The Vatican Museums are considered among the most important in the world, and a visit to them is a must for anyone traveling to Rome. Here, over the years, the Popes have gathered and preserved for for future generations some of the greatest masterpieces of all time, and some of the most precious artifacts of the past. Initially, the Popes placed the art collections found in their palaces at the disposition of the public, for the good of culture. At the beginning of the 1500s, Julius II was the first to expose, in the Octagonal Courtyard, a selection of valuable ancient sculptures. At the end of the eighteenth century, at Clement XIV and Pius VI’s initiative, the first organized artistic collection was opened to the public. From that time onwards, works continued to be added, resulting in a collection that covers a vast period of time in history, and a wide geographical scope, stretching from the world of ancient Egypt until today.
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Inside the Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (reserved entrance) + St. Peter’s Basilica
