Combo: Vatican Museums + Vatican Gardens Tickets

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are home to a number of classical sculptures, tapestries, and paintings by Renaissance greats such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Leonardo da Vinci. A section of the museum is also dedicated to Modern Religious Art. Paintings and sculptures here come from artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso. The iconic sections of the Vatican Museums that one should visit are the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, the Sala Rotunda and the Gallery of Statues and the Hall of Busts.

Situated at the end of the Vatican Museums and neighboring St. Peter's Basilica is the famed Sistine Chapel. Built in the 15th century, its walls and ceilings are covered by some of the most astounding frescoes ever produced. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is especially famous. Painted by Michelangelo in a span of 4 years, the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel are considered to be a cornerstone of western art. The Last Judgement covers the wall behind the altar and is probably the most famous single work of art in the Sistine Chapel.

Note: Entry to the museums is by obligatory online booking.

Vatican Gardens

Get ready for an exclusive tour aboard an eco-friendly open bus, that showcases the astonishing beauty of the Vatican Gardens. Explore the large expanse of the famed garden that separates the Vatican from the secular world. Expect to see incredible winding paths, vibrant colored flowers, magnificent oaks, ancient fountains, and medieval fortifications dating back to the 9th century.

Admire the exquisite palms and other plants from places like Australia and Brazil that coexist in the eclectic harmony that has been a characteristic of these gardens since the Renaissance. Be awed by the variety of fountains that adorn the garden and the amazing sculptures and artificial grottoes dedicated to the Madonna. From various points in the garden, you can also see Michelangelo’s impressive dome over the Vatican through the foliage. All the while, your handy audio commentary will fill you in on interesting sights to behold and the gardens' significance to the Vatican's history!