums on a sunny day, you’ll undoubtedly be thrilled to see Arnaldo Pomodoro’s bronze sculpture “Sphere within a Sphere”. The beauty of this piece lies in the mechanism that allows the sphere to slowly move when there’s wind. From certain angles, you can capture the sculpture with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the background. If you’re into photography, this is truly a one-of-a-kind shot!
As you stroll along, you can see on one side of the courtyard the bronze sculpture of the Pinecone, a work discovered in the Middle Ages near the Baths of Agrippa and mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy. This is why this courtyard is also referred to as the Courtyard of the Pinecone.
2. Museo Gregoriano Egizio: A Glimpse of Ancient Egypt
Step two, you’re now inside one of the many museums you’ll explore on your Vatican tour: the Museo Gregoriano Egizio. Suddenly, you’re transported amidst mummies, hieroglyphics, and papyrus from ancient Egypt. Here, you can also discover artifacts from ancient Rome and Villa Adriana (Tivoli).
This museum boasts nine rooms, each housing distinct collections. You’ll journey from ancient Egyptian religious artifacts to a room that preserves Roman-era imitations of Egyptian statues, once used as decorations in Rome’s sacred spaces. As you walk through the museum, the sight of genuine sarcophagi is truly captivating.
What I particularly enjoy about this initial museum is observing tourists, completely mesmerized by everything they witness. Personally, this museum was a delightful revelation for me, as I had never before delved into the era of the ancient Egyptians. Moreover, within the Vatican Museums, one doesn’t anticipate encountering an Egyptian museum, making the experience of being thrust back thousands of years even more exhilarating!
3. Statua del Nilo: A Testament to Time
Map in hand! Now continue your journey through the Museo Chiaramonti. This area was entirely set up by Canova. Here you can find about a thousand ancient sculptures of all kinds. There are portraits, deities, urns, ornaments, and so forth. But one thing you must absolutely see is the wing of the Braccio Nuovo; it’s truly captivating!
This section of the Vatican Museums houses famous statues, including our next highlight: the Statue of the Nile. This is a must-visit stop; the artwork is genuinely imposing, a pleasure to behold, and an undeniable masterpiece. The statue depicts the Nile River lying on its side, resting on the Sphinx, powerfully evoking Egypt with the various exotic animals present in the sculpture.
An intriguing fact about this statue is that it was transferred to the Louvre due to Napoleon’s military victories, which forced the Papal State to relinquish some of its masterpieces. However, after Napoleon’s defeat, the Vatican regained possession of the Nile statue. I share this to emphasize the rich tapestry of history surrounding you as you wander through the Vatican Museums. Here, you encounter unique pieces—works that have withstood the test of time and hold paramount significance in the annals of art history!
4. Gruppo del Laocoonte: A Tale of Tragedy
The next stop on our tour is the Museo Pio Clementino. This is a MAJOR stop. In fact, this museum is the largest complex within the Vatican Museums, boasting a whopping 12 rooms that will immerse you in collections from the Roman and Greek epochs. Right here, you can find the Gruppo del Laocoonte (depicted in the photo), a highly significant sculpture narrating an episode from Virgil’s Aeneid.
The masterpiece showcases the Trojan priest Laocoön being assaulted, along with his sons, by sea serpents. This tragic event unfolds because Laocoön warned the Trojans not to accept the Wooden Horse, which the Greeks had gifted them. As a consequence of his warning, Athena and Poseidon send two sea serpents to attack Laocoön and his offspring. Of course, you can easily infer the reason behind this; today, we are all too aware that the horse was to be used by the Greeks to infiltrate and lay siege to the city of Troy.
This sculpture holds paramount importance as it symbolizes a pivotal episode leading to the founding of Rome. The assault and demise of the figures portrayed in the sculpture allowed Aeneas to escape and consequently lead to the establishment of Rome. It’s worth noting that Romulus and Remus, as per legend, are direct descendants of Aeneas. Another fascinating tidbit is that this sculpture once belonged to Emperor Titus, only to be rediscovered many centuries later during an excavation witnessed by none other than Michelangelo himself.
Did you know that the Vatican Museums were founded in 1506 precisely due to the discovery of the Laocoön Group? Well, now you grasp why it’s paramount to pause and appreciate this work of art!
