Fantastic bucket list location..when in rome.. Must see...note crowd is massive Must see read more

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I got pregnant in 2019, and one of the last things I did before entering the baby years was complete a 5,000-piece jigsaw puzzle of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I'd seen pictures of it, of course, but didn't realize how crazy it was until I spent who knows how many of hours of my life on that giant puzzle, which covered my entire dining room table. That was a big undertaking, but it was literally nothing compared to the once-in-several-millennia feat of the ceiling itself: 5,000 square feet of frescoes painted by Michelangelo, standing on a scaffold and working from below. The frescoes show scenes from Genesis, including the Creation of Adam, one of the most famous paintings of all time. They're colorful, energetic, and a little bizarre. I enjoyed staring at them for weeks while I worked on the puzzle. The ceiling is, of course, 1,000 times more impactful in person, a genuinely breathtaking masterpiece, unlike anything else in the world. Then there's The Last Judgment, the enormous apocalyptic fresco painted by Michelangelo on the altar wall twenty-five years after the ceiling, when he was in his 60s. It's powerful and dynamic, roaring with life, with over 300 figures in a work that encompasses the heights of heaven and the depths of hell. At its center is a buff Jesus, his physique modeled after the famous Belvedere Torso, which also resides in the Vatican Museums. We visited the Sistine Chapel under ideal conditions: a Monday morning in mid-November, with a small group tour. I gather that it gets crowded and sweaty during peak season, and I feel lucky that we got to see it in such serenity. Our tour guide prepared us for the visit by telling us the chapel's history and pointing out key points on a printed sheet before we entered. There were strict rules once we went in: no photos, no videos, and no talking. The no talking rule seemed to be the most relaxed, but the chapel felt holy and hushed even with some low chatter. We were able to find seats on one of the benches along the walls and gawk at the ceiling and The Last Judgment at our leisure. If I never see the Sistine Chapel again, I will remember the experience for the rest of my life. I hope to go back, though, even if it is a crush of bodies. It might even be fitting to view The Last Judgment while writhing in a sea of humanity. read more

To visit the Capella Sistina, or Sistine Chapel, you would have to go to the Vatican Museum. My boyfriend and I purchased time entry tickets to the Vatican Museum at one of the earliest time slots in the day, and still the museum was unbearably crowded. Th Sistine Chapel is a central place of worship for the Roman Catholic Church. Is it the site where new popes are elected, making it a key location for the continuity of Catholicism. From an artistic point of view, this chapel is also famous for the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. This is one of the greatest piece of artworks in the world capturing the height of Renaissance art. This piece of art shows complex compositions, dramatic expressions, and the intricacies of the human anatomy. On the walls of the Sistine Chapel, you can see the works of Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio. With its' religious and artistic significance, the museum saves it for last on their museum route, and you have to go through everything else to get to this insanely crowded room of tour groups and staff supervision. This was the room with the most museum staff supervision telling people to move along, or pull to the center of the room. It's really mixed feelings because it's stunning but while you're trying to look up and take in the sights, a bunch of people are bumping into you and being extremely inconsiderate. I don't feel like I fully absorbed its' elegance profound deep features. My rating is rounded up in respect for the artistic significance but the experience wasn't too enjoyable. I don't think taking a tour would help either because those folks are stuck with their groups, and stuck in the same crowded room. I prefer the freedom of moving on when I'm over it. read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

The Sistine Chapel is the ultimate example of my boss made me do it because poor Michelangelo just wanted to sculpt forever and Pope Julius II basically threatened him with eternal damnation unless he painted a 12,000 square feet ceiling. Oh and on his back, oh and for four years. The creation of Adam is my favorite scene. I could spend hours in this room! No pictures! read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

UNESCO World Heritage Site The Sistine Chapel ceiling with Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" is the star attraction. No photos are allowed, but I saw someone sneak some in. There are some seats around the perimeter. Overall, it was a crowded experience and I didn't get to truly view the entire ceiling in detail. read more

