One of the world's greatest artistic treasures, Sistine Chapel was originally called Capella Magna. The site takes its current name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the chapel between 1477 and 1480. The structure has long served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. It's the site of the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is selected. The chapel's fame comes mainly from the frescoes decorating its interior. The ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is the most notable feature and a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. The ceiling's various elements form part of a larger decoration. The huge fresco entitled "The Last Judgment" is one of Michelangelo's greatest works. Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Raphael also contributed to the chapel's impressive interior. Skip the extremely long entry lines by booking a guided tour with the Vatican Museums ahead of time. Use our Vatican City route planner to arrange your visit to Sistine Chapel and other attractions in Vatican City.
Tours to Sistine Chapel
Sistine Chapel reviews
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It's chaos, but will be worth the visit. The room will be insanely packed, but it's a must-see. Buy tickets in advance, the queue was backed around the wall almost to st Peter's, for those waiting to.... more
It's chaos, but will be worth the visit. The room will be insanely packed, but it's a must-see. Buy tickets in advance, the queue was backed around the wall almost to st Peter's, for those waiting to.... more »
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I visited the Sistine Chapel twice in the month of March with two separate group tours. Our tour groups visited when it opened in the morning and we didn’t have to wait long in lines. There are...
I visited the Sistine Chapel twice in the month of March with two separate group tours. Our tour groups visited when it opened in the morning and we didn’t have to wait long in lines. There are... more »
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Words can’t express how beautiful this place is! Firstly, I’d highly recommended booking in advance as the queues were forever down road; some people were still in the queue after us being in there for 3 hours… but if you book in advance; 1. You save money! & 2. You get in almost straight away and don’t have to wait! “Get your guide” I booked with and it was much cheaper, faster and trustworthy - it also had its own line for getting in and we got in straight away! Definitely recommend taking out half your day to explore this beautiful place, as it can extremely busy… shoulder to shoulder busy :/ and don’t forgot to see the Sistine Chapel! Which is at the bottom! It’s beautiful, nothing like I’ve ever seen :) It’s so big, beautiful and so much to view. There is on site food areas, which I’d say are fair priced for such a beautiful tourist area. Safe to say it’s one things in Rome that is a must see!
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Absolutely terrific. We did a small group tour & skipped the line. Our tour guide was great. Priceless antiquities of human history are in the Vatican. The imagination of the artists, the colors, their skills are on display throughout the buildings. Catholic or not, this should not be missed if in Rome.
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