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Things to do in Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a famous Roman Catholic chapel located within the Vatican City in Rome that is known for its breathtaking art and its role as a meeting place of the papal conclave where the Pope is selected. The chapel has the same dimensions as the Temple of Solomon, on Jerusalem's Temple Mount, as described in the Old Testament of the Bible
Originally known as the Cappela Magna, the Sistine Chapel was restored between 1477 and 1480 and then renamed after Pope Sixtus IV who commissioned its construction. Pope Sixtus IV also commisioned for the iconic artwork that is found inside of the chapel which was created between the late 1400's and 1500's.
Renowned painters including Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino and Domenico Ghirlandaio adorned the walls with Renaissance style frescoes, but it was Michelangelo who painted some of the most acclaimed works found in the chapel from the iconic ceiling with "The Creation of Adam" to the altar with "The Last Judgement". It is said that Michelangelo didn't see his masterpiece he created on the ceiling as a whole until after he was completely finished painting, over 4 years from when he first started!
Today, the Sistine Chapel is still used for its original purpose 500 years after being built; it's the Pope's personal chapel and a place to host mass.
Approximately 25,000 visitors come to visit the Church daily to take tours and admire the gorgeous art while learning about its important religious and historic significance. If you are in Rome visiting, be sure to make a visit to this historical chapel and admire the Sistine Chapel's artwork!
Information about visiting the Sistine Chapel
- To visit the Sistine Chapel it is necessary to follow a pre-established route that starts from the Vatican Museums.
- In order to conserve the frescoes, entrance to the Chapel is limited and the stay inside is subject to the observation of strict rules of conduct.
- Inside the Chapel, it is absolutely forbidden to take videos and/or photos, and the use of cell phones is also forbidden.
- It is prohibited to bring in food and drink of any kind
- The Sistine Chapel is one of the most sacred places of Catholicism, for this reason, visitors are asked to observe the utmost silence during the visit.
- To enter the Sistine Chapel a dress code is also required: men can't enter in shorts and women can't wear skirts above the knee; hats are prohibited and shirts must cover the shoulders.
Our recommendations in Sistine Chapel
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica guided tour
Book your guided tour including Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Less time in line, more time on art!
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Exclusive first entry: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums tour
Book this combo offer including Exclusive First Entry Tickets: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums!
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Fast track Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica tour
Make the most of your time in Rome! Explore the Vatican Museums on a 2-hour guided tour and then visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter.
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Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel self-guided audio tour
Get to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace and find out plenty of facts and curiosities about its masterpieces thanks to your self-guided tour!
en, it, de
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica guided tour
Book your guided tour including Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Less time in line, more time on art!
en
Exclusive first entry: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums tour
Book this combo offer including Exclusive First Entry Tickets: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums!
en
Fast track Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica tour
Make the most of your time in Rome! Explore the Vatican Museums on a 2-hour guided tour and then visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter.
en
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel self-guided audio tour
Get to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace and find out plenty of facts and curiosities about its masterpieces thanks to your self-guided tour!
en, it, de
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line tickets
Book your Vatican Museums VIP No Wait Access tickets now! Skip the lines, see the museums on your own and don't waste time in the summer heat.
Vatican Pass with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Discover the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel plus enjoy an audio-guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with your exclusive Vatican Pass!
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Rome and the Vatican full-day tour with pizza and gelato lunch
Maximize your time in Rome thanks to this full-day top attractions tour! Visit the Vatican Museums and stop to see the most famous monuments.
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Vatican Gardens open bus tour, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Discover the Vatican Gardens during an open bus tour and visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with your reserved entrance.
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How to get there
Sistine Chapel
Rome
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Reviews Sistine Chapel
“The vatican museum is so big and there is simply too much art to see. What most wanted was to see Rafaels art and the sistine chapel...but we had to go through the rest to get there ....and it was very painful at times. There need to be shortcuts. The guide knew her stuff, but continually made us aware of her own Roman Catholic views. Her words were a mixture of biblical truth and fiction/tradition/ folk tales which were all put across as fact”
“Skipped the queues which was good, but the Vatican was very busy so be prepared to be shoulder to shoulder. This is not a visit for small children in my opinion.”
“Ottima esperienza, guida molto preparata, tutto ben organizzato, assolutamente consigliato.”
