Things to do in Rome

The Vatican Museums are one of the world’s largest museums featuring works of art, sculptures, and other precious masterpieces collected by different Popes and the Catholic Church over the centuries. It is estimated that there are in the region of over 70,000 pieces of art in total, with 20,000 being displayed within the museums.

It was Pope Julius II who founded the Vatican Museums in the 16th Century. With so many exhibitions and artworks to feature, this is the first in a series of blogs focusing on some of the highlights of the Vatican Museums.

Overview of the Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello)

The Raphael Rooms form part of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and were once the official residence of Julius II della Rovere.

It was Julius II who commissioned the leading Italian High Renaissance artist, Raphael, to decorate the four rooms. Together with his students, between 1508 and 1524, they created the incredible frescoes that we still admire today.

The four rooms are: the Hall of Constantine (Sala di Costantino), the Room of Heliodorus (Stanza di Eliodoro), the Room of the Signature (Stanza della Signature) and the Room of the Fire in the Borgo (Stanza dell’Incendio del Borgo).

The Hall of Constantine

This is the largest room and was named after Constantine, the first Roman Emperor (306-337 A.D.). The Hall of Constantine hosted receptions and important ceremonies. Constantine was the first Roman Emperor to recognize the Christian faith. As Raphael died before the frescoes were finalized, his assistants completed the decoration, painting the frescoes in 1517 based on Raphael’s designs.

The designs are said to represent four significant times in Constantine’s life. They are the Vision of the Cross, the Battle of Constantine against Maxentius, the Donation of Rome to Pope Sylvester, and the Baptism of Constantine.

Room of Heliodorus

Decorated between 1511 and 1514, the Room of Heliodorus was intended for the Pope’s audience. The designs in this room document various historical events, from the Old Testament to medieval history. The four paintings in this room are the Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple, the Mass at Bolsena, the Meeting of Pope Leo I and Attila, and the Deliverance of Saint Peter from Prison.

Room of the Signatura

This room was the private office and study of Pope Julius II (pontiff from 1503 to 1513). Raphael’s frescoes adorn the walls and were painted between 1508 and 1511. This era was the start of the High Renaissance. The themes of the pope’s library collection are depicted in the designs with a focus on theology, jurisprudence, philosophy, and the poetic arts. It was in this room that the most important papal documents were signed and sealed.

The Fire in the Borgo

When Pope Julius II died, only two of the rooms had been painted, so his successor Pope Leo X (pontiff between 1513-1521) continued with the plan of work, which was completed between 1514 and 1517. This was the music room for the Pope. The designs represent events from the lives of Pope Leo III and IV, with paintings depicting the Coronation of Charlemagne, the Oath of Leo III, The Fire in the Borgo, and the Battle of Ostia. The Fire in the Borgo portrays the fire in 847 in the Borgo in Rome.

There is so much to know about these famous frescoes and the history of these rooms. The best way to find out is to book an Enjoy Rome small group tour and let one of our expert Vatican guides explain each fresco and its significance.

Our guides have an incredible knowledge about the Vatican and the different exhibitions. To find out more about our Vatican tours and tickets and to book, check out our website for full details

Many a cobbled Roman street leads to a piazza and the sound of trickling water in a fabulous fountain. Rome has some of the most breathtaking piazzas in the world, full of historic significance, a place to meet friends and loved ones, a spot to enjoy a bite or pre-dinner apéritif, and the perfect place to watch the world go by. Each square has a unique feel, a story to tell, and a particular atmosphere.

Here is a snapshot of four of Rome’s most beautiful piazzas and a link to our best tour to discover Rome’s specatacular Piazzas with a private guide.

Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square)

One of Rome’s largest and most impressive piazzas, Piazza San Pietro, designed by Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, stands at the entrance to Saint Peter’s Basilica. The piazza is an impressive size measuring 320m by 240m.
Impressive for many reasons, the curved colonnades around the outside of the piazza feature four rows of 284 columns. Above the columns are 140 statues of saints, constructed in 1670.

Two circular matching fountains stand on either side of the central obelisk, one created by Bernini in 1675 and the other by Maderno in 1614. In the center of the piazza is a 25m high obelisk that originated from Egypt and was moved to Rome in 37 AD.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a magnificent square, home to three elegant Baroque fountains. Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) created in 1651 takes center stage and is topped by the Obelisk of Domitian.

The piazza itself was built on the remains of an ancient Roman stadium, the Stadium of Domitian, where the ancient Romans went to watch the games.

At each end of the piazza is a fountain, both designed by artist Giacomo della Porta. At the south end is the Fontana del Moro, and the other is Fontana del Nettuno.

At night the fountains are beautifully lit creating a distinct atmosphere. Definitely a piazza to explore on an evening stroll. The Brazilian Embassy enjoys its location in the 17th century Palazzo Pamphili.

Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere

Located across the other side of the Tiber in the heart of the Trastevere neighborhood is Piazza di Santa Maria. Positioned in this square is one of the oldest churches in Rome, dating back to the 3rd century, the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere.

In the center of the Piazza, in front of the Basilica is a fountain which is thought to be one of the oldest in the Eternal City, dating back to the 8th century. Reconstruction of the fountain took place between 1499 and 1500 by Donato Bramante.

With many of the cobbled streets leading to the piazza hosting an array of independent restaurants and bars, the piazza comes to life at night. The steps of the fountain are the perfect place to relax, enjoy an ice cream and people watch.

