Sistine Chapel Highlights
- Visit the majestic Sistine Chapel Rome which is the official residence of the Pope.
- Witness and marvel at the beautiful fresco painting drawn by Michelangelo illustrating the Last Judgement which covers the entire altar on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
- You can also view the artworks depicting the life of Moses and Christ on the walls of the Chapel sketched by famous renaissance artists like Perugino, Pinturicchio and Ghirlandaio.
- Take a tour around the other rooms in the Vatican Museum including Stanza della Segnatura, Stanze di Raffaello and The Vatican Pinacotheca.
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Explore Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel Ceiling, which is the iconic feature of the Chapel, looks like a flattened barrel arch that has been cut diagonally by smaller vaults. The ceiling is adorned with gorgeous fresco artworks painted by Michelangelo at the command of Pope Julius II. Painted between 1508 and 1512, the frescoes found on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling and on the west wall behind the altar are:- Nine central stories from the Genesis - The Last Judgement- Twelve Prophets and Sibyls- Salvation of the people of Israel on the four corner Pendentives
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The Last Judgement is a magnificent painting by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel ceiling that was carried out between 1536 and 154. The painting features the figure of Christ at the centre, next to which is the figure of Mary around whom the Saints including St. Peter, Set. Sebastian, St. Laurence, and St. Bartholomew are painted. The lower part includes the paintings of the angles of the Apocalypse and the risen who are trying to recover their bodies as they ascend to heaven.
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The North Wall represents paintings about the Story of Jesus distributed over eight panels. The frescoes portray- Baptism of Christ- Temptation of Christ- Cleansing of the Leper- Vocation of the Apostles- The Sermon on the Mount- The Delivery of the Keys- The Last Supper
You can also see paintings about the Agony in the Garden, the Arrest of Jesus, and the Crucifixion beyond the windows in the North Wall. The cycle ends with the resurrection of Christ on the entrance wall.
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The South Wall is decorated with paintings depicting the story of Moses which consists of eight panels. However, the first fresco portraying the Birth and Finding of Moses by Perugino was found lost. The altar on the south wall consists of the paintings about- Moses Leaving to Egypt- The Trials of Moses- The Crossing of Red Sea- Handing over the Tablets of Law- Descent from Mount Sinai- Punishment of the Rebels- Testament and Death of Moses
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Know Before You Go
Operating hours:- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
The last admission to Sistine Chapel closes at 4 PM. - During April to October, the closing time is extended till 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and final entry is accepted till 8:30 PM.
- The Sistine Chapel timings on the last Sunday of every month is from 9 AM to 2 PM with the last entry closing by 12:30 PM.
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By metro: Board a train on Line A and alight at Ottaviano-San Pietro or Cipro station from where you can walk to the Sistine Chapel.
By bus: You can take a bus on Line 49 that will take you to the square in front of the Vatican Museum.
By tram: Take a tram on line 19 to reach Piazza del Risorgimento stop just outside the Vatican city Walls from where you can walk to the Vatican Museum in 7 minutes.
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- Visitors are not allowed to bring large bags, heavy luggage, umbrellas, sharp weapons and camera tripod stands inside the Sistine Chapel.
- Visitors are requested to dress appropriately to cover their shoulders, arms and lower legs. Individuals wearing shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts and hats are forbidden from entering the Chapel.
- Taking photos or videos inside the Sistine Chapel is strictly prohibited. The staff are authorised to remove any such pictures or recordings made.
- Food and beverages from outside are not allowed inside the museum.
Sistine Chapel FAQs
Why is the Sistine Chapel so famous?
The Sistine Chapel is one of the proudest features of the Vatican City that is highly famous for its beautiful renaissance artworks by painters like Botticelli and Rosselli. The Chapel is also popular for the breathtaking fresco paintings on the ceiling by Michelangelo which depict the tales from the Bible.
How long should you spend at the Sistine Chapel?
A complete guided tour around all the rooms of the Sistine Chapel takes about three hours. Even without a guide, it will take at least two hours to explore the Sistine Chapel.
Is there a dress code for the Sistine Chapel?
Visitors of the Sistine Chapel are expected to dress modestly with clothes that do not leave their lower legs and shoulders bare. It is preferable to wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and open-toed sandals. Miniskirts, sleeveless tops, miniskirts and hats are not allowed.
Can you take pictures in the Sistine Chapel?
No, you cannot take pictures or record videos with any type of electronic equipment inside the Sistine Chapel. However, you can click photos elsewhere in the museum but without flash.
Who painted the walls of the Sistine Chapel?
The side walls of the Sistine Chapel were painted by the early renaissance Italian artists including Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Cosimo Rosselli. The right wall was painted to depict stories about Moses and the left wall has paintings portraying the life of Jesus. The ceiling of the Chapel was painted by Michelangelo.
Who is buried in the Sistine Chapel?
No one is buried in the Sistine Chapel. Pope Julius II, who commissioned the work of painting the ceiling of the Chapel to Michelangelo, is buried ST. Peter’s Basilica which is close to the Sistine Chapel.
Why is it called Sistine Chapel?
Sistine Chapel, which was originally called Cappella Magna, was later renamed after Pope Sixtus IV who commissioned the reconstruction work of the Chapel. Sixtus in Italian translates to ‘Sisto’ and hence it was named as Sistine Chapel.
How old is the Sistine Chapel?
The Sistine Chapel was built between the years 1473 and 1481 which means the Sistine Chapel is 549 years old.
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Why was the Sistine Chapel built?
The Sistine Chapel was built by Pope Sixtus IV who wanted to recreate the Salomon’s Temple of Jerusalem with the same dimensions as mentioned in the bible. Thus, he commenced the construction of the Sistine Chapel to recreate the face of Rome and to celebrate the erection of a new bridge, Ponte Sisto over the river Tiber.
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What is so special about the Sistine Chapel?
The Sistine Chapel, located at the heart of the Vatican City, is Italy’s most iconic landmark that lures millions of tourists. The Chapel is so special because of the beautiful frescoes covering the ceiling and side walls. The site is used by Sacred College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope when there is a vacancy and for principal papal ceremonies.
What are the best Rome day tours?
Here are some of the most popular Rome day tours:- 35-Minutes Pantheon Tour with Audio Guide, Rome- Arena Floor, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour, Rome- Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Official Guided Tour, Rome- St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour, Rome- Borghese Gallery & Gardens Tour, Rome