The Vatican Museums
The world’s smallest state encompasses a heritage of 2,000 years of history and art of the Catholic Church, proudly displayed to both pilgrims and tourists alike. From the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to the Raphael Rooms, here’s what you need to know before planning your visit to the Vatican Museums.
The Vatican became an independent nation in 1929, following an agreement between Pope Pius XI and Mussolini. That day, it became the smallest country in the world, measuring only 44 hectares.
The Vatican houses the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and among these institutions are the Vatican Museums, one of the most valuable artistic treasures not only of Rome but of humanity.
If this is your first getaway to the Italian capital and you’re looking for what to see in Rome in three days, keep reading as we outline everything you need to know about the Vatican’s halls.
Vatican Halls to Visit
“The School of Athens” in the Room of the Seal, one of the Raphael Rooms
One of the highlights of the Vatican Museums is the Raphael Rooms. These consist of four rooms decorated with frescoes by the great Renaissance painter Raphael. They are:
1. Room of the Seal
2. Room of Heliodorus
3. Room of the Fire in the Borgo
4. Room of Constantine
Some of these frescoes are among the most famous in universal art, such as “The School of Athens” and “Adam and Eve.”
And addition to the Raphael Rooms, lesser-known collections attract groups with various interests: ancient sculpture in the Museum of Secular Art, discoveries from catacombs and early churches in the Museum of Sacred Art, the perfection of the Vatican gardens, or the collection of candelabras and tapestries in the Gallery of Maps.
Both the Vatican statues and thousands of historical pieces of Christian art are displayed in over 50 galleries within the city.
The Sistine Chapel: An Essential Visit in the Vatican Museums
“The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel ceiling
As time is of the essence, we recommend other must-visit places in the Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica—the most important religious building in Catholicism—and the Sistine Chapel, home to the crowning artistic work in the history of painting. It’s also worth visiting the rooms of the Vatican Palace, which are magnificently decorated by the greatest artists of their time.
Highlighted Works in the Vatican Museums
“The School of Athens,” a work by Raphael in the Vatican Museums
Around 70,000 paintings and sculptures make up the treasures of the Vatican in Rome. In addition to Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, you will find his majestic sculpture “La Pietà” in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Other significant works to see in the Vatican Museums include Caravaggio’s “The Entombment” (Vatican Pinacoteca), Van Gogh’s “The Pietà,” and the famous Matisse Room (Modern and Contemporary Art Collection), Raphael’s “The School of Athens” (Raphael Rooms), and “The Transfiguration” (Vatican Pinacoteca), as well as the frescoes by Fra Angelico (Nicoline Chapel).
Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Basilica is the heart of the Vatican state. Its square, one of the most popular in Rome, welcomes about 18 million visitors each year, both pilgrims and tourists.
The magnificent basilica was built between the 16th and 18th centuries on the site where St. Peter is believed to have been buried. Famous among Rome’s monuments, its majestic nave measures 185 meters long and 46 meters high; it is so large that it can accommodate about 60,000 people.
Climbing the 330 steps to the dome allows you to appreciate stunning views of St. Peter’s Square and parts of the Vatican City.
From here, you can easily reach some of the most important places in the Italian capital, such as Piazza Venezia, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Spanish Steps.
Tickets and Guided Tours of the Vatican Museums
The helicoidal staircase leading to the Vatican Museums
When asked how much it costs to enter the Vatican, the answer is “nothing.” However, the museums do charge admission, and it’s essential to organize your visit to explore these spaces in Vatican City, as they are among the most visited places in the world.
Just like with tickets for the Roman Colosseum, you can make an online reservation. Tickets for the Vatican Museums start at 17 euros for adults, 8 euros for children aged 6 to 17, and free for children under 6.
You can purchase your tickets for the Vatican Halls on the official Vatican Museums website, but availability is very limited, and you should reserve about 40 to 50 days in advance of your visit. The best way to avoid complications is to book a tour of the Vatican Museums. The guided tour includes priority entry and a 3-hour tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, along with other must-see places in the Vatican.
How to Get There
The nearest metro station to the Vatican is Ottaviano, followed by about a 10-minute walk. To maximize savings during your visit, there is an option to enter the Vatican Museums for free on the last Sunday of each month. Just be sure to arrive early, as free entry is only until 12:30 PM, and long lines form quickly.
After visiting the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square, you can continue exploring other nearby places in Rome, such as Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere, one of the most charming Roman neighborhoods.
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