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the pope's official residence in Vatican City. It has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Please note photos are not allowed inside the chapel, I've only attached the hallway and exit looks, which are still a couple of rooms away from the actual chapel. It's overly crowded inside, as lots of people come to visit the museum wouldn't want to miss this spot. read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

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Some notes: You can take photos without a flash in the rest of the Vatican Museum but not here. People do and they get yelled at. This is a chapel so it's smaller than many of the surrounding basilicas that are in Italy. You can either stand in the middle or sit in the limited bench seating on the outside. Guards are constantly moving people in and out. It was pretty claustrophobic for me. So warm. So many people. Binoculars help a lot. read more

It's hard for me to say something about Cappella Sistina that hasn't already been said on this page. You've read about it, you've seen pictures of it in your middle school history textbooks, but what is it like to see it in person? I wasn't going to let my visit to Roma go by without finding out. Since we carved out time to visit the Vatican City, it only seemed natural to visit the Chapel. Cappella Sistina is located inside the Vatican Museums; there are signs right after you enter leading you to the Chapel, but it's actually a pretty lengthy walk to get there. Don't fret, though, because along the way, you'll encounter multiple galleries filled with art from various regions of the world. I really enjoyed exploring the exhibits and it was a nice buildup to the chapel. Once entering the chapel, you're led to either the middle of the room or the perimeter - ushers are constantly walking around to make sure there are clear paths to maneuver throughout the space. The Chapel itself is magnificent - the ornateness of the paintings that crawl up the walls to the ceilings kept me fully occupied during my time here. It was almost surreal to be there after seeing it in pictures so many times. Some hot tips - there are no pictures allowed, and the ushers will make sure you're not taking any. I heard it's not due to the preservation of the actual chapel, but because the company that did the most recent preservation holds the rights to it (??? - something like that). Noise should also be kept to a minimum, but that wasn't really enforced. One should, however, dress appropriately, dress code is outlined on the website. Overall, one of the highlights of my trip to Roma - the Chapel and Vatican Museums as a whole are not to be missed. read more

Michelangelos' corridor above in the wall of Italy Maps is actually the treasure to see en route to the Sistine Chapel. Many may not even notice but be sure to look up to see the grand gold frescoes! :) Inside the Sistine Chapel itself is impressive too, Man Touching God, id say is the centerpiece as i did sneak a clandestine pic with a loan phone i had with a silhouette head of mine in between which was being preserved by natural sunlight from an adjacent window! :) Flash photography is not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel. If you like art, definitely a world class experience to see! Obviously the back story is Pope Julius II commissioning Michelangelo to paint all of this on his back using a scaffold! :) read more

Cappella Sistina - Michelangelo's corridor inside Hall of Maps of Italy at the Vatican Museum - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

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What can be said that hasn't already been uttered in awe beneath the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Standing under Michelangelo's masterpiece is to be dwarfed not just by scale, but by divine ambition rendered in paint. The ceiling, alive with color bursts with theological drama and human emotion. Each scene, from the famous "Creation of Adam" to the prophets and sibyls, feels ancient yet vivid, telling sacred stories in a way that still moves people. The Last Judgment on the far wall is intense and stirring, packed with energy and feeling. Even after centuries, the chapel holds a quiet, commanding presence that silences the room. It doesn't just show great art, it makes you feel like you're standing at the edge of something eternal. read more