5. Torso del Belvedere: A Fragment of History
We remain within the Museo Pio Clementino to discuss another highly significant masterpiece: the Torso del Belvedere! This sculpture is highly sought after within the museum, bearing a wealth of history, and for this very reason, it’s continually encircled by tourists. If you aim to get a closer look, you’ll definitely need to navigate through the crowd, but in the end, you’ll succeed 🙂
But what makes it so paramount? It’s a Greek marble sculpture from the 1st century BC, which profoundly influenced the course of art history (alongside the Laocoön Group). The artwork showcases the bare torso of a man attempting to lift himself. Some suggest that the depicted individual is Hercules at the conclusion of his twelve labors. There are many theories, but to this day, we cannot be certain since only the torso of the sculpture remains.
Over the centuries, the Torso del Belvedere was an integral part of the collection housed within Palazzo Colonna on the Quirinal Hill. Only in the 16th century was it incorporated into the papal collections and closely studied by legends like Michelangelo and Raphael. Later, it was confiscated by Napoleon and returned to the Vatican in the early half of the 19th century. Ah! Are you curious about the name of the sculpture? Originally, it was located in the Cortile del Belvedere within the Vatican Museums, which I mentioned earlier!
6. Sala degli Animali: A Sculpted Zoo
Within the Museo Pio Clementino, there are a series of rooms that are a must-see. One that particularly struck me is Room IV: the Sala degli Animali. Why should you make your way here? Before you lies a veritable zoo composed of sculptures of animals, the undisputed stars in this section of the museum. The level of detail in these works is astounding, and it’s worth pausing to appreciate them.
This is undoubtedly one of the sections of the Vatican Museums that will leave a lasting impression on you. The fusion of divinities with animals makes this hall one of the most beautiful and unique throughout your entire visit. One thing I observed during my time here is that not all visitors linger in this area. For this reason, I’ve chosen to highlight it in this guide because, in my opinion, it truly deserves undivided attention and admiration!
7. Sala delle Muse: A Tribute to Art
Here we are, stop number 7! We’re still in the Museo Pio Clementino, ready to marvel at the Sala delle Muse, one of the most exquisite rooms in the museum. This chamber stands out to every observer as it showcases a series of statues of the muses, deities from Greek religion who symbolized the supreme ideals of art.
One distinct feature of this room that immediately catches the eye is the rich red paint adorned on the octagonal walls surrounding us. Over the centuries, this replaced some landscape frescoes that we no longer see today. Looking upwards, you can also spot artworks depicting Apollo and the muses. These figures truly epitomize the essence of art.
This section of the Vatican Museums is genuinely a perfect frame. As you can clearly see, the Museo Pio Clementino houses an abundance of art, which is why I’ve chosen to dedicate multiple stops to it. I’m certain you’ll love it. Ah! Remember, the Sala delle Muse is situated near the Torso del Belvedere and the Sala degli Animali. If you’re not on a guided tour, make sure you don’t miss out on anything! 🙂
8. Galleria delle Carte Geografiche: Mapping Italy’s Past
Here we are at a stop that particularly struck me: the Galleria delle Carte Geografiche. Of course, standing before the Sistine Chapel, almost nothing can compete. However, this gallery truly leaves a lasting impression of the museums, especially if you’re Italian. Along the walls of this 120-meter corridor, you can admire geographic maps of all Italian regions, crafted between 1580 and 1585. Each map is complemented by depictions of significant religious events that occurred in that region, which are showcased on the ceiling.
This highlights how the Italy we recognize today, in terms of both geography and art, has always been interconnected. This Gallery was constructed centuries before Italy’s unification, a crucial detail underscoring how our nation has been tightly bound for hundreds of years.
One charming aspect of this gallery is watching other tourists as they observe the map of their home region and pinpoint a particular spot. Considering these geographical maps were crafted in the 16th century, it provides insight into the profound understanding of geography during those times! After all, there was no internet or Google back then! 🙂
9. Stanze di Raffaello: A Renaissance Masterpiece
We’re delving deep into our visit! The exquisite Stanze di Raffaello await. Wherever you turn, it’s impossible not to admire the frescoes on the walls of these four rooms. As you can infer from the name, the decorations were crafted by Raphael and his pupils to adorn the new papal apartments, with work carried out between 1508 and 1524.
A fresco you simply cannot miss is the one in the picture: Raphael’s School of Athens, created in the early 1500s and located in the Stanza della Segnatura. This fresco embodies human wisdom, portraying the arts of arithmetic, geometry, grammar, music, astronomy, rhetoric, and dialectics.
In my view, these rooms are genuine masterpieces. Each one is more enchanting than the last. As you walk through and gaze around, you comprehend the immense history surrounding you. It’s no coincidence that I chose to write this guide specifically about this area of the Vatican Museums. If you can, do read it, as it’s truly worthwhile. I like to think that for 500 years, many individuals like me have traversed these halls, numerous artists, countless popes; it’s genuinely a unique sensation!
