Highlights
- The Last Supper Tapestry
- The ancient sculptures of the Octagonal Courtyard
- The Sistine Chapel
- The Raphael Rooms
- The Hall of Maps
- Frescoed Ceiling of Sala delle Muse
- Ceiling Detail - Stanza della Segnatura
Preview Description
There is no better time to discover the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and the other masterpieces of the Vatican Museums than the hours of the sunset. The magic light of the evening helps appreciating the most important artworks, as our Vatican expert will guide you through the stories and the ideas which makes them alive.
Enjoy this fascinating opportunity Friday and Saturday evenings with our Vatican Night Tour.
Description
Discover the masterpieces of the Vatican in the magical atmosphere of a Roman night
Only rarely are the Vatican Museums open at this unusual hour. This Vatican group tour is a fascinating opportunity to visit these palaces and their artworks in the calm of the night, enveloped in an intimacy that emanates from the dark of the gardens illuminated only by torches. In this magical atmosphere we will take an impassioned voyage into history and art, religion and politics; an intense experience of a careful selection of artworks that will help you comprehend the events and the ideas of the time, and meet the popes who commissioned them along with the artists who created them.
Retracing the lives of the great artists and the important political and religious figures who commissioned them will be the best way to reconstruct the city of politics, ideals, and daily life in which the masterpieces that we will encounter were produced. This will make it possible to discern something of the inspirations and passions that animated Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Bernini, and to comprehend the meaning of their works, the sense they had for their contemporaries, and what they tell us today after centuries. Optimizing your time with a well-planned itinerary, this Vatican group tour will make it easier to follow the evolution of the rituals, institutions, and forms of art within our society, from the past until today, helping us better comprehend the present through the perspective of the past.
The Historical Context
The Vatican Museums occupy a vast portion of the papal palaces and, in addition to being in and of themselves precious works of architecture, they house many masterpieces in the very locations the popes desired, and for which they created these structures over the centuries. The long history of construction of these palaces and the new Basilica began with the return of the popes to Rome after more than a century of absence from the city. Led by Martin V in 1420, and driven by a desire to bring an end to the degradation of the city whose population had dropped below 20,000 inhabitants (from about one million in the 1st century A.D.) and whose former glory had all but vanished, the Church and the powerful Romans initiated the Renovatio Urbis, the renovation of the city. This renovation was only one of many sweeping the cities of the Italian Renaissance and bringing significant change to all fields of knowledge, art, and daily life. From the invention of the printing press to the maps that permitted Columbus to cross the ocean and reach America, from the laws of perspective to gun powder, from the techniques that allowed Brunelleschi to construct the dome of the Florence Cathedral and Michelangelo the one at St. Peter's, to the loves of famous prostitutes and courtesans, we're talking about the Renaissance. The Renaissance is a time of renewal and discovery, and we in our turn will rediscover this fascinating history on our Vatican group tours.
The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums possess one of the world's richest collections of Greek and Roman art, thanks to the unbridled passions that, from the Renaissance onward, led the popes to amass ancient artworks. Here we will accompany you in fascinating adventures of discovery, introducing you to works of great beauty like the Laocoon, the Apollo Belvedere, and dozens of others, helping you understand their original meaning and, at times, their secrets. Between the Courtyard of the Pinecone, the Belvedere Courtyard, and the Gallery of the Candelabra, and from the Belvedere Torso to the many statues that merit our attention, the journey we will undertake on this Vatican group tour is captivating. The same fascinating journey was made by the men of the Renaissance who gathered around the tables luxuriously set by popes and princes. Between rivers of wine and refined dishes, artists and courtesans, philosophers and cardinals discussed the works of the ancients, the new and surprising finds of ancient statues, and the great undertakings of the day like the construction of the new basilica within the old one.
We will also see the sarcophagi of Helen and Costanza, mother and daughter of the emperor Constantine. Made of red porphyry, they are carved with symbols from Christianity at its origins. We will come across stunning works in the Hall of Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries, all the while uncovering the history of these sumptuous and often spectacular palaces.
The Raphael Rooms (the Stanze) and the Sistine Chapel vault by Michelangelo will of course represent the high point of our journey and by the time we arrive there, you will be well versed in who these artists were, what they thought, how they lived, what their ideals and passions were, their extravagances and weaknesses. Thus it will be easy to immerse yourself in the figures and the histories painted in these frescoes, to fully understand their meaning and enjoy their beauty. On this group tour of the Vatican we will consider ideas such as what made it possible for sensual and even nude figures to be painted in the pope's chapel, we will tell you of the legends—true and false—of their creation, as for instance the false legend that Michelangelo painted his famous ceiling by himself, a story circulated by people unfamiliar with the technique of fresco and with the letters the artist himself wrote on the subject. We will also discuss the competition between these two geniuses of the Renaissance in the court of the pope Julius II, himself a complex character capable of terrible excesses of anger. But at its heart the Renaissance was a time of beauty, a time when the beauty of the body and the spirit were finally united. Join us on one of our Vatican walking tours to discover it.
