The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), part of Rome’s Vatican Museums, was decorated by art masters Sandro Botticelli and Pinturicchio in the 15th century before being completed with Michelangelo’s stunning 16th-century ceilings frescoes and monumental “The Last Judgement,” which covers the apse wall. The fresco-covered ceiling is the artist’s greatest work and one of the most important masterpieces in history, while the Sistine Chapel serves as a glorious homage to Renaissance art and one of the most visited sights in all of Italy.
Yes. The Sistine Chapel is part of Rome’s Vatican Museums and to visit it, you need to book either an admission ticket or a tour of the museums in advance. You can’t turn up at the Sistine Chapel on the day and wait in line for a ticket.
...MoreYes. The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s top attractions, so admission tickets to the Vatican Museums—which include access to the chapel—sell out fast. If you can’t get admission tickets for a self-guided visit on your chosen day, try booking a tour that includes admission instead.
...MoreYou can’t enter the Sistine Chapel directly as there’s no exterior entrance—you can only reach it indirectly via the Vatican Museums’ entrance at Viale Vaticano, on the northern edge of Vatican City. After going through this entrance, follow the signposted one-way walking route through the museums’ galleries, which leads to the chapel.
...MoreYes, visiting the Sistine Chapel is worth it—it’s one of the world’s greatest artistic and religious treasures. The chapel boasts magnificent Renaissance artworks, the finest being Michelangelo’s early 16th-century ceiling frescoes of biblical scenes. His central, iconic image, The Creation of Adam, is universally acknowledged as a masterpiece.
...MoreMeasuring 131 feet (40 meters) by 46 feet (14 meters), the Sistine Chapel is roughly the size of two tennis courts placed end-to-end—so walking through doesn’t take long. As it’s usually crowded, most people find that 15-20 minutes is enough time to admire its stunning interior.
...MoreThe Sistine Chapel is busiest from late morning to early afternoon, on Saturdays, public holidays, and from early spring through fall. For thinner crowds, aim for early morning or mid-afternoon or visit from November through March, except on Easter and Christmas. Alternatively, consider early-access or after-hours tours for the least amount of other visitors.
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