It's a masterpiece for a reason! The ceiling and walls are adorned by many, many individual frescoes, a very difficult art form where the pigments are washed into the plaster. It was a discipline that a Michelangelo didn't like and he actually had no interest in painting. However he was ordered to paint it by Pope Julius II so between 1508 - 1512, Michelangelo dedicated his days and nights to painting the frescoes. The result is spellbinding. so much going on, so much to take in! That being said, with the crowds and the small space, it's not always easy to get up close and personal with the art. There are benches along the edge and if a space opens up, go for it. I found that this was the best vantage point to view the art, by staying in one spot and letting my eyes gaze around the walls and ceiling. Since the Sistine Chapel is an actual chapel, which is a sacred place, that means no photographs or videos. It also means silence as in no talking. Whispering is NOT silence! Even though they tell everyone before entering, and there are signs everywhere, and the guards make repeated announcements, obnoxious people just ignore the rules. Don't be one of them, it's disrespectful. Both to the sacred nature of the chapel and to all the others that are here to experience this incredible body of work. The chapel is very small and with everyone talking it was so loud making it near impossible to appreciate the art. For the few minutes when there was silence immediatelly following the guard's announcement, it was a beautiful place of meditation and art appreciation. Until the obnoxious people all started talking again. To set expectations: - The Sistine Chapel is at the far end of the Vatican Meuseum. The museum is filled with gorgeous tapestries, painted ceilings, Roman sculptures and artifacts so do try to enjoy this along the way to the real destination. - Like you, everyone wants to get to the end so it can feel like cattle being herded through a narrow hallway. Know this up front. - The chapel is small and in a hot day, can be stifling. - Since this is a chapel, it means no photographs and silence. To be clear, whispering is NOT silence. - Clothing must cover shoulders and knees inside the chapel. read more

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No photography and no talking are allowed into the Sistine Chapel. People still whisper but the guards didn't seem bothered by that. They do all people to either sit on the benches asking the walls or stand in the middle of the room to leave the walkways free. Our tour guide gave us color print outs of the ceiling and the Last Judgement paintings beforehand. She went through what each section meant and who were depicted. That helped a lot. Then we were on our own inside the chapel to enjoy. Michaelangelo's masterpiece was a sight to behold. It is more colorful and detailed in person. It's a must visit. HIGHLY recommend the early access tours or go early. It was a zoo with lines wrapping around the buildings when we left after 11am. With the tours, there is also no need to exit the grounds and re-enter by lining up and going through security for the St. Peter's cathedral. We went straight from the Sistine Chapel to the Cathedral through a private passageway. read more

Cappella Sistina or Sistine Chapel is literally breathtaking to see. Michelangelo spent four years to paint this masterpiece. There is so much details and the walls look 3D. Even the crest that Michelangelo requested is a small detail that one cannot overlook when visiting. When you enter, they ask you to be respectful by being quiet and not taking any photos so I have no idea how Yeeps posted photos of this place! Some are blurry so I'm guessing they snuck them in. It's crazy to think they would risk doing that with the amount of security and cameras around the chapel. I'm amazed at how every inch of the place is done with so much thought and detail. It was smaller than I imagined it to be in real life but it's still spectacular. When you finally reach the Calpella Sistina, you know you're about at the end of your visit to the Vatican Museum. You can exit to the left if you came alone or you can take the door on the right to St. Peter's Basilica if you booked a guided tour. We thought that was the exit when people were going through that door and found out by security the hard way lol. You can easily spend 20-30 minutes in here to appreciate Michelangelo's work and it's so worth it to see it with your own eyes. Must do in Rome! read more

This was my second visit to see the Sistine Chapel, and while it's definitely beautiful, the rush to get visitors in and out to keep traffic flowing is a necessary evil that does diminish the experience. We had tickets to view the museum and Sistine with a guide, but we set out on our own shortly after entering the museum as we had a schedule to keep. The museum can be pretty tiring. There are lots of steps, tons of walking, no AC, and the rooms get very hot, and in summary-- you're pretty dang tired by the time you make it to the chapel. Since the flow of visitors through the chapel is one direction, you have to get through the rest of your museum visit before entrance into the chapel. Attendants usher you into a spot packing people in like for a Disneyland ride and yelling at you to keep moving. It's pretty disorienting, considering you're trying to look at the ceiling while doing this. It's undoubtedly beautiful and impressive; however, while I disclaim that art history is not in my wheelhouse, I found many of the other frescos, ceilings, and full room murals in the museum to be far more interesting. Even the judgment mural on the wall of the chapel, I thought to be far more detailed and impactful. Overall, though, it's worth your trip to say you saw it and mark it off your list! read more

