Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia: Vatican Museums and Colosseum

One of the new wonders of the modern world is also the largest ever Amphitheatre constructed during Ancient times was built with Volcanic rock mixed with brick and held an estimated 50-80 thousand people. It was a real hub of entertainment in central Rome, with regular shows, animal hunts and gladiatorial battles. Races were not held within the Colosseum due to the nearby Circo Massimo race track.

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and judicial heart of ancient Rome. It is a sprawling area of temples, basilicas, and vibrant public spaces where citizens once gathered for affairs of state. Today, its ruins offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world.

Famous throughout the world, the multiple galleries and rooms can take days to visit although only just over a third of the art that Popes throughout the centuries have collected is on show to the public. The museums house an immense collection that includes some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world along with some of the most precious Ancient Rome and Egyptian statues.

The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th-century area of the “Belvedere”

The Sphere within a Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican Museums is a striking sculptural masterpiece that graces the Cortile della Pigna. This captivating artwork features a large bronze sphere with a textured, fractured surface, revealing a smaller sphere within. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate patterns adds to its mesmerizing allure. Symbolizing themes of complexity and inner depth, Pomodoro's sculpture at the Vatican Museums stands as a testament to the convergence of art, spirituality, and profound meaning in the heart of one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.

The Gallery of Maps, inside the Vatican Museums, displays a stunning collection of topographical maps of Italy. Created in the 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII, these beautifully painted maps span 120 meters, offering a unique geographical snapshot of the Italy of the past.

The Vatican Museums' Gallery of Tapestries showcases stunning 15th and 16th-century tapestries, intricately woven with scenes from biblical and historical narratives. Inspired by designs from Raphael’s school, this gallery highlights the artistic sophistication and storytelling of the Renaissance.

The Gallery of the Candelabra is a part of the Vatican Museums, showcasing a rich collection of Greek and Roman statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs. It is named for the grand marble candelabra that decorate it, dividing the gallery into thematic sections. Set up in the late 18th century, the gallery merges ancient art with stunning architectural details, providing visitors a journey through history and beauty.

Definitely the most known work of art of all time, the frescoes by Michelangelo are considered the finest work of art ever created by Man. The iconic narration of the vault dedicaded to the Holy Creation and the Bible is a pendant of the huge wall scene (60 feet tall) just behind the altar: the “Last Judgment” with its 391 figures. The side walls welcomed Michelangelo’s creation with pre-existing stories of the Life of Jesus and Moses by Botticelli and the Renaissance masters. Despite the religious dedication, the meaning of the Sistine Chapel trascends the time and space of the Church and reveals its universal meaning for mankind.

End your tour visiting St Peter's Basilica where you will find priceless artwork such as Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin.

The Baldachin in St. Peter's Basilica is a breathtaking masterpiece of art and architecture. Designed by the renowned Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it stands as a magnificent bronze canopy over the high altar of the basilica. This ornate structure, adorned with intricate details and towering over 90 feet tall, serves as a symbol of the grandeur of the Catholic Church and a focal point of the basilica's interior. It is a true marvel that captivates visitors with its beauty and historical significance.

The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

Enjoy an outside view of the Basilica from St Peter's Square and admire the masterpiece designed by Bernini.