Free Museums in Italy

"This treasure trove of classical and historical artwork has been built up over many centuries by various popes and includes some of the most important pieces of artwork in the world. Located within the confines of the Vatican state, the museums hold over 70,000 pieces of artwork. A dual ticket can be purchased to see both the Sistine Chapel and the museums and it is advised to devote enough time to see both properly."

"The Vatican Museums are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City complex. They're housed in former wings of the Vatican Palace. Much of the work was collected by Pope Julius II, the imperious "warrior" pope who left a staggering legacy."

"It is said that if you stood at each piece for just one minute, it would take you four years to see everything. Created by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the museums have expanded..."

"The Hadrianeum—the circular construction designed and commissioned by the emperor Hadrian in 130 as his personal mausoleum—was completed by Antoninus Pius a year after Hadrian’s death. The adjoining bridge, Pons Aelius, another of the emperor’s projects, was begun in 136. In 270–75, Aurelian incorporated the tomb within the inner city by means of the fortified walls bearing his name."

"I love the Castel at many different times of day, but mid-morning (like the first few pics below), sunset, and nighttime are my favorites. To be fair, I’ve never been there at sunrise, so it could also be amazing then…. Part of what I love about it is how many different angles you have to play with:"

"The collection of the Galleria Borghese, defined as one of the most beautiful collections in the world, consists in sculptures, bas-reliefs, and ancient mosaics, as well as statues and paintings from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. In addition to being exceptional for its splendid collection, the museum is perfect in the coherence of its beautiful ensemble that implies marbles, inlays, mosaics, stuccoes, and inserts of the antique."

"Considered one of the most beautiful small museums in Europe, the Borghese Gallery and Museum is worth a visit even to just admire its interior decor. The fact that it also houses the most valuable collection of Bernini’s early sculptures and Caravaggio’s best paintings just seems like a bonus. The beautiful 17th-century villa used to be the holiday palace of Cardinal Scipione Borghese."

"An art gallery set within the Villa Borghese gardens, Galleria Borghese houses one of Rome’s greatest art collections: the Borghese Collection. Here, visitors can discover classical sculptures by the likes of Bernini and Canova, and ancient artworks by Italian masters such as Raphael and Caravaggio. End the day with a five-minute drive or a 15-minute walk back to the hotel."

"Located opposite Villa Farnesina, Galleria Corsini is part of Rome’s Arte Antica collections, along with Galleria Borghese and Palazzo Barberini, though it is the least known of the three museums. It is housed in the impressive late-Baroque Palazzo Corsini which belonged to the prominent Corsini family (who incidentally also founded the Capitoline Museums, commissioned the Trevi Fountain and other notable structures in Rome). The gallery has a wide breadth of Italian art from early Renaissance to the late 18th century, including works by Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, Van Dyke, Rubens and Reni, though the highlight of the museum may be the Biblioteca Corsini, a gorgeous library embellished with columns, trompe l’oeil painted busts and elaborate ceiling frescoes."

"Located just opposite Villa Farnesina, Galleria Corsiniis part of Rome’s Arte Antica collections, along with Galleria Borghese and Palazzo Barberini. The museum is housed in an impressive late-Baroque palace built by the wealthy and prominent Corsini family. The gallery has an impressive collection of Italian art from early Renaissance to the late 18th century."

"You might also like to visit some of Rome’s palaces – Palazzo Corsini and Villa Farnesina Or just hang out on the steps in front of the Fontana di Ponte Sisto with the locals and watch the city go about its business."

"Chiostro del Bramante hosts revolving exhibitions of modern art|© REDA and CO srl / Alamy Stock Photo. The Chiostro del Bramante is a culture and arts center, and is set in a stunning example of Renaissance architecture designed by Donato Bramante (1444-1515). It holds spaces that extend below the surface of the cloister which have been completely renovated, and are now ideal for performances and small exhibitions of young artists."

"Chiostro del Bramante hosts revolving exhibitions of modern art|© REDA and CO srl / Alamy Stock Photo. Designed by Donato Bramante, the Chiostro del Bramante is one of the most important works of Renaissance architecture in Rome. Originally the cloisters of the adjacent Santa Maria della Pace church, the elegant space is now home to revolving exhibitions from the world of modern art."

"Commissioned around 1500, Bramante's square cloister is an extraordinary example of High Renaissance architecture, forming part of the complex of the adjoining church of S."

"Not just a place to buy cool craft beers to take home, AntiGalleryis a great place to sit (also outside in the little piazzetta), sample, and enjoy a brew. Typical of the hidden gems in Monti, this cute shop is easily missed by passers-by, however it’s definitely worth stopping in for a cold one. We recommend: Seta Special Bergamotto (BEL)"

"BrewDog, the rapidly expanding Scottish multinational brewery and pub chain, opened its first location in Rome in 2016 and has already generated a cult following in the Eternal City. Located just around the corner from the Colosseum, BrewDog specializes in its eponymous beers though it has a number of other international craft beers available on draft as well. With 20 taps, you’re sure to find something to suit your preference."

"Few travelers venture south to Garbatella but with its neighborhood feel, charming architecture and great eateries, it’s a veritable diamond in the rough. Beer lovers visiting this area should head to HeyHop for a cold pint served with a lot of heart that can be enjoyed with an exclusively local crowd. HeyHop has an international selection of beers and just under a dozen beers on tap, as well as bottles for sale alongside tools to brew your own ale at home."

"Via Tuscolana, 794 (towards Cinecittà) Daily 6am– 9pmtornatoratuscolana.it. Insider tip: creative looking cakes shaped after ladybirds, a cute little mouse or a hedgehog are perfect as a birthday gift. For all other days, try the unmissable pastarelle, or enjoy a luxurious breakfast accompanied by a delicious cappuccino."

"A gorgeous neo classical architecture shines over the Mercato dell’Unita. Here, in the heart of the Prati area, you’ll have plenty of time to pick up some delicious food!. Pick up some fresh seafood if you are staying in an apartment and have opportunity to cook!"

"The exterior of the Mercato Trionfale looks more like an aesthetically challenged office building than the setting for Rome’s largest public market. What the facade lacks in character, the interior more than makes up for in quality and variety of its products. The south side of the market, just a few blocks from the busy Vatican Museums, houses fishmongers selling local and imported catch - look for anchovies, clams, and octopus caught in the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea - while the adjacent interior stalls are run by local farmers, a rarity in Rome, and sell produce grown just outside of the city."