- Vatican Museums - The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope, in Vatican City. Originally known as the Cappella Magna (‘Great Chapel’), the chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it between 1477 and 1480. 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 frescos that decorate the interior, most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. During the reign of Sixtus IV, a team of Renaissance painters that included Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Cosimo Rosselli, created a series of frescos depicting the Life of Moses and the Life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe-l’öil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on 15 August 1483 Sixtus IV celebrated the first mass in the Sistine Chapel for the Feast of the Assumption, at which ceremony the chapel was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Between 1508 and 1512, under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted the chapel’s ceiling, a project which changed the course of Western art and is regarded as one of the major artistic accomplishments of human civilization. In a different climate, after the Sack of Rome, he returned and, between 1535 and 1541, painted The Last Judgment for Popes Clement VII and Paul III. The fame of Michelangelo’s paintings has drawn multitudes of visitors to the chapel ever since they were revealed five hundred years ago.
- Sistine Chapel - The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope, in Vatican City. Originally known as the Cappella Magna, the chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it between 1477 and 1480.
- Skip-the-ticket-line access to the Vatican Museums
- Access to the Sistine Chapel
- Informed tour guide
- All entrance fees included
- Headsets for clear commentary
- Wi-Fi available at the meeting point
- Bathroom facilities and device recharging station
- Transportation
- Gratuities
Embark on a 2.5-hour guided stroll through one of Christianity’s most sacred places on this Vatican Museums tour. The in-depth journey encompasses, among other segments of the Vatican’s halls, a visit to the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of Maps, Candelabra Gallery, Pio Clementine’s Rooms, the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and an extensive tour of the Sistine Chapel.
✔Enjoy swift, priority entrance at some of the Vatican’s prime sightseeing spots on this guided excursion.
✔Behold the splendid Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
✔Marvel at the masterpieces of ancient greats like Michelangelo and Raphael.
✔Delve into the Pio Clementine Museum, Belvedere Courtyard and beyond.
Your seasoned guide will lead you to some of the key highlights, as well as some underrated gems often overlooked by other tourists. You will acquire a wide understanding of the Vatican’s extraordinary history, architecture, and politics.
- St. Peter’s is closed during the following times: Wednesdays: 8:00 AM -12:00 PM, December 24 and 31.
- During these times the tour will visit other parts of the museums.
- The Vatican can get very crowded all year round. June, July and August are particularly busy as they are high-season months.
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
- Latecomers won’t get a refund.
- Shorts, Weapons / sharp objects, Short skirts are not allowed
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
