Map Gallery
A Masterpiece of Renaissance Cartography: Discover the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums
The Gallery of Maps is a spectacular 120-metre-long corridor displaying 40 frescoed maps of Italian regions, created between 1580 and 1585. These maps represent a cartographic masterpiece of the Renaissance and offer a detailed view of Italy as it was known in the 16th century. Book your tickets now online for a unique experience, immersing yourself in history and geographical art without having to face long waits!
Useful information
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.).
- Tickets: It is recommended to buy tickets online to avoid long queues.
- Location: Inside the Vatican Museums, accessible with the same ticket.
- Accessibility: Accessible routes for people with disabilities.
- Additional services: Audio guides available in various languages.
How to get there
To reach the Vatican Museums in Rome, there are several transport options, depending on the starting point and personal preference:
Underground
The metro is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get to the Vatican Museums. You should take the Line A (orange line) and get off at the 'Ottaviano - San Pietro - Musei Vaticani' stop. From there, the museums are about a 10-minute walk away. Upon exiting the metro, follow the signs to the Vatican Museums.
Bus
Several buses stop near the Vatican Museums. The most useful lines are:
- Line 49It stops right in front of the entrance to the museums.
- Routes 32, 81, 982They stop in Piazza del Risorgimento, a few steps from the entrance.
- Lines 492, 990stop in Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni.
Tram
You can also take tram number 19 and get off at the 'Piazza del Risorgimento' stop, which is close to the Vatican Museums.
On foot
If you are already in the centre of Rome, you might consider walking to the museums. For example, it takes about 30 minutes to walk from Piazza Navona.
Taxi or Car Rental
Taxis are readily available throughout Rome and are a convenient option if you want a direct journey. Car hire can also be an option, but bear in mind that parking near museums can be limited.
History
The Gallery of Maps is one of the wonders of the Vatican Museums in Rome. Located in the Apostolic Palace, this extraordinary gallery is about 120 metres long and houses a series of frescoed maps representing the Italian regions and islands owned by the Papal States in the 16th century.
Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and realised between 1580 and 1585, the gallery was designed by the mathematician and cosmographer Ignazio Danti. The 40 maps are painted with great precision and detail, offering an accurate representation of the geographical knowledge of the time. Each map is enriched with topographical and historical details, making the gallery a valuable historical document.
The vault of the gallery is decorated with frescoes illustrating historical and legendary episodes related to the regions represented. These frescoes contribute to creating an evocative atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time.
The Gallery of Maps is not only a work of art of great beauty, but also a testimony to the importance of geography and cartography in the history of the Church and the Western world. To visit this gallery is to immerse oneself in a journey through centuries of history and culture, admiring the artistry and scientific knowledge of the Renaissance.
The Gallery of Maps is one of the wonders of the Vatican Museums in Rome. Located in the Apostolic Palace, this extraordinary gallery is about 120 metres long and houses a series of frescoed maps representing the Italian regions and islands owned by the Papal States in the 16th century.
Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and realised between 1580 and 1585, the gallery was designed by the mathematician and cosmographer Ignazio Danti. The 40 maps are painted with great precision and detail, offering an accurate representation of the geographical knowledge of the time. Each map is enriched with topographical and historical details, making the gallery a valuable historical document.
The vault of the gallery is decorated with frescoes illustrating historical and legendary episodes related to the regions represented. These frescoes contribute to creating an evocative atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time.
The Gallery of Maps is not only a work of art of great beauty, but also a testimony to the importance of geography and cartography in the history of the Church and the Western world. To visit this gallery is to immerse oneself in a journey through centuries of history and culture, admiring the artistry and scientific knowledge of the Renaissance.
Reviews
A Journey through Time
A Hidden Treasure in the Vatican Museums
Art and Science in Perfect Harmony
Tips
Guided Tour
To fully appreciate the Gallery of Maps, booking a guided tour can be very helpful. Experienced guides offer detailed explanations of the historical and artistic meanings of the maps, greatly enriching the experience.
Strategic Visiting Hours
To avoid the crowds and enjoy the gallery in peace, it is advisable to visit the Vatican Museums early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This allows more space and time to admire the details without hurrying.
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