It's beautiful and fantastic and all sorts of other words that defy description. I think it's a bit overhyped. But on the plane ride home, the Tom Hanks "Angels & Demons" was on the in-flight entertainment so it was interesting to see the movie version of the Sistine Chapel having just visited the real one. The Chapel was very crowded but there are a few seats on the sides. If you wait long enough, someone will eventually get up. There is no talking in the Sistine Chapel and no photographs are permitted. Enjoy! [Review 19176 overall - 331 in Italy - 146 of 2023.] read more

If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to be cattle herded into an area without escape, this is your chance! Staff and guards are rude and once you're in the museum, it is very hard to leave. They do not allow you to go where you want when you want in the museum. Very disappointing. read more

Heaven is in your eyes. Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo... Cappella Sistina is what Italians call the iconic Sistine Chapel. It is located within the Vatican in Vatican City, Roma. To my knowledge it can only be accessed via the Musee Vaticani, unless you're a Bishop;). It has been on my bucket list in what seemed like forever. I mean Michelangelo is all I need to say to explain why... Anyone can recite Wikipedia... that's way too easy, instead I want to share my actual experience with you. Cappella Sistina is considered the highest point of the Renaissance age. It's breathtaking just to close my eyes and remember everything. You must understand it is sacrilege to take photos, video, or use any electronic devices while in the chapel. So all the photos you see on Yelp and other social media sites are highly discouraged. In plain English... just don't do it and be respectful! After walking the long hallways I arrive to the open doors of the Capella Sistina. Before entering, a large sign clearly states no photography, no video, no electronics. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is the essence of Renaissance art. Cappella Sistina was built within the Vatican between 1477 and 1480 by Pope Sixtus IV, for whom the chapel is named. But did you know... Michelangelo was more known as a sculptor in the Renaissance world?! Indeed. In fact, at first, he refused to paint the ceiling mainly because he considered himself a sculptor and not a painter. However, he finally gave in to Pope Sixtus and the Church knowing he would be doing this work for God. And The Creation of Adam was born... I enter to a calmness. I was on a private tour pre-opening so not many were present which definitely helped my experience. Just note that the ceiling is over 60-feet high so most of the time, like some mention, you'll be looking up! The Last Judgement is on the entrance wall. The Creation of Adam high up on the ceiling. And once again as tempting as it is... keep your smartphones in your pocket! Enjoy the beauty around you. Enjoy the moment! In the end, I highly recommend Cappella Sistina to all. Although I was on a private tour, it's really not necessary when you enter Capella Sistina. Remember you'll be looking up into the heavens! Do I regret not taking any photos in the chapel? Absolutely not! It's that moment in time when you realize you're witnessing one of the greatest works of humankind. I can close my eyes and see Michelangelo painting The Creation of Adam 500-years ago. This experience will forever live in me. Until my last breath in this lifetime. And this, this is why we live... read more

Cappella Sistina - Musei Vaticani: To the Sistine Chapel... And the story begins... Ti voglio sempre al mio fianco, ti amo - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