Activity Level
As this is a walking tour with steps and staircases, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended.
Wheelchairs and motorised scooters are not permitted on this group tour.
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Pinacoteca The new Vatican Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) was inaugurated on 27 October 1932 in the building especially constructed by the architect Luca Beltrami for Pius XI. It was built ... morein the nineteenth century Square Garden, isolated and completely surrounded by avenues, in a place considered suitable for assuring the best lighting conditions for both the correct preservation of the works and their optimum aesthetic enhancement. Thus the age-old question of the exhibition of the paintings, which were constantly moved around the Apostolic Palaces due to the lack of a setting that matched their importance, was solved. A first collection of only 118 precious paintings was created by Pope Pius VI around 1790. It was of short duration due to the fact that, following the Treaty of Tolentino (1797) some of the greatest masterpieces were transferred to Paris. The idea of an art gallery, understood in the modern sense as an exhibition open to the public, was only born in 1817 after the fall of Napoleon and the consequent return to the Church State of a large part of the works belonging to it, according to the directions of the Congress of Vienna. The collection continued to grow over the years through donations and purchases until it reached the current nucleus of 460 paintings, distributed among the eighteen rooms on the basis of chronology and school, from the so-called Primitives (12th - 13th century) to the 19th century. The collection contains some masterpieces of the greatest artists of the history of Italian painting, from Giotto to Beato Angelico, from Melozzo da Forlì to Perugino and to Raphael, from Leonardo to Tiziano, to Veronese, to Caravaggio and to Crespi.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic, Museum
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water
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- The Raphael rooms (Stanze di Raphael) are four rooms which were used as the residence of the popes between 1507 and 1585.
The Raphael Rooms, or "Stanze di Raffaello," are a suite of four interconnected rooms located in the Vatican Museums. Renowned for their stunning frescoes painted by the master artist ... moreRaphael and his workshop, these rooms stand as a testament to the High Renaissance's artistic and cultural achievements. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the frescoes in these rooms played a pivotal role in establishing Raphael as one of the preeminent painters of his time, alongside Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Rooms
Room of the Segnatura (Stanza della Segnatura): This is the first room to be completed by Raphael, and it houses some of his most famous works, including "The School of Athens," "The Parnassus," and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament." These frescoes embody the ideals of Renaissance humanism, integrating classical philosophy, theology, and poetry. "The School of Athens," in particular, stands out for its portrayal of ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, depicted in an architectural setting inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica.
Room of Heliodorus (Stanza di Eliodoro): The frescoes in this room, commissioned to convey the power and authority of the Church, depict divine intervention and protection. Key works include "The Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple," "The Miracle at Bolsena," and "The Liberation of St. Peter." The dynamic compositions and dramatic use of light and shadow in these frescoes showcase Raphael's mastery in creating vivid, emotionally compelling narratives.
Room of the Fire in the Borgo (Stanza dell'Incendio del Borgo): This room illustrates significant historical and legendary events. The titular fresco, "The Fire in the Borgo," dramatizes the miraculous extinguishing of a fire in the Vatican quarter, symbolizing the protection of the papacy. Other notable works include "The Coronation of Charlemagne" and "The Battle of Ostia," which highlight the Church's triumphs and divine favor throughout history.
Room of Constantine (Stanza di Costantino): Completed after Raphael's death by his students, including Giulio Romano, this room features scenes from the life of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor. The frescoes, such as "The Vision of the Cross" and "The Battle of Constantine against Maxentius," celebrate Constantine's conversion to Christianity and his subsequent victory, which were pivotal in establishing Christianity as the Roman Empire's dominant religion.
Artistic and Cultural Significance
The Raphael Rooms are not only masterpieces of Renaissance art but also serve as an exploration of the interplay between classical antiquity and contemporary Christian themes. Raphael's ability to harmonize these elements reflects the intellectual spirit of the Renaissance, where the revival of ancient knowledge was seamlessly blended with the prevailing religious and cultural context.
Moreover, the rooms highlight Raphael's evolution as an artist. From the harmonious compositions and balanced figures in the Room of the Segnatura to the more dynamic and dramatic scenes in the Room of Heliodorus, visitors can trace his stylistic development. The subsequent completion of the Room of Constantine by his pupils also underscores the enduring influence of Raphael's artistic vision.
Conclusion
The Raphael Rooms in the Vatican Museums remain a vital cultural treasure, drawing visitors from around the world. They offer a unique window into the mind of a Renaissance genius and provide a richly detailed narrative of the period's theological, philosophical, and artistic preoccupations. Through their beauty and historical significance, the Raphael Rooms continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts, scholars, and pilgrims alike.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic, Museum
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Named after Pope Sixtus IV, the Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous chapel in the world. It is renowned both for its function as the Papal Conclave and for its incredible artwork.... more
The ceiling and western wall of the Sistine Chapel are adorned with some of the most astonishing paintings in the world created by the famous artist – Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in 1508 and he completed his work in 1512. The middle section depicts nine stories from the Book of Genesis, including the renowned ‘Creation of Adam’ where the hand of God is seen reaching to Adam to instill him with life.
