Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
colo V
, Pope Nicholas V's private chapel. This tiny chapel, which is often closed to the
public, features a superb cycle of frescoes by Fra Angelico.
The
Stanza d'Eliodoro
, which was used for private audiences, was painted between 1512
and 1514. It takes its name from the
Cacciata d'Eliodoro
(Expulsion of Heliodorus from
the Temple), an allegorical work referring to Pope Julius II's policy of forcing foreign
powers off Church lands. To the right of it is the
Messa di Bolsena
(Mass of Bolsena),
showing Julius II paying homage to the relic of a 13th-century miracle at the lake town of
Bolsena. Next is the
Incontro di Leone Magno con Attila
(Encounter of Leo the Great
with Attila) by Raphael and his school, and, on the fourth wall, the
Liberazione di San Pi-
etro
(Liberation of St Peter), one of Raphael's most brilliant works, which illustrates the
artist's masterful depiction of light.
The
Stanza della Segnatura
, Pope Julius' study and library, was the first room that Raphael
painted, and it's here that you'll find his great masterpiece,
La Scuola di Atene
(The
School of Athens), featuring philosophers and scholars gathered around Plato and Aris-
totle. The seated figure in front of the steps is believed to be Michelangelo, while the fig-
ure of Plato is said to be a portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, and Euclide (the bald man bend-
ing over) is Bramante. Raphael also included a self-portrait in the lower right corner (he's
the second figure from the right in the black hat). Opposite is
La Disputa del Sacramento
(Disputation on the Sacrament), also by Raphael.
The most famous work of the
Stanza dell'Incendio di Borgo
is the
Incendio di Borgo
(Fire in
the Borgo), which depicts Leo IV extinguishing a fire by making the sign of the cross. The
ceiling was painted by Raphael's master, Perugino.
From the Raphael Rooms, stairs lead to the
Appartamento Borgia
and the Vatican's collec-
tion of modern religious art.
JUMP THE QUEUE
Here's how to jump the ticket queue. Book tickets at the museums' online ticket office (
ht-
tp://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do
; €4 booking fee). On payment, you'll receive email confirma-
tion, which you should print and present, along with valid ID, at the museum entrance. You can also book guided
tours (adult/reduced €32/24) online. Alternatively, book a tour with a reputable guide. Time your visit: Tuesday
and Thursday are the quietest days; Wednesday morning is also good, as everyone is at the pope's weekly audien-
ce; afternoon is better than the morning; and avoid Monday, when many other museums are shut.
On the whole, exhibits are not well labelled, so consider hiring an audioguide (€7) or buying the excellent
Guide to the Vatican Museums and City
(€12). The museums are well equipped for visitors with disabilities,
