Vatican Museums - The Vatican Museums, situated within Vatican City, comprise a series of art and historical museums that display a vast collection of artwork and artifacts accumulated by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the museums feature over 50 galleries and halls, covering approximately 7 kilometers of exhibition space. Highlights include Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael’s “School of Athens,” and the Gallery of Maps, which showcases 16th-century topographical maps of Italy. The collections encompass sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and archaeological finds from ancient civilizations, offering visitors a thorough exploration of art history.

Cortile della Pigna - The Pinecone Courtyard, or Cortile della Pigna, is a charming open space within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. Named after the massive bronze pinecone sculpture at its center, which is believed to have originally decorated a Roman fountain, this courtyard is surrounded by Renaissance architecture and adorned with ancient statues and fragments. It serves as a peaceful retreat within the busy museum complex, where visitors can appreciate the detailed pinecone sculpture and enjoy the serene ambiance. The courtyard often provides a moment of rest and reflection for museum-goers amidst the extensive art and history of the Vatican Museums.

Gallery Of The Maps - The Gallery of Maps, or Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, is a notable feature within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. This impressive gallery is decorated with large-scale frescoes of maps depicting Italy and its regions, created in the 16th century. Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and executed by Ignazio Danti, these maps illustrate the detailed geography, towns, and landscapes of Italy as understood during the Renaissance. The Gallery of Maps offers a unique blend of cartography and artistic expression from centuries ago, making it a fascinating and educational experience within the Vatican Museums.

Stanze di Raffaello - The Raphael Rooms, or Stanze di Raffaello, are a series of four connected chambers in the Vatican Palace in Vatican City. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, these rooms were adorned by the famous Italian Renaissance artist Raphael and his workshop. Each room features stunning frescoes that combine religious and secular themes, showcasing Raphael’s expertise in composition, color, and perspective. The most renowned of these frescoes is “The School of Athens,” located in the Room of the Segnatura, depicting a gathering of ancient philosophers and intellectuals. The Raphael Rooms highlight the artistic brilliance of the High Renaissance and are a major attraction in the Vatican Museums, captivating art lovers and tourists with their beauty and complexity.

Sistine Chapel - The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic and revered sites in Vatican City. Constructed in the late 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel is famous for its magnificent Renaissance art, especially Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Completed between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo’s frescoes illustrate scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment on the altar wall. The detailed, vibrant, and symbolically rich frescoes are among the world’s most celebrated artworks. The Sistine Chapel also features frescoes by other Renaissance artists like Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio. Besides its artistic significance, the Sistine Chapel holds great importance for the Catholic Church, hosting papal elections (conclaves) and other key ceremonies.

St. Peter’s Basilica - St. Peter’s Basilica is included in the ticket but not in the guided experience. The guide will provide an introduction from outside and then allow you to visit on your own. The guide will explain how to appreciate masterpieces such as La Pietà, the statue of St. Peter, the Baldacchino, and the famous papal tombs of John Paul II and John XXIII, so you can explore them independently if you wish.

• Skip the Line tickets to the Vatican Museums & St. Peter Basilica
• Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica
• Licensed Local Tour Guide
• Group of max 20 people
• Headset Cost (if needed)