We really can’t take a virtual tour of
Italy without writing about the incredible Vatican Museums in Vatican City.
Previously mentioned in our Italian Fun Facts post, Vatican City is the smallest recognised independent state in the world; however, it also
houses one of the most prolific art collections in existence.
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via Flickr by Maciek Lulko |
The Vatican Museums began as a group of
sculptures collected by Pope Julius II (1503-1513), but the collection
has since grown immensely. It is now a series of many different pontifical
museums and galleries. Of course, some of the most monumental works in the
Vatican Museums include the Sistine Chapel, the Chapel of Beato Angelico, the Borgia Apartment, and Raphael's Rooms; however, there are also
many other works to be viewed such as tapestries from the 15th and
17th centuries as well as significant archaeological items
from Etrusca and Egypt (just to name a few!).
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via Flickr by Justus Hayes |
Also not to be missed are the beautiful
courtyards of the Vatican City. The original courtyard was created in 1279,
when Pope Nicholas III (1277-1280) moved back to the Vatican from the Lateran
Palace. Since that time there have been many large additions to the gardens,
which now cover almost half of the Vatican City’s 110 acres!
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via Flickr by Leo-setä |