Why the
Sistine Chapel
is special

The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City contains two of the world's most celebrated frescoes, "Genesis" and "The Last Judgment".

Michelangelo
masterpieces

The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City contains two of the world's most celebrated frescoes, "Genesis" and "The Last Judgment".

Genesis

The first is a set of Genesis-themed frescoes painted on the Sistine Chapel's high vaulted ceiling by the then young Michelangelo. He began the project in 1508 and finished four years later. His best known Genesis ceiling fresco depicts God creating Adam (see photo).

Last Judgment

Two decades later, Michelangelo painted "The Last Judgment" on the large wall behind the altar. It took him six years (1535-1541) to complete it.

More
Sistine Chapel
tips and insights

Name

The Sistine Chapel was named for its 15th century benefactor, Pope Sixtus IV

Botticelli

Michelangelo's works are not the only treasured frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. One is Botticelli's "Temptations of Christ", a masterpiece.

No direct entrance
from St Peters Basilica
for visitors

The only way a tourist can reach the Sistine Chapel is through the Vatican Museums (which, is a Hillman Wonder Silver Medal winner).

Where popes
are chosen

The Sistine Chapel is more than an art lover's paradise. It's the room where cardinals from around the world convene to elect new popes.

Know my other
Vatican tips and insights

Vatican Overview
Vatican Overview - Page 2
St Peter's Basilica
Sistine Chapel
Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums after hours tour
St Peters Square

 

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