The galleries of the Vatican Museums showcase both modern works, such as Arnaldo Pomodoro's Sphere with Sphere, and classical antiquities. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
This colossal head of Augustus, located in the Cortille della Pigna, dates from ancient times. The hair was restored in the time current with the 15th century. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
The Chiaramonti Museum, dedicated to ancient sculpture, was laid out in the 18th cenutry by sculptor Antonio Canova. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Among the Vatican's wonders, Raphael's murals were painted in the early 1500s. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
The Vatican Museums' gallery of maps contains massive charts dating from the 1500s. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
The Vatican Museums. Rome, Feb 2008. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Between visiting St. Peter's Square and the vaunted galleries of the Vatican Museums, pictured here, Vatican visitors need to allot a full day. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
The Vatican. Rome, Feb 2008. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Some of the Vatican Museums' elaborate ceilings are painted in a trompe l'oeil style to emulate three dimensions; others incorporate sculptures that seem to leap off the walls. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
The Vatican Museums. Rome, Feb 2008. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
The Vatican Museums' collection includes this status of Anubis, an Egyptian diety. Much of the museum is open to the elements and natural light. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
School trip to the Vatican Museums. Rome, Feb 2008. JANE WOOLDRIDGE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