In 1535 Michelangelo was commissioned once again to paint the western wall over the altar. He completed this spectacular painting of the‘Last Judgment’ in 1541. The painting depicts the end-of-days and second coming of Christ when according to Christian faith all souls will be judged by Jesus,the Saints and God and sent to heaven or hell.
Despite being one of the most celebrated works of art in history, Michelangelo was originally hesitant to paint the ceiling of the chapel for he considered himself as more of a sculptor than a painter.
The original ‘Last Judgment’ painting included fully nude human figures, but these were later covered by another artist due to the demands of some Papal members who claimed that the nudity was obscene and improper.
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo who depicted nine stories from the book of Genesis including the famous 'Creation of Adam'.
The first three stories are:
1. The Separation of Light from Darkness: Genesis 1:1-5;
2. The Creation of the sun, moon and planets: Genesis 1:11-19;
3. The Separation of Land from Sea: Genesis 1,9-10)
Following these paintings of the Sistine Chapel ceiling in the Vatican are the mid-section patintings:
1. The Creation of Adam & Eve (Genesis 1:26- 2:25), with the figures of man and woman in their nakedness.
2. The Banishment from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22-24).
The last three frescoes of Michelangelo include:
1. The Sacrifice of Noah: (Genesis 8:15-20)
2. The Flood (Genesis 6:5-8,20)
3. The Drunkenness of Noah (Genesis 9:20-27)
* All these show the fall and rebirth of humanity
The ceiling and western wall of the Sistine Chapel are adorned with some of the most celebrated paintings in the world created by the famous artist – Michelangelo Buonarroti. Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling in 1508 and he completed his work in 1512.
Despite being one of the most adored works of art in history, Michelangelo was originally hesitant to paint the ceiling of the chapel for he saw himself as more of a sculptor than a painter. The original ‘Last Judgment’ painting included fully nude human figures, but these were later covered by another artist due to the demands of some Papal members who claimed that the nudity was obscene and improper.
The middle section of the ceiling depicts 9 stories fromthe Book of Genesis, including the iconic ‘Creation of Adam’ where the hand ofGod is seen reaching to Adam to give him life. In 1535 Michelangelo was commissioned once again to paint thewestern wall over the altar.
Michelangelo completed this spectacular painting of the‘Last Judgment’ in 1541. The painting depicts the end-of-days and second comingof Christ when according to Christian faith all souls will be judged by Jesus,the Saints and God and sent to heaven or hell.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic, Museum
The Gallery of Maps is called the Galleria delle carte geografiche in Italian. Situated in the Vatican on the west side of the Belvedere Courtyard, the gallery contains a series of ... morepainted topographical maps of Italy. These maps were based on drawings by Ignazio Danti a Dominican Italian friar, mathematician, astronomer, cosmographer and geographer which was born as Pellegrino Rainaldi Danti in Perugia in 1536.
The galley was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1580 . Pope Gregory XIII ordered it made as well as many other works of art. The Pope commissioned these works of art in order to decorate the Vatican. The completion of the work on the gallery took Danti three years (1580–1583). Today the gallery consists of 40 panels which go along the 120 m gallery.
The panels map the entirety of the Italian peninsula including Sardinia and Corsica. The maps are in fact frescoes. Each fresco features a different region. Special detail was given to the region's most prominent city. With the Apennines serving as the dividing line, one side features the area surrounded by the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas and the other shows the area near the Adriatic Sea.
The maps are both beautiful and informative as they reveal the way that the renaissance Italians saw themselves and their surroundings in pre- national Italy. Italy was not one nation in the time of the renaissance when the maps were made. The maps also provide insight to the art of cartography ( making of maps) of these times.The gallery is a fascinating place to visit whether you take a special interest in maps or not.
In the gallery of maps the vaulted ceiling is also decorated. These decorations were done by a group of Mannerist artists including Girolamo Muziano and Cesare Nebbia.
Type: Attraction, Historic, Museum
| Adult | Group Tour | $ 8668 | Ages 18+ | | Student | $ 8113 | Ages 18 to 24 | | Child | $ 8113 | Ages 6 to 17 | | Infant | $ 0 | Ages 5 and under |
| Weekly on, until Mon, Jun 3 2024 | 6:45 PM |
Check In Details
You will meet you guide at the the flower stand on the corner of Via Giulio Cesare and Via Leone IV. They will have a Through Eternity sign.
Cancellation Policy
Custom policy
- Cancellations made 15 days before will be refunded 56% of the amount paid.
- Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
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