10. Cappella Sistina: Michelangelo’s Magnum Opus
The heart of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, is a testament to Michelangelo’s genius. From the iconic “Creation of Adam” to the “Last Judgment,” every fresco tells a story of faith, hope, and salvation.
11. Cortile della Pinacoteca: A Breath of Fresh Air
One of the first sights you’ll encounter on your visit is this beautiful courtyard. It’s called the Cortile della Pinacoteca, and you’ll see it again after visiting the Sistine Chapel. From here, you’ll have several directions to choose from; I recommend comfortably following the route discussed in this guide. But let’s get to the point!
Why dedicate a stop to this courtyard? You should know that from here, you have a unique view of the Vatican’s greenery and, most importantly, St. Peter’s Dome. This vantage point is exactly what you see in the top photo. For me, it’s one of the most captivating spots throughout the entire visit as it fully immerses you into the world’s smallest state.
Visit this spot, as it’s also a great opportunity to snap a few selfies with the famous dome in the background. This is definitely a different perspective than usual, and you’ll love it!
12. Pinacoteca: A Gallery of Greats
We’re halfway through our tour, next stop: Pinacoteca Vaticana. This wing of the Museums is perfect due to the lighting conditions that enhance the atmosphere and showcase all artworks flawlessly. Here, you can find masterpieces from artists who have become legends in the world of art: Raphael, Leonardo, Giotto, Titian, and Caravaggio. Impressive, right? 🙂
The lighting in this wing of the Museums truly emphasizes all the works that the artists have created across these 16 rooms. Each room is unique in its own way as it’s dedicated to a particular artist, setting it apart from the others. If you’re an art lover, you absolutely cannot miss this stop at the Vatican Museums.
This collection is genuinely one-of-a-kind; you can lose yourself in the works of some of the greatest artists of all time. These are unparalleled masterpieces. If you’re into photography, you certainly won’t want to miss the chance to capture a few shots under this unique lighting!
13. Padiglione delle Carrozze: A Ride Through Time
We’ve reached one of the must-see stops before leaving the Vatican Museums: The Carriage Pavilion. Beware! Many people think there’s nothing left to see once the usual path is finished. Remember not to immediately descend the spiral staircase, as it leads out of the Vatican Museums. Contrarily, The Carriage Pavilion is in a separate section, and it’s one of the rooms that, in my opinion, you absolutely must visit. Follow the signs, and you’ll find your way!
In this section, you can admire carriages and cars used by the Popes over time. The one that stands out the most is the Berlina di Gran Gala, crafted in the first half of the 19th century, now prominently displayed in this pavilion.
An interesting tidbit is that, in the last century, car manufacturers would go to great lengths to donate their finest vehicles, now showcased in this expansive hall. There’s also a video explaining the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II; you can find it next to the car he was in on that fateful day. I recommend paying attention to it.
14. Scala Elicoidale: An Architectural Marvel
We’re nearing the end of our journey through the Vatican Museums. In the picture, you can see the Spiral Staircase by Giuseppe Momo, an Italian engineer and architect who created numerous works in Piemonte and Rome during the twentieth century. The Spiral Staircase is one of the most spectacular and well-known staircases in the world, an architectural masterpiece that makes any photo taken from top to bottom, or vice versa, truly magical.
While many see it merely as the exit from the Vatican Museums, I view it as a work of art and architecture. To capture a unique photo, I recommend waiting until tourists vacate the ramp, which is almost impossible, but with a bit of luck, you can achieve your goal!
If there are children with you, they will surely be captivated by the uniqueness of the staircase. Once you’ve descended, my advice is to look up and marvel at the special effect given by that perspective.
15. Giardini Vaticani: A Green Oasis (Bonus)
I know, the last stop was supposed to be the final one, but before wrapping up, I absolutely had to tell you about the Vatican Gardens, one of the many beauties of the Vatican that you can visit alongside the Vatican Museums since they’re included in the same ticket (if selected).
We’re talking about a green space that covers more than half of the Vatican City state. If you’ve watched the series “The Young Pope” by Sorrentino, then you’ll understand exactly what I’m referring to!
The Vatican Gardens are meticulously maintained, and it’s right here that the Pope has his personal garden. The purpose of this green oasis is to provide a place of peace and rest for the pontiff. This tradition has been ongoing for many centuries, which is why it’s essential to visit.
If you happen to climb to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, take a moment to look at everything surrounding the basilica. You’ll see a vast green area. Well, those are the Vatican Gardens, and you’ll undoubtedly be eager to explore them 🙂.
