(Above photo - The Pantheon at night - Rome wasn't built in a day.... )
Rome was the first stop on our summer trip to Italy as part of our mini Grand Tour. I have been to Rome a few times now and each time I marvel at it's beauty, style and history. It was great to visit with my children - 14 and 16 - who I think were old enough to appreciate it. Walking around the ruins at The Forum in the shadow's of the Colosseum you get the great sense of history. It's a walk in, interactive museum and having learnt about it at school I could tell my teenagers were mesmerized. We spent three nights in Rome including a highlight - of many - at the Vatican City Museum. The photo gallery is at the bottom.Â
Rome’s Vatican City is home to magnificent collections of art that span centuries. Essentially, Vatical City is a gallery of significant architectural and artistic productions. If you haven’t been to Rome – Vatican City (Gallery), you should visit it someday. Â
( Above Photo: Rome’s Vatican City )
The Vatican City has several museums with a comprehensive collection of artistic, archeological, and ethno-anthropology items gathered by various Popes across the centuries. Besides, some rooms in Vatican City are solely dedicated to housing items that once belonged to the popes.
Vatican City has many museums, the most notable being the Vatican Historical Museum. It was established in 1973 by Pope Paul VI with a collection under Vatican’s square garden. In 1987, the museum was moved to the Lateran Apostolic Palace’s main floor. From 1991, public members were allowed to visit the museum and behold its outstanding collection of historical items.
Another notable installation is the Vatican City Museum, established in 1503 by Pope Julius II. It has a collection of assorted art pieces from past popes, affluent families, and private collections of future popes once they become public.
Vatican museums present an array of artistic items that make them the perfect galleries of things related to ancient Rome and the Catholic Church. With the growing need for space to host more articles, the decision was made to build the Vatican Historical Museum. Â
( Above Photo: Vatican City )
The Vatican Historical Museum has two wings – the principal section and the annex wing. You can view the museum’s historical and artistic artifacts in the principal wing. There are also paintings of Papal States in the principal section of the museum.
It is one of the best places to visit in Rome – Vatican City (gallery). You’ll behold items showing the history of the Catholic Church, which once ruled over a large portion of Italy and Europe from the 8th century to 1870. Â
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - Vatican City Classical Busts )
Various memorabilia of Papal States, including ancient artifacts, religious pieces, and old documents, are on display. You’ll learn about the history of Rome that resulted in Vatican City becoming a distinctive country.
The annex wing is on the ground floor and carries more oversized historical items. So, you shouldn’t be surprised to find exquisitely decorated carriages, wagons, saddles, and the Pope’s first car. You will also see Vatican City’s first train engine.
Other Attractions in Rome – Vatican City
Besides the museums, there are many other things to see in Vatican City. One of the notable attractions is the Sistine Chapel, built in the late 1400s by Leonardo da Vinci. There’s also the red marble papal throne with several frescoes and mosaics.
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Vatican City is also home to an extensive gallery of maps. The painted topographical maps were commissioned in 1580 and painted by Ignazio Danzi. Also, don’t miss viewing the gallery of statues in the Pio Clementino Museum. Â
The Bottom Line Â
Rome’s Vatican City has both religious and historical significance. It is home to several well-equipped museums and art galleries. Make the Vatican part of your itinerary if you’re planning to visit Italy. Â
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - The Colosseum Rome )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - The Forum Roman Ruins and Classical Temple )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - The Forum Roman Ruins and Temples )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - The Forum Roman Ruins )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - Trajans Column )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - Trevi Fountain Rome )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - Vatican City Museum Interior )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - Vatican City Museum )
(Above photo - Canonbury Antiques Grand Tour - Vatican City Roman Marble Culpture )
All photographs Copyright Martin Worster
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