Visiting the Sistine Chapel is one of the best things to do in Rome. Michelangelo’s famous chapel owes its name to Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned the chapel’s construction in 1473.
It is located in the Vatican Museums. The architect Giovanni of Dolci was commissioned and completed his work in 1483. Finally, in 1508 – 1512, some of the most renowned artists were commissioned to decorate the Sistine Chapel.
Among them were Michelangelo, Botticelli, Luca, and Perugino. Today, the picturesque masterpieces of the chapel cover the entire walls as well as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
The first mass was said here in 1483 on the occasion of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, while the chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Today, the Sistine Chapel is the site of the papal conclave, where a new pope is elected. For more exciting details about the Vatican, see our overview of Vatican City.
The demand for tickets to the Vatican Museums is high. The tickets are sold out quickly during the peak season. Sometimes there are last-minute tickets, but they are a few euros more expensive.
For more detailed information on guided tours and tickets at the Vatican, see our article on Sistine Chapel Tickets.
Visitor Information:
Address:
Città del Vaticano 51, 00120 Vatican City
Transportation:
Metro stop: Cipro-Musei Vaticani, line A
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday: 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (last admission: 4.00 p.m.)
Fridays open until 21.00 p.m.
Sunday: day off (except the last Sunday of each month)
closed:
January 1st & January 6th
February 2nd
April 10th
May 1st
June 29th
August 15th & 16th
November 1st
December 08th / 26th / 31st
Nearby:
St. Peter’s Basilica (0,5 km)
Castel Sant’ Angelo (1,1 km)
Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Michelangelo spent a whole four years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. His masterpiece “The Creation” is supposed to depict the world’s creation.
At the center of it all, you see Adam lying on the ground, extending his index finger toward his Creator.
The Creation of Adam - the most famous fresco of the Sistine Chapel
Undoubtedly, the most renowned painting in the Sistine Chapel is the Creation of Adam, located in the center of the ceiling fresco.
This painting measures 4.80 x 2.30 meters and is world-famous. Michelangelo spent four days completing the figure of Adam.
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment titles the painting above the high altar, also painted by Michelangelo. This unique fresco measures 13.7 x 12.2 meters and depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the Last Judgment of mankind. Michelangelo painted this work between the years 1536 and 1541.
Our hotel recommendations close to Vatican City:
Have you already found a suitable hotel?
We have researched the best hotels nearby! -> Rome Hotels near Vatican
Visit the Sistine Chapel
To gain entry to the Sistine Chapel, you must visit the Vatican Museums. It is especially recommended to book these incredible sights by guided tour.
This way, you will receive exciting information about the respective stations and can (via ticket without queuing) escape the massive queue in front of the building!
Where is the Sistine Chapel located?
Editor: Sebastian Erkens
Hey and welcome to Rome-Tourist! My name is Sebastian and I travel regularly to Rome, Italy.
On our Rome blog you will get valuable travel tips. If you have any questions about specific tours or sights, feel free to leave us a comment.
These articles may also interest you:
