The Vatican Museums are a collection of museums located in the Vatican City, which is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church. The museums contain some of the world’s most important and valuable collections of art, sculpture, and historical artifacts.
The Vatican Museums were founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, and have since grown to include several different collections and galleries. Some of the most famous sections of the museums include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps.
The Sistine Chapel is a famous chapel located within the Vatican Museums, which is famous for its stunning ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The Raphael Rooms are a series of four rooms that were painted by Raphael and his students between 1508 and 1524, and contain some of the most beautiful frescoes in the world.
The Gallery of Maps is a long corridor that contains a series of maps of Italy painted on the walls and ceiling in the 16th century. Other notable sections of the Vatican Museums include the Egyptian Museum, the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, and the Pinacoteca, which contains a collection of paintings by some of the most famous artists in history.
The Vatican Museums are a major tourist attraction and receive millions of visitors each year. Visitors can explore the various collections and galleries at their own pace or take a guided tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance to avoid long lines, and some areas of the museums may have restricted access or require additional fees.