Today’s tour starts with theVatican Museums, quite simply, the largest, richest and most splendid museumsin the world. The Museums display works from the immense collection built up bythe Popes throughout the centuries including some of the most renownedclassical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in theworld. The Museums contain roughly 70,000 works of which 20,000 are on display.The museums were founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. You willpass through the 45 galleries, or sale, before arriving at the last sala, TheSistine Chapel. The chapel is found in the Apostolic Palace, which is theofficial residence of the Pope and is where the Papal conclave elects the newPopes. The chapel is famous for its frescoed ceiling with Michelangelo’s LastJudgement. This tour will end with the extraordinary St. Peter’s Basilica,which was designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Madernoand Gian Lorenzo Bernini. St Peter's is one of the most renowned works ofRenaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in theworld. Once inside, you will have thechance to admire Michelangelo’s extraordinary statue Pietà, Bernini’s bronzeBaldacchino (canopy), and the Throne of Saint Peter.Important note: A very strictdress code applies and admission will be refused to anyone inappropriatelyattired, such as short skirts and/or bare shoulders.
