Highlights of Vatican Museums

One of the most stunning architectural features in the Vatican Museums is the Bramante Staircase. Designed by Donato Bramante in the early 16th century, the staircase is an impressive double helix that leads visitors from the ground floor to the upper floor of the Vatican Museums. This incredible feat of engineering is a testament to Bramante's architectural genius and is considered one of the most important architectural achievements of the Renaissance. Also Explore: Staircase in Vatican Museums

Raphael's Transfiguration is considered by many art historians to be one of the greatest paintings ever created. It is housed in the Vatican Museums's Pinacoteca, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in art. The painting depicts the transfiguration of Jesus Christ and is a masterpiece of composition, colour, and light. It is a Vatican Museums highlight that should not be missed.

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The Apollo Belvedere is one of the most famous classical sculptures in the world. The marble statue depicts the Greek god Apollo and is believed to have been sculpted in the 2nd century AD. The statue is housed in the Octagonal Courtyard of the Vatican Museums, where visitors can admire its exquisite beauty and intricate details up close. Also Read: Chapel of St. Peter Martyr

Another of the Vatican Museums highlights is the statue of Laocoon, which dates back to the 1st century BC. It is a masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture and depicts the Trojan priest Laocoon and his sons being attacked by serpents. The statue is housed in the Octagonal Courtyard of the Vatican Museums, where visitors can marvel at its lifelike detail and emotional intensity.

The Rotunda Room is a highlight of the Vatican Museums and is home to some of the museum's most stunning works of art. The room is circular and features a stunning domed ceiling. Visitors can admire the room's incredible frescoes, which depict scenes from the life of Constantine the Great, as well as the stunning statues that line the room. Must Explore: Galleries in Vatican Museums

The School of Athens is one of the most famous frescoes in the world and is a Vatican Museums highlight that should not be missed. Painted by Raphael in the early 16th century, the fresco depicts a gathering of the greatest thinkers of ancient Greece. It is housed in the Stanze di Raffaello, which is a series of rooms that were once used as the private apartments of Pope Julius II.

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The Pinecone Courtyard is a beautiful courtyard located in the heart of the Vatican Museums. It is named after the giant bronze pinecone that is located in the center of the courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by beautiful statues and is a peaceful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the museum. Also Read: Inside Vatican Museums

The Tapestries Hall is another highlight of the Vatican Museums. It is located on the second floor of the museum and features an impressive collection of tapestries created in the 16th century by Flemish weavers. The Gallery of Tapestries depict the life of Jesus Christ and were commissioned by Pope Leo X. The intricate designs and vibrant colours of the tapestries are a testament to the skill of the weavers who created them.

Next on the list of Vatican Museums highlights is the Maps Room, also known as the Gallery of Geographic Maps. This impressive room features a collection of maps of Italy and the world, created by Ignazio Danti in the late 16th century. In the Gallery of Maps, maps are painted on the walls and ceiling of the room, and each one features intricate details and beautiful colors. Visitors can spend hours admiring the maps and exploring the different regions they depict.

The Porphyry Basin is a stunning work of art that is housed in the Vatican Museums's Rotunda Room. The basin is made of porphyry, which is a rare and beautiful purple stone. The basin dates back to the 3rd century AD and is considered one of the most important examples of ancient Roman sculpture.

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The Papal Apartments are a series of rooms used by the popes from the 16th to the 20th century. The apartments are located on the third floor of the Vatican Palace and are decorated with impressive works of art, including frescoes by Raphael and other famous Renaissance artists. Visitors can explore the different rooms of the apartments, including the Borgia Apartment, which was once used by Pope Alexander VI.

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Last but certainly not least, the Sistine Chapel is the crown jewel of the Vatican Museums. Located at the end of the museum's tour route, the chapel is famous for its stunning ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo, which depict scenes from the Bible, including the creation of Adam and the Last Judgment. The chapel also features beautiful frescoes on its walls by other famous Renaissance artists, including Botticelli and Perugino. Visitors can spend hours admiring the chapel's breathtaking artwork and soaking in its peaceful atmosphere.