5 Highlights of the Vatican Museums

By
Lilly E
-
Photo by Nils on Unsplash

The Vatican is a must-see when in Rome. Not only is the Vatican the world’s smallest country, but it is also home to some of the most significant and breathtaking art in Western history.

Navigating through the museums is challenging as there is so much to see. These are the highlights we have selected that you won’t want to miss.

The Sistine Chapel

The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is the medium for Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes. The design covers 800 square meters and contains the famous image of God reaching down to mankind.

The Gregorian Egyptian Museum

Founded in 1839, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum hosts a collection of impressive artifacts that were discovered in ancient Egypt. You won’t want to miss it.

St Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica contains some of the most astonishing masterpieces you will see in your lifetime. From Michelangelo’s Pietà to the famous statue of St Peter, this is a section of the Vatican you would be a fool to miss.

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"𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒚, 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉…." – – – – – #IWillTakeYou to Rome, where I was granted a special permission to participate in a Scavi Tour. It is a tour to necropolis under the basilica. Those excavations are well-preserved, and you could even see the letter that's carved to the stones back then. The tour is strictly for people above 12, probably due to thin air underground, and it was so humid too. I was in a group of 12, led by an English-speaking guide named David, which explained perfectly about the situation back then and the things we see there. We saw the tombs of the Roman super rich family back then which are already centuries past, but still good and give us chills because it felt so real and up close. – – – – – Then finally we got to what is believed to be St. Peter's tomb. For you who doesn't get who he is, St. Peter was a disciple of Jesus, and for Catholics he was the first Pope, and he is the foundation of the Churches. I couldn't believe my own eyes. It was quiet, people couldn't say any words but staring at his tomb. Thoughts are everywhere. We were staring at something that's nearly 2000 years old and reminded us to someone we never met but feels like a guy we know well. Then a pastor in our group was asked to lead a prayer. He led us to say the Apostles' Creed. – – – – – Apostles' Creed was created by the apostles, the initial disciples of Jesus, it is a brief summary of their teaching and it's meaningful because when you say it, it is like you proclaim your faith. And saying it in front of St. Peter's tomb, made me imagine how they said it back then and with us there. It was a memorable chilly and teary moment. . . . . #rome #italy #basilica #basilicadisanpietro #stpetersbasilica #travel #traveling #holiday #summer

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Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms contain some of the finest art of the Renaissance period. There is no optimal method for exploring the art here, your gaze will be automatically guided by the stunning pieces around you.

St. Peter’s Dome

St. Peter’s Dome hosts another one of Michelangelo’s finest works. You will need to climb a winding staircase to access the dome, where you will witness one of the finest architectural works in Italian history.

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climbed a couple (551) steps for the ‘gram

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