Vatican uncovers major discovery in restored Raphael Rooms

The Vatican Museums have completed the decade-long restoration of the Hall of Constantine, one of the celebrated Raphael Rooms. 

As the project wraps up, officials revealed on June 26 a significant art-historical discovery uncovered during the conservation work.

For years, scholars believed the hall was painted solely by Raphael’s assistants after his death. 

However, the restoration uncovered compelling evidence that Raphael himself completed two figures in the room and had begun planning additional work before his untimely passing.

This revelation is just one part of the Vatican’s vast legacy. 

While millions of visitors come each year to admire the Vatican’s surface splendor, only a fraction of its immense cultural and historical wealth is visible to the public, tucked away in vaults, archives, and underground chambers.