Vatican Museum
Vatican City is an independent, recognized state under the sovereignty of the Holy See, where the Pope of the Catholic Church reigns as an absolute monarch. With an area of just 0.44 km2, it's the smallest state in the world with 824 residents recorded in 2008. Yet, despite its tiny size, this state has its own printing press, publishing works in many languages and even has a daily and a weekly newspaper. It also has its own stamps and mints its currency, usable throughout the rest of Italy. Vatican City is a unique place in Rome and indeed the world. Located near the Tiber River, which flows through the heart of Rome, it's one of the most magical places to visit. The St. Peter's Basilica, its palaces, and stunning gardens make it truly special. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as visiting is a must for every tourist in Rome.
The 9 Hotel Cesàri is perfect for your Vatican visit
On the last Sunday of each month, except in June and July, the museums are open for free from 9 am to 2 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm). Our 4-star hotel in the heart of Rome is just a 25-minute walk from the Vatican. The walk is delightful as you will cross Rome's historical center, passing through Piazza Navona and then onto the "Vittorio Emanuele II" bridge, leading straight to the Vatican. Don't hesitate and book at the best rate for your stay in Rome.
Several museums are located within Vatican City. Here's a list of the most significant and renowned ones.
Vatican Museums and their Collections
Vatican Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of art and antiquities, including paintings, sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, and ancient manuscripts. Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, it was opened to the public in 1747. Located within Vatican City, the museum boasts over 50,000 objects, ranging from paintings, sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, ancient manuscripts, and much more.
One of the museum's top attractions is the Gallery of Maps, which holds a collection of ancient geographic maps and detailed wall maps. There's also the Hall of Candelabras, which features a collection of antique sculptures, as well as the Sistine Chapel, one of the world's most renowned buildings.
The Vatican Museum is also known for its religious art collections, including paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. There's a significant collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, as well as Asian and African art pieces.
Generally, the Vatican Museum is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to explore humanity's artistic and cultural heritage.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is among the world's most famous and important religious structures. It's situated in the Apostolic Palace, the Pope's official residence, and the seat of the Vatican City state's government. The chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century and was consecrated in 1483.
Most notably, the Sistine Chapel is adorned with exquisite frescoes painted by the era's greatest artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Sandro Botticelli. These frescoes cover the walls and the ceiling, depicting biblical and religious scenes, like the creation of Adam and the Last Judgment.
Besides its paintings, the Sistine Chapel is renowned for its sculptures, mosaics, and ornate stuccos. The chapel's furniture, including the papal seat, is magnificent, epitomizing Renaissance wood carving artistry.
Vatican Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)
The Vatican Pinacoteca is an art gallery situated within Vatican City in Rome, Italy. Established in the 19th century, it houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures, as well as other significant art pieces.
The gallery is especially renowned for its Italian Renaissance painting collections, featuring works by illustrious artists like Raphael, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, and Fra Bartolomeo. The paintings span various subjects, from portraits and religious scenes to landscapes and still lifes.
In addition to paintings, the Vatican Pinacoteca also contains a collection of ancient sculptures, including pieces from ancient Greece and Rome. It has a foreign art collection too, comprising European and Asian paintings and sculptures.
A work by Leonardo da Vinci, "Saint John the Baptist," is also displayed in the Vatican Pinacoteca. This painting depicts Saint John the Baptist in a desert landscape, his arms raised prophetically.
While Leonardo da Vinci is predominantly renowned for his inventions and contributions to science, he's also esteemed as one of history's greatest artists. His "Saint John the Baptist" painting exemplifies his creative genius and his skill in capturing human nature's beauty and intricacy.
Gregorian Egyptian Museum
Dedicated to ancient Egyptian art and culture, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum is part of the Vatican Museums. Established in the 19th century by Pope Gregory XVI, from whom it takes its name, the museum has since grown and enriched with new acquisitions and donations. Today, it's one of the world's foremost Egyptian art museums, drawing thousands of visitors yearly.
It's particularly acclaimed for its collection of Egyptian sculptures, including statues of pharaohs, gods, and goddesses. There's also a significant collection of Egyptian paintings, comprising mural paintings and papyrus paintings. Everyday objects like jewelry and household items offer a captivating glimpse into ancient Egyptian life.
Chiaramonti Museum
This museum houses a collection of ancient sculptures, featuring works from ancient Greece and Rome.
Established in the 19th century, the Chiaramonti Museum is named after Pope Pius VII, known as Chiaramonti before his papal election. The museum was designed to accommodate a collection of ancient sculptures amassed by the Popes over centuries.
It boasts an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, including statues of gods and goddesses, portraits of prominent Roman citizens, and busts of famous personalities from antiquity. Displayed works span from ancient Greece to ancient Rome, offering a riveting insight into the art and culture of the ancients.
All these museums are essential visits during your day at the Vatican, equally as indispensable as the famous St. Peter's Basilica, guaranteeing a packed day!
Don't hesitate to seek advice from the teams at the 9Hotel Cesàri. They'll be more than happy to assist you in preparing for your visit.
