Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, or Cappella Sistina in Italian, is an extraordinary achievement, serving as the main chapel of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, who initiated its construction between 1475 and 1481.
On one hand, it is one of the most famous artistic works in Rome, distinguished by the greatest masterpiece of Michelangelo Buonarroti, which can be explored during a visit to the Vatican Museums. On the other hand, it hosts the conclaves for the election of the Pope and official ceremonies.
The visit to the Sistine Chapel ranks number 4 in our Top 30 in Rome.

The Frescoes of the Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s Genesis

The frescoes adorning the walls of the Sistine Chapel are among the most renowned artworks in the world. These illustrations form a “Biblia pauperum,” perhaps the most significant depiction of Judeo-Christian theology.

The Vault with Genesis

On the vault, Michelangelo painted episodes from the Old Testament (1508-1512): Genesis, Creation of Man, The Flood, Noah, and more. In the lunettes and corners, prophets, sibyls, and ancestors of Christ are depicted.

Michelangelo’s Last Judgment: A Monumental Fresco

Later, Clement VII de Medici commissioned the same great artist to paint the Last Judgment (1535-1541) on the back wall. This massive 20-meter-high fresco portrays the glorious return of Christ as described in the scriptures. It features a crowd of figures surrounding Christ and the Virgin, originally depicted nude but later “clothed” to conceal their intimate anatomy. This “dynamic” scene contrasts with typical solemn representations, with highly expressive and lively characters full of movement.

Frescoes on the Other Walls: Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio

Detail of the Last Judgment

The other walls are decorated with scenes illustrating the Stories of Moses on the south wall and the New Testament on the north wall, as well as portraits of Popes. These were painted by great Italian artists of the late 15th century: Sandro Botticelli (episodes of Moses, Temptation of Christ), Pietro Perugino (Moses’ Journey to Egypt, Baptism of Christ), Pinturicchio, Domenico Ghirlandaio (The Calling of the First Apostles Peter and Paul), Piero di Cosimo, Cosimo Rosselli (Sermon on the Mount, Last Supper, Tables of the Law).
In the 16th century, the frescoes on the entrance wall were redone: Hendrik van den Broeck repainted Ghirlandaio’s Resurrection of Christ, and Matteo da Lecce repainted Signorelli’s Dispute over the Body of Moses.
The floor is covered with a beautiful 15th-century Cosmatesque marble pavement.

Suggested Guided Tours of the Sistine Chapel and Tickets

Visiting the Sistine Chapel: Tickets, Hours, and Info

Hours and Tickets for the Sistine Chapel