When you think of the Vatican City, chances are what comes to mind are the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. While these are definitely must-visits for travelers and devotees alike, the Vatican is also home to a number of museums worth checking out.
Collectively known as the Vatican Museums, they are open to the public. Here are some that you probably didn't know are found within the Vatican.
Carriage Pavilion
The Carriage Pavilion is named such because it houses the different vehicles used by different popes through time, including carriages. In fact, popes used carriages up until the 19th century.
More modern vehicles as well as "popemobiles" are also on display in the Carriage Pavilion. This includes the Volkswagen VW Typ 1 Beetle that Pope John Paul II received from the president of Vokswagen Mexico. This Beetle is the last of 3,000 produced before it was discontinued.
Chiaramonti Museum
Looking for sculptures and statues from the Roman era? Look no further than the Chiaramonti Museum.
Named after Pope Pius VII, who was born Barnaba Chiaramonti, it was founded in the nineteenth century. This where you can find the Augustus of Prima Porta, which is the portrait statue of Augustus. He is the first emperor of the Roman Empire.
Gregorian Egyptian Museum
Ever expected to find an archaeological museum focused on ancient Egyptian in the Vatican? If your answer to this question is no, well, prepared to be surprised.
There is such a museum located within the Holy See, and it is known as the Gregorian Egyptian Museum. Founded in 1839 on the initiative of Pope Gregory XVI, it houses artifacts from Roman Egypt. And yes, you can find mummies in this museum, as well as the Book of the Dead.
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