What Are The Must See Things In The Vatican Museums?

The art and historical collections in the Vatican Museums are some of the best in the world. It can be daunting to know that there are "miles and miles" of art and things to see! The most important rooms can be visited without missing any information by taking guided tours. The masterpieces aren't just works of art; they also serve as historical evidences of the Vatican's wealth. The Vatican is a place where any curious traveler might easily spend an entire day, but not everyone has that kind of free time.

Attractions you absolutely must see In The Vatican Museums

Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina)

Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel between 1504 and 1508. In this hallowed space, visitors are requested to maintain silence, and taking pictures is not allowed. The breathtaking frescoes on the ceiling will definitely leave you in awe as you look up at them. The Last Judgement, the magnificent painting by Michelangelo, is located on the wall next to you.

Raphael Rooms (Stanza di Raffaello)

Another important sight is the Raphael Rooms. One of the most well-known Renaissance works of art can be found here: Raphael's "School of Athens." He reinterpreted this school of philosophers and mathematicians in a genuinely original way by swapping out the portraits of traditional thinkers like Plato with those of himself, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Bramante, and other artists.

Gallery of Maps (Galleria delle Carte Geografich)

Most tours of the Vatican Museums include a stop at the Gallery of Maps, which leads directly to the Sistine Chapel. The Gallery of Maps includes 16th-century maps, as you may have guessed. Given the era, these maps are remarkably accurate and detailed, and it is intriguing to examine them because they were created without the aid of contemporary technology.

Arazzi Gallery (Galleria degli Arazzi)

A beautiful hall filled with hand-woven tapestries made of wool, silk, even gold and silver threads can be seen in the Gallery of Tapestries, which also has direct access to the Sistine Chapel. The level of expertise and attention to detail in these works of art is extraordinary.

St. Peter's Basilica is an unquestionable must-see even if it isn't legally a part of the Vatican Museums. If you take a guided tour of the Museums, you can skip the line and enter the Basilica right away by using the fast-track entrance. It is unquestionably the Vatican's crowning achievement and a representation of Rome's skyline.