Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is the papal chapel in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, named after Pope Sixtus IV, who had it built in 1473–1481. The hall measures about 40.9 × 13.4 m and is 20.7 m high – the dimensions the Bible gives for Solomon’s Temple. The side walls were frescoed in 1481–1482 by Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio, Rosselli and others with scenes from the lives of Moses and Christ; Michelangelo painted the ceiling in 1508–1512 and the Last Judgment on the altar wall in 1536–1541. The chapel is still used for papal ceremonies and for the conclave that elects a new pope.

The chapel can only be visited with a ticket to the Vatican Museums. It lies near the end of the route, so most visitors reach it after an hour or more of galleries. Since 2014 the frescoes have been lit by LED lamps, and a climate system protects them from the heat and humidity brought in by millions of visitors a year. Photography is not allowed, guards ask for silence, and shoulders and knees must be covered.

Key points:

• Built: 1473–1481 under Pope Sixtus IV; ceiling 1508–1512, Last Judgment 1536–1541.
• Tickets (2026): €20 at the Vatican Museums ticket office, €25 online with a timed reservation; the chapel is included.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00–20:00 (last entry 18:00); free on the last Sunday of the month 9:00–14:00; closed during a conclave.
• Nearby: Raphael Rooms, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square.