Rome has a history stretching back thousands of years. During that time, it has amassed a wealth of art and artifacts that are now housed in dozens of world-class museums.
These museums are a great way to learn about the history and culture of Italy and Europe. Plus, they’re a perfect place to take a break from your studies and escape the summer heat. Let’s look at four museums in Rome you should definitely check out while you study abroad in Italy.
1. The Vatican Museums Are a Must-See When You Study Abroad in Italy
While there are many museums in Rome, none are more important than the Vatican Museums. They are among the biggest art museums in the world and contain a wealth of masterpieces, especially from the Ancient, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Highlights include The School of Athens by Raphael, the Augustus of Prima Porta, and major works by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio.
The biggest highlight, however, is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, whose painted ceiling displaying scenes from the Book of Genesis is considered Michelangelo’s masterpiece. While definitely a must-see, the Vatican Museums can get crowded, so be sure to arrive early!
2. Keats-Shelley Memorial House Is Great for Creative Writing Students
If the Vatican Museums feel a bit overwhelming at times, you may want to try the smaller Keats-Shelley House located right next to the Spanish Steps. This is the house where British Romantic poet John Keats died in 1821 and it contains an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to Keats and fellow Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
If you’re taking literature or creative writing courses when you study abroad in Italy, then this is a particularly fascinating museum to visit. It also has items related to Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning, and other important writers.
3. Galleria Borghese Boasts an Impressive Art Collection in a Beautiful Setting
The Galleria Borghese is located in a beautiful villa that once belonged to Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who was a nephew of Pope Paul V and an important patron of the arts, especially Caravaggio and Bernini. Today, the Galleria Borghese contains one of the world’s best art collections, mainly from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries.
Some of the highlights include Apollo and Daphne by Bernini, Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio, and Sacred and Profane Love by Titian. The surrounding Villa Borghese Gardens are also one of the best public parks in Rome and an excellent place for a stroll after seeing some fantastic art.
4. The Capitoline Museums Are Located Just a Short Walk from John Cabot University
If you’re looking for American universities in Rome that are centrally located, John Cabot University is a great choice. In fact, the Capitoline Museums are just a 20- to 30-minute walk from campus. Designed by Michelangelo, the museums contain one of the most important collections of Ancient Roman art and artifacts in the world, including such iconic works as the Dying Gaul, the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the Colossal Statue of Constantine I.
Are you comparing colleges in Rome, Italy to find one that’s right for you?
Contact John Cabot University to learn more about studying abroad.
