The Vatican Museums, located in the heart of Rome, are a treasure trove of some of the world's most iconic works of art and architecture. Established in the early 16th century, the museums house over 70,000 works of art, spanning from classical antiquity to the Renaissance, making it one of the largest art collections in the world.

The Vatican Museum tours are one of the most popular tours in the world. On the off-chance that you are taking the Vatican tours, here are the top 5 must-see attractions of the Vatican Museums:

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous attraction of the Vatican Museums and is a must-visit for art lovers. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the Sistine Chapel is famous for its ceiling frescoes, painted by Michelangelo. The Sistine Chapel is also used for papal conclaves, where cardinals gather to elect a new pope.

Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms are a series of four rooms located in the Apostolic Palace and are named after the famous Renaissance artist, Raphael. The frescoes depict scenes from the lives of the saints, the lives of Christ, and the lives of the Popes, and are considered to be some of the greatest works of the Italian Renaissance. The rooms are also famous for their architectural beauty, with ornate stucco decorations, coffered ceilings, and beautiful tapestries.

Laocoön and His Sons

Laocoön and His Sons is a famous ancient Greek sculpture, depicting the myth of Laocoön, a priest of Apollo, who was strangled by serpents sent by the gods. The sculpture is noted for its dynamic composition and the expressions of suffering on the faces of Laocoön and his sons.

Tapestries

The Vatican Museums are also famous for their magnificent collection of tapestries, which date from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The tapestries are considered to be some of the most beautiful and intricate works of art in the world and are a must-see for anyone interested in textiles and needlework.

Egyptian Collection

The Vatican Museums also house a large collection of Egyptian antiquities, including mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and other artefacts. Visitors to the museums can see a wide range of Egyptian artefacts, including objects from the Predynastic period, the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.

Buy your tickets for the Vatican Museum tours well in advance to beat the rush. Safely travel!