The Vatican Museums, located in the Vatican City, represent one of the most outstanding artistic and cultural collections in the world, open to the public and owned by the Catholic Church. Its origin dates back to the sixteenth century, when Pope Julius II moved his private collection to the Belvedere Courtyard, marking the beginning of a museum complex that has been enriched over the centuries thanks to the contributions of various popes and the tradition of the great Italian families of collecting art.
These museums are much more than just an exhibition of works of art; they are a living testimony to Western history and culture. Inside, visitors can explore a wide variety of themed buildings, galleries and monuments, ranging from sculptures and paintings to antiques and historical artifacts.
Among the jewels of the collection are the sculptural group of Laocoön and his sons, the Apollo of Belvedere and the Torso of Belvedere, among others. In addition, the Vatican Museums house the renowned Sistine Chapel, whose ceilings were painted by artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli, as well as the Raphael Rooms, adorned with frescoes by the famous Renaissance painter.
The richness and diversity of the works exhibited in the Vatican Museums offer visitors a unique experience to immerse themselves in history, art and spirituality. It is a place where one can contemplate the greatness of humanity's cultural legacy, attracting millions of people from all over the world every year in search of inspiration and knowledge.