Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, located within the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, is one of the world's most renowned artistic treasures. Built between 1473 and 1481 under Pope Sixtus IV, it serves as the Pope's private chapel and the site of the papal conclave. Its fame rests on the ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, depicting scenes from Genesis, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam.' The altar wall features Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgment,' completed in 1541. The chapel also boasts frescoes by other Renaissance masters like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Perugino. Visitors enter a hushed, awe-inspiring space where every surface tells a biblical story. The experience is overwhelming, the sheer scale and detail of the artwork demand time to absorb. Despite crowds, the chapel's spiritual and artistic impact is profound. It is a must-see for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Don't miss

• Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes, especially 'The Creation of Adam'
• The Last Judgment on the altar wall
• Frescoes by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Perugino on the side walls
• The chapel's architecture and marble screen
• The experience of seeing the frescoes in person

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Sistine Chapel

Cheapest way inVATICAN: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Skip The Line Tickets4.1★ · 313 travelers1–3 hoursFrom$20 per personSee dates →Most bookedVatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour4.5★ · 40,852 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →Top ratedRome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group4.9★ · 4,068 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$219 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• No photography or video allowed inside the chapel. Silence is enforced.
• Dress modestly: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
• Arrive early or book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid hours-long waits.
• No large bags or backpacks; they must be checked at the cloakroom.

A bit of history

The Sistine Chapel was built from 1473 to 1481 for Pope Sixtus IV. Michelangelo painted the ceiling under Pope Julius II, and later added 'The Last Judgment' for Pope Paul III. It remains a working chapel and the site of papal elections.