You'll find one of Vatican City's most notorious attractions housed within these walls - the Sistine Chapel (and Michelangelo's famous frescos). A tour of the Vatican Museums grants access to various sections of the palaces, the Sistine Chapel included. Vatican Museum tickets cover this too and you will have to walk the museum to reach here. Again, I will repeat, buy your tickets online. it will save you time. It was built in 1477 and various artists contributed to decorating it, but it is the ceiling and front wall that get all the attention and rightfully so. Starting in 1508 Michelangelo painted around 5000 square feet by himself in four years. It really goes to show you what one man can accomplish when he puts his mind to it. this Chapel is famous for Michelangelo's Last Judgment, however, he was not the only painter who created the masterpieces in this Chapel. Other famous artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Pietro Perugino also worked on these magnificent works of art. While most people are checking out the ceiling, don't forget the front wall where Michelangelo painted the Last Judgement. It is amazing how much of a story he was able to tell in this work of art. Imp one: Chapel has been used for the conclave, the meeting in which cardinal electors select a new pope. yes, you have seen this in Robert Langdon Movie Angel & Demons. Some beautiful facts: # there are beautiful paintings that altogether cover 1,100 square meters of the surface. # Originally the Sistine Chapel was the private chapel for the different popes. The paintings, which are based on the Bible, represent important messages for the Catholic Church. # The Sistine Chapel features the first representation of God with a muscular body and a white beard. # The Last Judgment is painted in a way intended to convey awe and respect for the power of God. When you are done with Sistine Chapel (there is a lot to take in so take your time and enjoy it) you have two choices on which exit to take. If you take the one on the left you will be taken through more of the museum and to the exit. The one on the right is the secret. This one is marked for tours only, but use it because it takes you to St Peter's Basilica and will save you from having to wait in another line. I recommend taking the one to the left and seeing the rest of the museum because it is worth it. Guys, photo ios prohibited in Chapel. Aah, I am full of thrill even when I am writing this review. it was so amazing read more

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You are forced to go through an entire museum/palace before getting to the actual chapel. This is fine, as long as you aren't impatient, in pain, and in paid tent... by that I mean it was really hot. Definitely definitely go when it is NOT peak times. We went early in the morning and it still felt crowded. There's a labyrinth of rooms and buildings before you get to the actual chapel and when you get there, it kind of feels underwhelming. It doesn't even seem real. How dare I say that? I said it. And of course the chapel is full of people and it doesn't really help the experience. They do ask people not to be loud and will definitely get mad at you for taking photos... I mean, when in Rome... just go to say you've gone but it really isn't the optimal viewing experience. Maybe don't go at the height of summer. read more

One of the few moments walking through history where I got emotional. How anyone could come and stand underneath the grandeur of this masterpiece and not find themselves without words is beyond me. This is the only room in the entire Vatican Museum where they DO NOT allow photos or videos to be taken. You can sit and you can stare and you can pray, but you can't take pictures. (Many of the photos other people have posted with their reviews are not of the Sistine Chapel but of other parts of the Vatican Museum.) It is a chapel so be respectful and be quiet. It is crowded, this is the number one reason people visit the Vatican Museum so be patient while people maneuver their way around. You cannot really get to the Sistine Chapel without seeing other parts of the museum first so enjoy those moments. There is food downstairs as well as a bookstore/gift shop if you need some time to rest and refuel. Their is not fee for the Sistine Chapel, but there is a 17 euro fee for the Vatican Museum - more if you do a guided or audio tour. It's a great experience and if you're in Rome you should make time to do it. read more

What can I say about the Sistine Chapel that hasn't already been said or stuff that everyone doesn't already know? I'll start with a few facts: The Cappella Sistina (in Italian) was erected from 1473-81 by the architect Giovanni dei Dolci for Pope Sixtus IV (hence the name). It is most famous for its Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512. The most famous of the frescoes is "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall and Genesis on the ceiling. The Sistine Chapel is used for ceremonies such as electing and inaugurating new popes. Although there are several pictures online, taking pictures in the chapel is strictly forbidden. If you get caught, you may be escorted out. It can be rather crowded in there, however, they have areas along the side walls where you can stand or sit and a large area in the middle to stand. They keep an area free for those that just want to pass through. I suggest standing in the middle so you can turn and see it all. I have placed a copy of the identification maps here on yelp and they are extremely helpful. I didn't realize this was a hot item until I was standing in the middle using it and folks from all sorts of countries were approaching me to look at it (so happy our tour company gave it to us {kudos}). I had previously visited the chapel a few decades ago and always wanted to return...this was it! We don't always get that chance to have a do-over, so treat it like "this is it" and you'll never be able to return. Take it all in and truly enjoy what is before you. It doesn't matter how many tourist are there, don't rush...simply enjoy for it is truly breathtaking! About booking a tour: St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter, you just have to wait in line to go through security. However, the Sistine Chapel is separate and has an entry fee. That said, you can book online in advance through the Vatican website to go on your own. If you book a local tour, you not only get some great historical information, but depending on what you book, you can get skip-the-line entry. Just remember...this is one of the most popular places in the world to visit! End note: my family and I visited pre-pandemic and I'm trying to finish and/or post incomplete reviews...can't believe I never posted this one. read more

Cappella Sistina - Identification map given by our tour company of what's what...you'll need this! (1 of 2) - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

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I really, really, really like -- but I'm not feeling love for the Sistine Chapel. Again, I am awe-inspired by Michelangelo, the genius, the marvel. But there are wonderful works by Botticelli, Rosselli, and Perugino, just to name a few. 1) Can a dude get some air? Air conditioning would be nice, real nice. Lots of walking, and if you go in July-Oct, you'll be wishing for at least a cool breeze. 2) So many people. I don't know how you stop this madness, tickets, numbers, allowance of a certain reasonable number, but HOLY MOLY. 3) Stern guards (borderline rude), especially in the rooms that hold Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Still, it's a must-see when/around Rome. read more

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It's a crowded place in here and no pictures and videos allowed, as well as talking--though whispering was fine. Seeing the paintings of God and Adam and Eve was very interesting, and a bit moving. It's such a huge ceiling of paintings within a very big room. We stood there for about 20 minutes admiring the works of Michelangelo. read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in Vatican City and the residence of the Pope. Originally known as the Cappella Magna ('Great Chapel'), the chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtys IV, who built it between 1473 and 1481. Since that time, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today, it is the site of the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is selected. The fame of the Sistine Chapel lies mainly in the frescoes that decorate the interior, most particularly the Sistibe Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgement by Michelangelo. My visit was prepandemic. Since these photos were found, I thought I'd share them. Pictures are not to be taken of the ceiling, you as a visitor, you just don't want to have that magnificent experience disappear. So, while you are standing inside looking up, packed in pretty tight, you can't help but record your memory of this iconic ceiling. read more

The painting that covers the interior is an astounding work of art. The colors are still bright and vivid despite the art being over 500 years old. I highly suggest seeing the chapel as part of a guided tour of the Vatican area as a whole to provide educational context. read more

Place was insanely huge it was a massive flex. My family was with a personal guide and she had great info we learned that there is not a single painting inside they are all mosaics. So much marble! read more

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The Sistine Chapel is SO BEAUTIFUL!! There are just no words to describe how beautiful and magnificent it is to see this up close for yourself. The colors are so rich and crisp and seeing so many of the paintings in real life, you just have to bow down to Michaelangelo's genius. We were super lucky to see it at Christmas time as there was a lovely nativity set placed in the back left corner. So a couple of things to note: - at the back, the right door exit fast tracks you to St Paul's - look up the corners of the ceiling behind the chapel, they've left behind two squares to show how much dirt had built up thru the centuries. All I can say is that it absolutely worth it and go check this out! Yelp 261/ 2018 read more

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This place reminds me why it sucks to leave America. Air Conditioning - Inadequate. Bathrooms - POOR!! Gift Shop - Nothing to write home about. If there's a God, Las Vegas will build its own Sistine Chapel and they'll get it done right. read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

I have mixed feeling about the place. Of course Michelangelo's masterpiece deserves 100 stars and if you can find a seat at the side and take your time to stare out at one of human civilization's greatest art works and take in the panels one by one and just marvel at it, that just goes without saying. However for the experience of being jostled through corridor after corridor with thousands of obnoxious Asian tourists, in sweaty heat and being herded like cattle for what felt like kilometers of hallways and passageways. Zero stars. One of the most thoroughly disagreeable experiences in my whole life. By the time I got to the Sistine Chapel, I had lost my patience. So it is with some satisfaction when I saw some disrespectful and disobeying Asian tourists take picture of the Sistine Chapel after the guards repeatedly yell out "NO PICTURES -NO PHOTOS", I let the guards know and pointed out to them the offending tourists and the guards yanked their cameras away. Serves them right. Some people should never travel if they are not going to respect the sites they visit. read more

