The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a group of rooms of artistic value that is located in the Vatican City, which belongs to the Italian peninsula and is located in the smallest sovereign and independent state in the world, without access to the sea. This microstate is best known for hosting the Holy See of the Catholic Church.
The origin of the complex dates back to the year 1503 and is made up of monuments, galleries, pontifical buildings, thematic museums, gardens and also the spectacular Vatican Library. The entire complex offers an extensive collection of centuries-old works.
Interesting Vatican Museums Facts
The first interesting fact to know is that the Vatican microstate was not recognized as sovereign until 1929, which means that it is a young state whose population reaches 800 inhabitants. Despite its size, the state is capable of receiving the thousands of tourists who visit its territory every day to admire the Vatican Museums.
In 1984, the Vatican Museums were recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco due to their high cultural value. Hence, it is considered a very well guarded treasure by members of the army and, of course, museum personnel.
In this sense, it should be remembered that the protection of the state is carried out by the Swiss Guard, a military body made up of a hundred soldiers. Therefore, when visiting the Vatican Museums, tourists can come across these professionals dressed in their traditional uniforms, something that undoubtedly elevates the cultural value of the city.
Another interesting fact to know is that during the month of February 2000, the monumental entrance to the museums was inaugurated. This entrance is located to the north of the Vatican walls, near the old entrance of Giuseppe Momo. At this entrance is the helical staircase designed by Antonio Maraini.
The monumental-sized staircase lacks steps and is rather a double spiral ramp. It is often confused with the famous Bramante Staircase located near the Momo Staircase. The following image belongs to Momo’s work and which, currently, is the exit of the museum.
Must to see?
- The Sacred Museum.
- The Profane Museum.
- The Sistine Chapel.
- The Pío Clementino Museum.
- The Ethnological Missionary Museum.
- The Vatican Gallery.
- The Gregorian Museum of Egyptian Art and Etruscan Art.
- The Chiaramonti Museum and the Vatican Pinacoteca.
- The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
- The majesty of the square and St. Peter’s Basilica. This represents about 27% of the total surface of the state.
Other attractions of the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are not only an exhibition of ecclesiastical art from various eras, there are other offers of cultural interest, for example, The Gallery of Maps is a true gem for all those who love cartography.
Likewise, it is possible to visit the impressive exhibitions of art from Antiquity that are grouped in the collection of the Profane Museum.
The works bring together pieces, both painting and sculpture and other arts, dating from very distant times. An example of this are the frescoes with stories from Homer’s Odyssey .
Visitors can also witness religious events of great importance, such as papal audiences. In fact, this is one of the great draws for parishioners who want to live their faith.
Types of visits
For lovers of art and tranquility, there are offers of semi-private visits to the Vatican Museums. The best thing about these visits is that queues will not be necessary when purchasing the ticket. On the other hand, these visits include a professional tour guide throughout the entire tour.
Other types of guided tours include night tours with food tasting. This is a very attractive option, given the rich history that exists in the Vatican cookbook. The local food buffet is simply exquisite for the palate.
As in other places in the world, Vatican City also has a tour bus service that welcomes tourists to the Sightseeing Tourist Center , next to St. Peter’s Square.
