Sistine Chapel

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Sistine Chapel: Tours & Tickets

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Highlights of the Sistine Chapel

When it comes to touring the Vatican City, the best is saved until last: the revered Sistine Chapel. A tour de force of art and architecture by the most famous Renaissance artists, it will dazzle you. Here’s a list of highlights.

  • Sistine Chapel Ceiling

    1. Sistine Chapel Ceiling

    The Sistine Chapel is Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Its ceiling is divided into nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, depicting the creation of the world from light to dark, sun to moon, Adam to Eve.

  • The Creation of Adam

    2. The Creation of Adam

    One of the most famous artworks of all time, the centerpiece of the ceiling is a fresco painting depicting God bringing Adam to life with his fingertips.

  • The Last Judgment by Michelangelo

    3. The Last Judgment by Michelangelo

    Michelangelo’s fresco depicting the Last Judgment can be seen above the altar. Interestingly, he started working on it 25 years after the ceiling, and it took four years to complete.

  • Southern Wall: Story of Moses

    4. Southern Wall: Story of Moses

    See scenes from Moses’s life, including his journey through Egypt, portrayed by the Renaissance greats: Botticelli, Perugino and Rosselli.

  • Northern Wall: Story of Jesus

    5. Northern Wall: Story of Jesus

    The wall to the right of the altar shows scenes from Jesus’s life according to the great Renaissance painters.

Planning Your Visit

  • Why Is the Sistine Chapel Important?

    Starting in 1508, Michelangelo spent lonely years painting the chapel's ceiling and altar, transforming these walls into one of the great masterpieces. In the words of Goethe, "If you haven't seen the Sistine Chapel, it's impossible to have any idea of what one man is capable of doing." The walls will come to life as you step in!

  • What to Know

    Don't wear shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts without bringing a scarf or covering, as you will not be allowed in. Taking photographs is strictly prohibited in the chapel.

  • Can You Visit the Sistine Chapel on Its Own?

    Located in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums, so can only be entered through the Museum. Admission is included in the purchase of a ticket to the Vatican Museum. Beware of anyone trying to sell you just for the Sistine Chapel, it’s a scam.

  • Avoiding the Lines

    Over 4.5 million visitors come to the Sistine Chapel per year, so it’s difficult to completely avoid a crowd. During the Pope’s address on Wednesday mornings it’s a bit quieter, as at lunchtimes. Buying tickets in advance is always a good idea.

Good to know

  • When should I visit?
    The Sistine Chapel is closed on Sundays and Catholic holidays. Opening hours can be erratic, so check online to avoid disappointment.
  • Is it expensive?
    €17 general entry
  • Will I need a guide?
    If you want to learn more about the amazing pieces of art, sure! There are tickets for small group tours, as well as a chance to make the Sistine Chapel part of your Rome City Pass.
  • How to get there
    The Vatican City is located inside of Rome. Bus 49 will get you there. Alternatively, take the red metro line to Cipro station.
  • Additional information

    • Beware of pickpockets, especially on crowded public transport. Hold onto your bags, and keep valuables out of sight.

    • Be sure to bring a cardigan or other long-sleeved garment to cover up your arms when entering the Sistine Chapel.

What people are saying about Sistine Chapel

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 100,523 reviews

We were very happy with our guide on this tour - he was very knowledgeable, answered all of our questions, kept the tour moving, kept it interesting for our 12 & 14 year old girls, and also helped entertain / interact with the 3 & 6 year old also in our tour group. He was energetic, fun, and seemed to be sure that EVERYONE got what they wanted out of the tour. He definitely knows his stuff, and I would recommend this tour to anyone - including families with teens or kids.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tour Reviewed by Amanda, 10/26/2020

Helpful?

All the important areas of the Vatican were covered in great detail without going on too long. The Vatican may be the single most impressive site on the entire planet, and we were able to see it in great and splendid detail. Our guide was top of the line and was able to develop a great relationship with everyone in the group. Plus, no queues for obvious reasons, so that made it a pretty unique experience.

3-Hour Semi-Private Early Vatican Tour Reviewed by Michael, 10/23/2020

Helpful?

Wonderful tour full of information and all the perfect highlights! Would highly recommend to anyone traveling to the area and wanting to see the Vatican and St. Peters Basilica. David was an amazing tour guide that was experienced and knowledgeable. Thankful to have had this tour otherwise we would have been so lost and not known what to do or what we were seeing.

3-Hour Semi-Private Early Vatican Tour Reviewed by Danielle, 10/19/2020

Helpful?

Loved Pasquale and the tour! Pasquale was a great guide! I've visited both places 20 years ago without a tour, and it's so much more meaningful to have a knowledgeable and interesting guide. Pasquale was amazing interacting with my 8 year old son and keeping him engaged. Highly recommend!!

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour Reviewed by Jennifer, 10/26/2020

Helpful?

Very well organized! Our guide provided us with very interesting informations and lifted the experience to a much higher level! We enjoyed our visit very much.

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour Reviewed by Karl, 10/19/2020

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