Breathtaking. Yes, we've all seen pictures in our history books. We've read about it in school. I heard others who had visited rave about its beauty. I had no idea what I was in store for till I entered the room myself. It's huge! The artwork is amazing. Words cannot even describe how in awe I was. So much thought, hard work, patience, dedication was put into these paintings. What a gift Michelangelo possessed. Absolutely humbling experience. I felt like an ant in here. My eyes glued to the ceiling in amazement. I highly recommend reading a book or some online information on the different frescoes before coming here, you will have a greater understanding of what you are looking at. There is a lot going on here. Signs and the security inside will remind you NO PHOTOS once you enter. Also, they will ask you to take off your hat if you are wearing one. It is to be completely silent in here. So you will also hear security saying "Shhh" every few mins. I was able to sneak in a few pics by keeping my phone near my waist and putting my camera on selfie mode :P A gentleman beside me taught me that...lol. Do be careful though, if the guards catch you taking pics, they will kick you out. It's packed in here and so you will be shoulder to shoulder with others. Always keep your belongings close to you and within sight, especially in crowded areas. They limit your timing here, probably a good thing since I'd be in here all day if I could. One of the highlights of visiting the Vatican! read more

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One word. Breathtaking..... I have been to many museums but the layout of this museum was just great... You get to see everything in a short amount of time... Granted we didn't get the guided tour but oh well.... I didn't know that the Vatican has sold the rights to Japanese which is why taking photos are not allowed... I thought preservation was the target but I guess not... Lol I agree with my fellow Yelpers that people who do end up taking puctures should be kicked out of the gallery... I don't think that most of the security personnel were doing their job right... Many of them were either on their phone, talking to eachother or texting..... I saw that one visitor was siting on an Egyptian block in the Egyptian Gallery... I went to the security and he came and asked them to get up... I mean seriously, if he was at his post and did his job right, nothing like this would happen! As an archaeologist, I care about cultural heritage and the artifacts... If they are in the museums, might as well make sure that they are getting protected and not damaged!!! read more

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The Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican Museum, you'll need to purchase tickets to access this site in Vatican City. Absolutely stunning views of Michelangelo's commissioned piece, no photography allowed in this dim lit room. It gets very stuffy and warm in here since people get funneled in and the crowds are pretty large. Guards will be monitoring for people taking photos - Best, Charlie read more

This place is incredible and totally worth a visit. Again, when I went in May, it was extremely crowded so make sure to prepare for that because it really does make it harder to enjoy. However, the ceiling is amazing and really tells a story! If you don't know what it's about, I would highly suggest you look it up because it makes so much more sense. P.S. When you visit, please be respectful of the space. Don't take pictures or talk. Just take it all in an enjoy. Trust me, you won't need your phone! read more

This is probably the most memorable spot I visited during my short journey to Italy. I arrived at the Sistine Chapel after my short guided tour through the Vatican Museum, and my jaw literally dropped when I walked and and saw the beautiful paintings all over the walls and ceiling. The painting of the Last Judgment was my absolute favorite. I think I spent over an hour starring at the pictures and finally had to leave because my neck was starting to strain from looking upwards. NOTES: - Please keep it quiet, this is a chapel after all. - No photography allowed inside (and errm.. the pictures posted here are for your reference only...) - Entrance Fee: 15euros (includes museum) - Open Monday - Saturday. See website for special closure. read more

