Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums were founded in the early 1500s by Pope Julius II, and they hold one of the largest art collections in the world. You’ll walk through galleries filled with sculptures, paintings, maps, and historical pieces collected by the popes over centuries. Every hallway feels like a museum on its own. One of the main highlights is the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous ceiling, including The Creation of Adam. It’s something you really have to see in person to appreciate. We decided to hire a guide, and I’m so glad we did. There is just so much history and meaning behind everything, and having someone explain it made the whole experience much more enjoyable. Without a guide, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Even with the tour, we couldn’t see everything. That’s just how big this place is. But what we did see was absolutely beautiful and worth it. If you’re planning to visit, be ready for crowds, a lot of walking, and information overload—but it’s an unforgettable experience.