Though can know a lot about the Vatican through reading books and watching documentaries, nothing replaces actually going to the city-state in the first place. To see the grandeur, the history, and the impact of this place, not just in Italy, but for the rest of the world too. Unfortunately, staying at home for quarantine doesn't necessarily allow you to do that. So all that's left is going to the Vatican museums' websites and taking their virtual tours. Offering 360° views of everything, from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica, you'll feel as if you're actually within reach of the Pope!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A museum amidst a stunning Roman garden? Yes, please! Just by this description alone, you can already tell just how beautiful The Borghese Gallery really is. But, of course, since you're stuck at home, you can't exactly explore both the museum and the garden in person. But the virtual tour on the museum's website more than makes up for it! Here, you can see all the priceless artworks displayed in the gallery, from the breathtaking frescoes of Mariano Rossi to fascinating sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Unfortunately, though, the gardens aren't part of the virtual tour.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
While the infamous emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, never went to Rome, it still became part of his empire. So it's not all that surprising that the Italian capital has its own museum dedicated to the historic conquerer. Filled with artworks, antiques, and other sorts of relics that actually belonged to Napoleon, it's as if this beautiful gallery was his summer home in Italy or something. And the best part is you can feel like you've been invited to it when you log into the museum's website and take the virtual tour! Though you may need to download Adobe Flash Player to open it.
Source: Flickr.com/ Damian Entwistle
Ancient Roman sculptures displayed against a backdrop of industrial machinery. If that description alone doesn't pique your interest enough to get you to visit Centrale Montemartini, then what will? Far from the usual European standard of housing priceless works of art in similarly beautiful buildings—themselves a few centuries old too—this unique gallery in the Italian capital turns the museum experience on its head. It's no wonder it has attracted a youthful following, making it one of the most family-friendly sites in Rome. And now, thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can actually tour Centrale Montemartini virtually, all from the comforts of your own home.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you're into Roman mythology, then the Ara Pacis Museum is your kind of place! In this grand gallery stands the Ara Pacis Augustae, or the "Altar of Augustus Peace," dedicated to the Roman goddess of Peace, Pax. A stunning marble spectacle that holds much significance to showcasing what Ancient Rome is all about, the altar alone is reason enough to go to this museum. Meanwhile, other historic artifacts in the museum include countless relics from that historic time, such as busts from the Julio-Claudian dynasty to the monumental inscription that is Res Gestae Divi Augusti. Thanks to the internet, you can explore all of these online!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If Paris has the Louvre, then Rome has Musei Capitolini. Though the former is more famous worldwide, the latter is as much a go-to museum whenever you're in Rome. Housing both classical art to archeological findings, there's so much to see and explore in this famous gallery. So much so that you'll probably feel exhausted after one visit. But not to worry, because if you feel like you're not up to tire yourself out, you can always take its virtual tour too. There are two ways you can do it. One is through Google Arts & Culture and another is on the museum's website. But you'll need a Flash Player for the latter.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The works of the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Caravaggio are practically what fill up the many museums here in Rome. Very rarely will you see galleries that display more modern art or at least art that's a little closer to the 21st century. Places like these are more common in London than in the Italian capital. However, there's still one that ought to get more attention: the Carlo Bilotti Museum. Tucked away in Villa Borghese, you'll find the works of more contemporary artists like De Chirico, Warhol, and Manzu! And thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can see then from your laptop or phone screen clearly!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Scuderie del Quirinale has, perhaps, the most interesting history from all of the museums on this list. in a nutshell, the beautiful space that houses Italian painter Raphael's works used to be the stables for the Pope in the Vatican. That's quite something, huh? What was once the station of horses became the home of pretty priceless works of art. It's arguably one of the biggest museums in the world virtually dedicated to one artist. And now, you can visit it yourself, even if it's just online. You can expect the works of art here will look just as good on-screen as they would have in real life.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
There's no denying that some of the must-visit places in Rome are its many museums. But as you remain at home because due to quarantine, you can make up for it by going on the virtual tours of many of these beautiful museums! It's all thanks to the power of the internet!
If you're planning a Roman museum tour, you better do it in a spot that will allow you to stay comfortable for hours. Like a luxury home, for instance! These museums are pretty huge, after all!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get curated travel inspirations.
Submit |
