Today we head to the Vatican museum.  The Vatican Museums began in the early 1500s when Pope Julius II opened his private art collection to the public. Over the centuries, popes added masterpieces from across the world, creating one of the most important museum complexes on Earth. Highlights include classical sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and the famous Raphael Rooms. The crown jewel is the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and Last Judgment. Today, the Vatican Museums attract millions each year, offering a journey through art, history, and faith.

We had a tour guide with special passes to bypass the line in the afternoon.  The only part the of Vatican museum that had AC was the Sistine Chapel (to preserve the frescos there). It was another hot day in Italy but since we are out in it everyday, we are starting to get used to it.

Walking through the Vatican Museums is like stepping into a treasure chest of history and art. From ancient Roman statues to Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, every room holds something remarkable.

We started late hoping to beat the crowds but we could not believe how many people were there, every room was crowded.  We wandered through grand galleries, intricate tapestries, and colorful ceiling frescoes. The Raphael Rooms were a personal favorite—so full of life and detail. The grand finale, of course, was the Sistine Chapel. Quiet, sacred, and unforgettable.

It’s an experience that leaves you humbled, inspired, and grateful for beauty preserved across centuries.

Tommorow is a side trip to Pompeii through Naples….. And another train ride