The World's Smallest Country, The Grand Attraction of the Vatican Museum

The Vatican is an independent state located in the heart of Rome, Italy, and is the smallest country in the world. With an area of about 0.44 square kilometers, it feels like a city within a city. It is situated to the west of Rome, near the Tevere River. It is directly connected to the city of Rome, so you can reach major attractions like the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain within 20-30 minutes by public transportation. The Vatican is centered around St. Peter's Square and, although it borders Italy, it is an independent state with its own sovereignty. The Vatican Museum is one of the museums boasting the most extensive art collections in the world. Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, it houses a diverse collection ranging from ancient artifacts to Renaissance art and modern works, spread across approximately 7 kilometers of exhibition space. The most famous areas are the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment, and the Raphael Rooms. Raphael's The School of Athens, in particular, is a masterpiece that showcases the harmony of philosophy and art, leaving a deep impression on visitors. Additionally, there are ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and more, making it a place where you can easily spend several hours. When I visited the Vatican Museum, I remember walking around all day. As soon as I entered, I was overwhelmed by the magnificent decorations and enormous artworks. The School of Athens in the Raphael Rooms was especially unforgettable. The expressions and postures of the philosophers in the painting were so vivid, it felt like they were alive. Although it was quite crowded with visitors, the time spent there was truly valuable and special. The Vatican Museum is not just a museum; it felt like a place where you can see the entirety of human art and history at a glance.