Discovering the Vatican Museums: It's More Than Just One Museum!
A Vatican Adventure: A Malaysian Perspective
Seriously, nobody told me that visiting the Vatican Museums isn't just a museum trip; it's more like experiencing a combo of 20+ museums strung together! Imagine 7km packed with history and art hitting you from all sides – from ancient Egypt to Rome, the Renaissance, Baroque, and even modern art!
The entire museum is like a "MAX gu" collection of popes throughout history who simply grabbed whatever they liked. It's like:
"Ooh, a beautiful Greek statue. Mine!"
"This painting looks eerie but also holy. I'll take it!"
"Wow, an ancient Egyptian coffin fragment? Let's bring it home!"
This extravagant collecting style makes the Vatican Museums a deluxe collector's edition on a global scale!
Must-See Spots: Malaysian Style
Here are some places you absolutely CANNOT miss:
1. Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms)
These rooms were painted by Raphael and his students. One of the standout murals is "The School of Athens," which brings together some of humanity's greatest minds. Awesome!
2. Museo Pio-Clementino
Get ready for Roman and Greek statues featuring marble gods with, like, totally ripped abs! The Apollo Belvedere is a major highlight, radiating pure beauty.
3. Gallery of Maps
This super long hallway features detailed, hand-drawn maps of Renaissance Italy. You could zoom in 1000% and still see tiny boats!
4. Sistine Chapel
Lucky me, the chapel was open when I visited! This is where Michelangelo painted the ceiling while lying on his back for four years (apparently, he complained a lot and even argued with the Pope!). The iconic "The Creation of Adam" – those almost-touching fingers – touches the hearts of all of humanity!
Fun Vatican Facts!
- Vatican had a rather gangster Pope. Pope Alexander VI had many mistresses and many children.
- The Vatican Museums welcome over 6 million visitors each year – as packed as a Taylor Swift concert.
- There's a spiral staircase so photogenic it has its own fan club!
- Surprisingly, the Vatican doesn't officially display many works by Leonardo da Vinci!
- Michelangelo was a master sculptor, while Raphael was a painting pro. They even had their own "factions" within the Vatican, gossiping but greeting each other with a "Ciao, bello!" to each other.
Survival Tips for Vatican Visitors
Wear good shoes to fully enjoy your visit!
And don't go on an empty stomach! You need to be full before diving into the art, architecture, and intertwined history. I only had about four hours in the museum and time just flew by!
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