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I will try to keep this brief. I give this 4 stars mainly because of my audio guide from Rick Steves. He tells you where to sit/stand in the room and where to look as he details everything that is going on around the ceiling. We were able to get the timed passes online after using a language translator to change the language from Italian to English. We arrived slightly before time in order to navigate the grounds of the Vatican and just in case there was a line. I really don't know how people do it without purchasing tickets in advance and coming early. Even when we go there, which I think was around 10am, the line was super long around the corner for people who had not purchased in advance. My sister and I are not Catholic. Although it's not required, we did dress up a little and made sure not to wear shorts, wore long sleeves, and my sister wore clothes to cover her chest. Again, I don't think it's required but it we more out of respect for being at the Vatican (the Holy See), the seat of the Catholic Church. We didn't wear full suits and dresses but just made sure to be presentable and not like tourists. We also didn't bring a lot of items in our one shared backpack. We tried to lessen time at the metal detectors/bag search so we didn't miss our pre-arranged Sistine Chapel time. Everyone has said this already but although there are signs and security guards shouting every few seconds to not take photos, of course, people are taking photos. It's the technology age so there is practically no way to prevent it unless they only let a few people in the room at a time and/or confiscate phones/recording devices. Like I said, we got to one side of the room and put Rick Steves on and just followed around the room with our eyes at the various points he mentioned on the audio tour. Try to download an audio tour so it's available offline so you don't need to use cell data/wifi to access it. Overall, it's very well maintained and a little smaller than I had expected but very beautiful and a great way to spend a little time. So take your time and don't rush. read more

One word: Michelangelo Two words: NO PICTURES! Definitely get the audio guide for the Sistine chapel. Every inch in here describes the coming of the Christ, Jesus, and manhood. Whether you're catholic or not, you will be amazed at the work Michelangelo has put in to this chapel. Totally amazing! read more

Cappella Sistina - Michelangelo's work of art. - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

A visit to the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's famous ceiling is a must if you're in Rome. After learning about it in Art History in college, it felt so surreal to be standing underneath it. To think that one man, sitting on a ladder, painting that ceiling day-in-and-day-out... They don't allow you to talk or take pictures inside the chapel - and they will shush people or kick people out who have their cameras out. Be smart - take a selfie of the ceiling like I did! Make sure you have your flash turned off though! Our guide gave us a little bit of history before we entered the chapel - it's really interesting to learn about all the small intricate details that were painting into the chapel. If you're going solo w/out a guide, make sure you read up before you go in! read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

The most amazing piece of art I have laid my eyes on. To see this in person was surreal, an amazing experience. To think how old it is and to still be able see the deep colors and detail is very impressive. Tip: Buy skip the line tickets, the lines at the Vatican are crazy long. read more

Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

A bit torn here. As a Catholic I was looking forward to my visit here. The Sistine Chapel obviously is rich in Catholic history. I mean this is where they elect a Pope! Cool! Of course Michelangelo's artwork is phenomenal. I was hoping for a more transcendent experience I guess. Don't get me wrong, when I was able to actually focus on the art I was impressed. However it is extremely difficult to appreciate or enjoy the Sistine Chapel for a few reasons. None having to do with the art or the Catholic heritage. Everything to do with how it is managed. First "No Photos!" This is what you will hear about every two flipping minutes while you are there. I get it. I truly do. The Chapel is considered sacred ground and a sense of reverence is meant to be kept. However when the guards are YELLING this it is very disruptive to the mood. There were three guards. Two of them just stood near the entry blabbing away only to start screaming "No photos!" or to be quiet or to remove your hats. There is a long wait just to get in. They should have positioned guards along the way briefing people. The other guard stood at the exit. Hey, how about circulating instead. If there is no enforcement present of course people are going to start yapping and snapping away on their iPhones. Second, the Chapel is much smaller than you would imagine. I'm guessing there were at least 500 people standing in here. Bumping, sweating, grinding. If this had been a club in Vegas I'd be okay with that. Maybe if they timed the visits to pace the crowds. I don't know. I just know that I went there TWICE and both times I kind of left a bit underwhelmed when it was expected to have been an overwhelming experience. It's like getting great food but horrible service at an acclaimed 5 star restaurant. read more

Cappella Sistina - Despite guards yelling everyone is taking pictures anyways. - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

Sistine Chapel and Vatican museum, This was our first full day on our tour of Europe Brendon tours got us in the front of the line with a local tour guide .. it's surreal how gorgeous it is. You not allowed to take pic inside the Sistine chapel but a sorta did. They told me no pics but I covertly snapped a few. read more

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