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Journeys

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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Imagine wandering through a treasure trove of history, where each corner holds a story carved in stone. This is exactly what you experience when exploring the Vatican Museums, a place where time seems to stand still. The journey begins with the seeds planted by Julius II between 1503 and 1513, who gathered a stunning collection of ancient sculptures. Fast forward to Clement XIII's era from 1758 to 1769, when the dream of the museum truly took shape with the Museo Profano, showcasing magnificent Greek and Roman sculptures with the guidance of Winckelmann.

The Museo Pio Clementino, founded under Clement XIV and Pius VI, from 1769 to 1799, is a must-see. It proudly displays masterpieces like the Apollo del Belvedere, the Laocoön group, and the Torso del Belvedere. Then, between 1807 and 1810, Pius VII's reign saw the establishment of the Chiaramonti Museum by Canova, which became a haven for Roman sculptures that transport you back in time.

The Braccio Nuovo opened its doors in 1822, unveiling over 150 sculptures, each more impressive than the last. Imagine standing before the wounded Amazon, the Doryphoros, the colossal statue of the Nile, and the Augustus of Prima Porta. It's a breathtaking sight. Gregory XVI continued this legacy by opening the Gregorian Etruscan Museum in 1837, filled with treasures from southern Etruria's 19th-century excavations. Just two years later, in 1839, the Egyptian Gregorian Museum was added, offering a glimpse into ancient Egypt with statues of deities, royal family members, sarcophagi, mummies, and fascinating funerary artifacts. In 1844, the Lateran Profane Museum, now known as the Gregoriano Profano, was introduced. It later gave rise to the Pio Cristiano, which houses materials from Roman catacomb excavations, including a remarkable collection of sarcophagi. As you wander through these corridors, you can't help but feel connected to the past. Each piece tells its own tale, inviting you to ponder the lives and stories of those who once walked this earth.
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Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum, officially known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, stands as one of Rome's most iconic landmarks. Every year, it welcomes over 6 million visitors, each eager to step back in time and experience the grandeur of the Roman Empire. With n
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Roman Pantheon
The Pantheon, completed in 126 AD, is a marvel of ancient Roman architecture with its iconic oculus serving as the primary source of natural light. Known as the Pantheon of Agrippa or simply the Roman Pantheon, this structure stands as one of Rome's
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Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is an absolute marvel, inspired by the grandeur of Roman triumphal arches. It's the largest and most celebrated Baroque fountain in the city, standing majestically at 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide. Back in 1629, Pop
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Basilica of St. Peter
St. Peter’s Basilica stands as one of the most sacred places in Christendom and is among the largest churches worldwide. It's here that the Pope leads many of the year's most significant liturgies. Construction of this monumental basilica began in 15
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Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is a captivating glimpse into ancient Rome's religious and public life. Alongside the Colosseum, it stands as a remarkable testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire that still intrigues visitors today. After the Empire's decline,
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Catacombs of Rome
The Catacombs of Rome are these incredible underground burial grounds that date back to between the second and fifth centuries. They were mainly used by Christians and Jews. Imagine wandering through a maze of subterranean passageways that stretch fo
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Palatine Hill
Perched 40 meters above the legendary Roman Forum, Palatine Hill stands as the heart of Rome's storied past. This central hill, one of the famed seven, is where Rome itself is said to have been born, with evidence of habitation dating as far back as
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Trastevere
Trastevere is nothing short of a hidden gem in Rome. This enchanting neighborhood effortlessly woos both tourists and locals alike with its laid-back, bohemian ambiance. The heart of Trastevere beats strongest at the Piazza di Santa Maria, where the
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Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese in Rome is a sprawling urban oasis, ranking among the largest parks in Europe. The Italian State acquired the gardens from the Borghese family in 1901, and by July 12, 1903, they graciously opened the gates to the public. What sets Vil
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Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 AD, stands proudly between the iconic Colosseum and the historic Palatine Hill. This grand monument celebrates Constantine I the Great's triumphant victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. What makes this arch
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Trajan's Market
Nestled along Via dei Fori Imperiali, Trajan's Market is a captivating archaeological complex that houses the Museum of Imperial Forums, or Museo dei Fori Imperiali. Often hailed as Rome's first "shopping center," this historic marvel was constructed
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Castel Sant Angelo
Nestled on the right bank of the Tiber, just a stone's throw from Vatican City, stands the magnificent Castel Sant'Angelo, often referred to as Hadrian's Tomb. This fortress has a rich history that dates back to the year 135 when Emperor Hadrian init