Piazza della Rotonda

Piazza della Rotonda offers the perfect view of the Pantheon, an incredible architectural feat, featuring the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. When standing inside the Pantheon, which is also a church, it is incredible to see the light coming through the Pantheon’s oculus. It’s even more amazing to be inside when it is raining and raindrops are coming through the dome.

Smaller than some of the other squares, the piazza also hosts the Fontana del Pantheon along with an obelisk that was added in 1711. Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII, the Fountain of the Pantheon was designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575. Sculpted out of marble, this water feature stands proudly in front of the Pantheon.

If you would like to find out more about Rome’s piazzas, join us for a tour with one of our expert guides. Check out all our tours here

For those with a keen interest in vehicles and modes of transportation, the Carriage Pavillion at the Vatican Museums is a ‘must-see’. Inaugurated on April 19th, 1973 by Pope Paul VI, the Carriage Pavilion (Padiglione delle Carrozze) features a variety of transportation used by the popes over the centuries. Also on display near the horse-drawn carriages are several busts of various popes over the centuries.

History

Until the 19th century, carriages were the dominant mode of transport, however, this all changed in the 20th century when motor vehicles were added to the Vatican’s transport collection.

Carriages

The Carriages Pavilion features an impressive collection of exquisite carriages, richly decorated which were predominantly used for special occasions. One of the most ornate carriages in the collection is the Grand Gala Berlin, constructed in Rome in 1826. The original carriages, sedan chairs, court livery, and horses’ harnesses are on display for all to admire.

Cars

The major automobile manufacturers competed to donate their best vehicles to the Vatican’s fleet of cars. There is now a wide-ranging collection that can be seen, featuring cars such as the classic VW Beetle, which was the last Beetle produced by Volkswagen in Mexico to the most luxurious such as the Mercedes Benz Nurburg 460 limousine, designed by Ferdinand Porshe. Other cars on display include a 1964 Lincoln Continental and a 1974 Citroen.

Popemobiles

Popemobiles were also added to the Vatican’s collection of vehicles. These are used to transport the Pope through enormous crowds, moving at a very slow pace. In a Popemobile, the Pope stands up at the back of the vehicle, allowing people to see him passing by.

Initially, these vehicles were open-roofed, however, following the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II on 13 May 1981 in Saint Peter’s Square in the 1973 Fiat Campagnola, Popemobiles were later constructed with protective glass. Pope John Paul II survived the attempted assassination but was severely injured.

Tours of the Carriage Pavilion

To find out more about the history of these luxurious papal carriages and historical cars, join us for a tour of the Vatican Museums and the Carriage Pavilion, where are our expert guides will share their knowledge.

For further information and to book, check out all our Vatican tours.

Photo by tradizioneattacchi.eu

A stunning collection of the world’s most famous and precious masterpieces are proudly displayed within Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. The Vatican is one of Rome’s most beloved places to discover works of art by illustrious artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Da Vinci.

The Vatican City, established in the Lateran Treaty of February 11th, 1929, is the smallest state in the world, at a size of 49 hectares and a population of approximately 800. Over the centuries, Popes have collected unparalleled collections of artworks.

Saint Peter’s Basilica
Even for the non-religious, a trip to Rome would not be complete without a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, a well-known work of Renaissance architecture and one of the largest churches in the world. According to Catholic tradition, Saint Peter is buried beneath the high altar of the Basilica.

Awe-inspiring, the imposing Basilica, constructed in 1506, features a host of sculptures and paintings including Michelangelo’s famous ‘Pietà’ statue and works by Bernini.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views into the Basilica from inside of the dome. For those feeling energetic, it is well worth the climb to the top of the dome to experience the views looking out over the Eternal City and across the Vatican Gardens.

Saint Peter’s Square
The Basilica towers over Saint Peter’s Square which is also famous for its size at an impressive 320m by 240m. Some events at St. Peter’s Square have held over 300,000 people.

Bernini designed the elliptical piazza outlined by a colonnade of four rows of 284 columns. Standing tall above the columns are 140 statues of saints, created in 1670.
In the center of the piazza is a 25m high obelisk that originated from Egypt. Two circular, matching fountains, one by Bernini in 1675 and the second by Maderno in 1614 stand on either side of the obelisk.

The Vatican Museums
Explore the many galleries, museums, and courtyards within the Vatican Museums. The Gallery of the Tapestries features elaborate Flemish tapestries draped across the walls.

Whilst the Gallery of the Maps features frescoed maps painted between 1580 and 1585, taking visitors on a journey of the 40 Italian regions and papal properties during the time of Pope Gregory XIII.

Visitors will discover a carefully curated selection of Greek and Roman statues in the Pio-Clementino Museum, proudly displayed for all to enjoy.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is breathtaking! Many visitors have passed through this most revered chapel to take in Michelangelo’s masterpieces that adorn the walls and ceiling. Michelangelo’s remarkable ‘Creation of Adam’ and ‘Last Judgement’ are superb works of art and have made the artist famous for creating the largest fresco ever painted by one man.

With so much to see, why not book one of our small group Vatican tours with our experienced and knowledgeable guides who will bring history to life, revealing secrets and stories behind some of the most impressive works of art you will ever have the pleasure to see. Check out all our Vatican tours here to find the best tour for you.