Visit Sistine Chapel on Our Vatican City Tours
The Sistine Chapel is one of the Vatican’s proudest features. Set in the confines of the Vatican City’s ancient backdrop, the chapel is famous for its extensive collection of Renaissance art that has been painted by some of the world’s most famous artists.
Every year, over five million people flock to the chapel to witness its jaw-dropping artistic displays and to learn more about why this piece of architecture is so prominent in Rome and beyond.
The History of the Sistine Chapel
The chapel itself was built on top of an ancient chapel site that was originally known as the Capella Magna.
It wasn’t until 1477 when Pope Sixtus IV set about rebuilding the chapel, which he then named after himself. It’s thought the dimensions of the Sistine Chapel are exactly the same as Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and, while the outside is pretty non-descript, the inside is bursting with creative delights by some world-famous artists.
The Artists and Paintings
During the rebuild of the chapel, Pope Sixtus IV commissioned the likes of Botticelli and Rosselli to help decorate the walls and ceilings of his new masterpiece.
But, in 1503, then-pope Julius II decided to change the original blue starred ceiling to something more decorative. He got Michelangelo on board (despite the renowned artist originally turning down the offer because he was a sculptor before a painter) and work on the famous fresco ceiling began immediately. Michelangelo worked hard for four years to bring the ceiling of the chapel to life – he worked so hard, in fact, that it’s thought the project permanently damaged his eyesight.
Today, visitors can experience an array of well-known artworks throughout the Sistine Chapel, including The Separation of Light from Darkness, which can be seen at the highest point of the ceiling, and the Drunkenness of Noah at the other end of the altar.
Perhaps the most famous depictions, though, are The Creation of Adam, and the Fall of Man and the Expulsion from Paradise.
Later, after the frescoed ceiling was complete, Michelangelo was commissioned once more to create a painting of the Last Judgement. This additional fresco showcases the second coming of Christ as he judges all mankind.
Papal Usage
As well as the array of ancient artworks that adorn every surface, the chapel is famed for its extensive usage by the popes. In fact, it is an incredibly important place of religious activity and has been since 1492, and remains the place where the cardinals’ voting status is broadcast.
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