A Morning in the Vatican Museums--by Cassandra

Text by Cassandra, photos by Kelli unless otherwise noted

On just our second day in Rome, we visited the famed Sistine chapel alongside the Vatican museum, and we were able to immerse ourselves in a world of art. After breakfast at our hotel Casa La Salle, we enjoyed a smooth ride to the museum on the subway. Our tour guide welcomed us and lead everyone upstairs to begin. In an energetic manner, he told the story of Michelangelo- the man who painted the ceiling and walls of the Sistine chapel. 

Our wonderful tour guide, Marco, taught us all about the details of the Sistine Chapel, as well as explained so many of the interesting things we say in the Vatican Museum

Our groups listens intently to Marco

It was interesting to hear that, originally, Michelangelo was not a painter, but mainly a sculptor. Nonetheless, he was still able to create an astonishing masterpiece! I was inspired by his talent and dedication that enabled him to accomplish this piece of art.

Afterwards, we followed the tour guide through a series of rooms and hallways, adorned with distinct styles of artwork, both painting and sculpture. 

Exploring the museum

The hall of animal sculptures

We witnessed the oldest surviving bronze statue from the Roman era as well as a sculpture of god (the father) and two children, who were escaping from a snake. Although some people find sculpture boring to look at, what's nice about statues is that their faces reflect different emotions that we have experienced or can relate to. 

An original bronze sculpture from Roman times

Roman Laocoonte Sculpture (photo by Greg)

It was also cool to learn that Romans, indeed, were among he first humans to map out our world. We realized how a lot of maps and other forms of architecture today originated from the work/intelligence of Romans. 

Exploring the Hall of Maps

We learned how incredible these maps were for their time

At last we arrived at the Sistine chapel where everyone stood and silently absorbed the breath-taking imagery. Looking at the far wall dotted by clouds, it felt like we were almost floating in the sky...

The Bramante Staircase led us out of the museum at the end of our visit