Visiting the Vatican Museum is a life changing experience, and the tour alone is worth the trip to Rome. There are many curiosities related to this incredible site and one relates to the great statues which overlook the exit, a very special farewell for the visitors exiting the Vatican Museum. We would be glad to point out to these special statues on your way out after one of our guided tours in the Vatican Museums. Come and take one of our Vatican Tours!
THE ANCIENT ENTRANCE
Giuseppe Momo designed the ancient entrance to the Vatican Museum in Viale Vaticano, in the Aurelio district in 1932. The visitors used this marvellous entrance to reach the atrium. Externally, above the portal is the coat of arms of Pope Pius XI flanked by two incredible statues which once welcomed the visitors, while now, after various changes, are there to see the people leave the museum.
Vatican Museum Exit Portal
From this portal (the original entrance) the visitors used to arrive at the old helicoidal staircase from which the visit to the museum began. Today one enters through another doorway and ascends a new helicoidal staircase. Two very special statues overlook the visitors while exiting…
STATUES BIDDING FAREWELL TO THE VISITORS EXITING THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
So…who do these statues represent? Two of the most famous and representative Italian artists. At the top left is Michelangelo carved in travertine with hammer and chisel in his hand. On the opposite side, on the right, is Raphael with palette and paintbrush. They are separated by the papal coat of arms of Pope Pius XI. Minardi sculpted them.
Even if currently this portal is the exit of the museum, we would be glad to show you the statues after one of our guided tours in the Vatican Museum. A very special farewell for all the visitors exiting the Vatican Museum! Take one of our tours, and see the statues on your way out! Come and #feeltheessence!!
