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Braccio del Candelabro

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Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)

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The Braccio del Candelabro is a significant wing of the Vatican Museums, housing the renowned Gallery of the Candelabra (Galleria dei Candelabri). Originally constructed in 1761 under Pope Pius VI, the gallery underwent a major decorative overhaul during the late 19th century under Pope Leo XIII. The architecture is notable for its sequence of grand marble arches that divide the long corridor into distinct thematic bays. Its name is derived from the monumental ancient marble candelabra, dating to the 2nd century AD, which are positioned in pairs at the entrance of each section. Geographically, this wing serves as a crucial link between the Museo Pio-Clementino and the Gallery of the Tapestries along the primary visitor route. The ceiling frescoes feature intricate allegorical scenes and historical narratives that emphasize the Church's role as a patron of the arts and sciences. Today, the gallery displays a rich assortment of Roman statuary, colored marble vases, and floor mosaics, all set within one of the Vatican's most ornate interiors.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Braccio del Candelabro is a gallery within the Vatican Museums, accessible with an entry ticket. It displays ancient sculptures and is part of the museum route.
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Typical hours
The gallery is open during regular museum hours: typically 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, last entry at 4:00 pm. Closed Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month.
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Photography
Photography in the gallery is allowed without flash. Be careful not to obstruct other visitors and do not use a tripod.
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Time needed
Walking through the gallery takes about 10-15 minutes if you just glance at the sculptures. For closer inspection, allow 20-30 minutes.
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Combine with
The Braccio del Candelabro is near the Braccio Nuovo and the Gallery of Statues. Combine it with these neighboring museum sections for a good visit.
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Getting there
The gallery is on the upper floor of the Vatican Museums, reachable via the main staircase. Follow signs directed to 'Braccio del Candelabro'.
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Insider tip
The gallery is often less crowded, so take the opportunity for a quiet visit. Look out for the famous candelabrum sculpture that gave the section its name.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90600, 12.45500

Facts

  • The gallery was originally established in 1761 by Pope Pius VI.
  • The current interior decoration was completed between 1883 and 1887.
  • The namesake marble candelabra date back to the 2nd century AD.
  • The gallery is architecturally divided into six bays by colored marble arches.
  • The ceiling frescoes were painted by Ludwig Seitz and his team.
  • The collection includes rare porphyry vases and intricate ancient mosaics.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
FarnesinaFarnesina3 km · NExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

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Sights in the town Braccio del Candelabro (10)

Museo Chiaramonti🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, housing ancient sculptures and sarcophagi.

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Museo Gregoriano Egizio🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, displaying ancient Egyptian artifacts.

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Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint overlooking the Vatican Gardens.

Museo Pio Clementino🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, famous for the Laocoön group.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis beneath Vatican City, with Roman-era tombs.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double-helix staircase in the Vatican, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, also called Torre dei Venti.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Peregrine.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums complex.

Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo

Oratory in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Giles.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the Gallery of the Candelabra?
Because of the large ancient marble candelabra that divide the gallery.
When was the gallery established?
It was established in 1785 under Pope Pius VI.
What can be seen on the ceiling?
Magnificent 19th-century frescoes by Ludwig Seitz.
Is the gallery part of the standard tour?
Yes, it is passed through on the way to the Sistine Chapel.
What kind of art is exhibited here?
Mainly Roman copies of Greek sculptures and sarcophagi.
Braccio del Candelabro: where is it located?
Braccio del Candelabro is located in Vatican.
Braccio del Candelabro: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo Chiaramonti, Museo Gregoriano Egizio, Punto panoramico di viale della Galea.
Braccio del Candelabro: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Braccio del Candelabro: why is it worth visiting?
The Braccio del Candelabro is a significant wing of the Vatican Museums, housing the renowned Gallery of the Candelabra (Galleria dei Candelabri).
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History & landmarks

Typography Street — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Fountain of the Galley — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Oven Square — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Bunker Access — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Postal Service Square — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Vatican Fire Station — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Saint Anne&#39;s Gate — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Saint Anne's Gate
One of the primary entrances to Vatican City, used mainly by employees and residents for daily access to the state.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.

More places

Palace of Innocent VIII — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Palace of Innocent VIII
This palace forms the core of the Belvedere complex in the Vatican.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Chiaramonti Museum — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Chiaramonti Museum
Founded by Pope Pius VII, this museum displays hundreds of Roman busts and statues in an impressive gallery designed by Canova.
Gregorian Etruscan Museum — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.
Missionary-Ethnological Museum — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Missionary-Ethnological Museum
Known today as Anima Mundi, this museum displays religious artworks from around the world, often collected by missionaries.
Gallery of Maps — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Pio-Clementine Museum — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Pio-Clementine Museum
The largest of the Vatican Museums, housing significant Greek and Roman sculptures, including the famous Laocoön group.
Palace of Paul V — Braccio del Candelabro (Vatican)
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.