The Vatican Museum and City are two of the most iconic places in the world. The museum is home to some of the most famous and priceless art collections, and the city is the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church. Here are 10 interesting facts about the Vatican Museum and City.
The Vatican Museum was established in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II. He was a great patron of the arts and began collecting works of art and sculptures from ancient Rome and Greece. Since then, the museum has grown and expanded to become one of the largest and most important art museums in the world.
The Vatican Museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in history, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Belvedere Apollo. The Sistine Chapel, in particular, is famous for its stunning ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It covers an area of only 44 hectares and has a population of around 800 people. It is also the only country in the world that is completely surrounded by another country (Italy).
The Vatican City has its own post office, radio station, and newspaper. It also has its own currency, the Vatican lira, which is not used outside of the city.
There are many fact about Vatican city like the Vatican City has its own security force, the Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guard was established in 1506 and is made up of around 135 Swiss men who are all Catholic, unmarried, and trained in the use of weapons.
The Vatican Museum has over 70,000 works of art in its collection. This includes paintings, sculptures, and other objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The Vatican Museum is the fifth most visited museum in the world, with over six million visitors annually. The museum is open to the public every day except Sundays and major holidays.
The Vatican City is home to the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. It is also home to the famous St. Peter’s Square, which is often used for public events and gatherings.
The Vatican City has its own railway station, which is used to transport goods and people to and from the city. It is not open to the public.
The Vatican Museum has a secret room, known as the “Room of the Segnatura.” This room was originally used by Pope Julius II as his private library and study. It is now home to some of the most valuable and rarest works in the museum’s collection, including the famous “School of Athens” painting by Raphael.
In conclusion, the Vatican Museum and City are both fascinating places with a rich history and cultural significance. From the stunning works of art to the unique architecture and traditions, there is always something new to discover and learn about these iconic landmarks. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a devout Catholic, the Vatican Museum and City are definitely worth a visit.
