Overview

A labyrinth of art and history nestled within the Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are among the most revered cultural institutions in the world. Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, the museums now span over 7 kilometres of galleries and corridors, housing one of the most extensive and valuable art collections ever assembled. Visitors are taken on a spiritual and artistic journey through centuries of history, from classical antiquities and Renaissance masterpieces to Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes. The highlight for many is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes — including The Creation of Adam — and The Last Judgement behind the altar leave viewers in stunned silence. Other marvels include the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the Pinecone Courtyard, each revealing layers of the Church’s relationship with art, science, and faith.

The museums are more than a showcase of Catholic wealth — they are a cultural legacy that transcends religious boundaries. Artworks by Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giotto illustrate the evolution of Western art, while collections from ancient Mesopotamia, the Islamic world, and Asia offer a broader global perspective. The meticulous curation and immaculate preservation efforts uphold the Vatican’s role as a guardian of world heritage. Despite the awe inspired by its treasures, visiting the Vatican Museums is as much a spiritual experience as it is an artistic one. It’s a pilgrimage through beauty, intellect, and divine inspiration, wrapped in the gravitas of history. Each room, each sculpture, each painting whispers the echoes of centuries past, uniting the sacred and the sublime in one breathtaking encounter.

Curated by the World Travel Awards