In this article, we explore the Sistine Chapel, one of the main event in the itinerary of many tourists from all over the world.
The Chapel, located inside the Apostolic Palace, and attracts an incredible amount of people from around the Globe, on a daily basis. It’s frescos, the altar, and the monumental ceiling, are a gem not only religiously, but also historically and artistically. Sit along one of the walls, and just take in all the beauty. We guarantee you will be awestruck. Because it really does leave you speechless: the intricacy behind a true work of art that connects you with a higher power.
Let’s start by saying that the Sistine Chapel is named after Pope Sixtus 4th, whom is responsible for its early restorations between 1473 and 1481. From that moment on, the Chapel was bound to be dedicated, inside the Vatican City life, to the celebration of the acts and papal ceremonies.
For the grand restorations the Pope has summoned the most illustrious renaissance artists.
For the historical moment of the Renaissance-era, the artists who answered the call were: Sandro Botticelli, Luca Signorelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio and the Perugino.
These artists were in charge of the frescos on the walls of the Sistine Chapel: a series of panels representing the life of Moses (on the walls on the left) and the life of Jesus Christ (on the walls on the right). Along with the protagonists from the Old Testament, the panel portray men from back at the time and every Pope who sat on the throne of Peter, up until then.
The paintings were all finished in 1482 and in occasion of the Holy Assumption, Pope Sixtus 4th celebrated mass there for the first time, consecrating the beautiful Sistine Chapel to the Virgin Mary.
On the death of Sixtus the 4th, the new Pope elected was his nephew, Giulio the 2nd della Rovere, also called “the warrior Pope” because of his vengeful spirit, his thirst for power and warmonger nature. He was even often the one to lead the army in battles.
When you prepare to visit the Sistine Chapel, you will notice that the connection of this place with the famous Michelangelo is quite strong.
It all started in 1505, when Pope Giulio 2nd lead Michelangelo to Rome and to whom he commissioned a majestic tomb.
But the two had opposing thoughts and their both rebellious nature would eventually reduce their relations to a certain (quite unholy) curse word, in a very Italian fashion, the artist screamed right at the Pope’s face, before making return to his homeland in Florence.
Meanwhile the Sistine Chapel was severely damaged due to the structure’s instability, reporting several cracks, because of which the frescos on the ceiling (that were a “simple” beautiful and enormous starred sky at the time) needed to be completely redone. Obviously the Pope immediately though of Michelangelo to take the restorations in hand, but he did need quite a bit of convincing to do, for obvious reasons.
In fact, Michelangelo declined the Pope’s invitations several times, even mentioning the fact that he was not at all interested in painting something that resembled nothing less than a roof of a barn, to him. He was talking about the Sistine Chapel.
Luckily for the history of humanity, the artist accepted in the end…And starting painting the Ceiling between 1508 and 1512.
The Artist wasn’t pleased by his job in the beginning. In fact, he declined the Pope’s requests at first, not only for their differences, but because it was extremely challenging. A work of gigantic proportions. And he was also convinced that his colleagues at the time, motivated the Pope to make sure he would accept the Chapel’s renovations, only because they wanted Michelangelo to fail.
The technique used to paint the frescos, didn’t allow mistakes or setbacks. And the painters had to work rapidly, because the fresco technique implied the use of fresh stucco to allow the colors to crystalize once the painting was dry, which happened very quickly. So once they started, there was no turning back. It was very hard work. And the surface that Michelangelo was able to cover is around 460 square meters, which is an outstanding accomplishment. Even if physically exhausting.
In fact, he once wrote his friend Giovanni da Pistoia, in 1509, telling him that his works on the Sistine Chapel were taking a toll on him, physically and mentally.
As he wrote ironically in one of his poems “I’m already suffocating in this torture” and continued saying that his stomach was squeezed under his beard, his face was the perfect palette for paint, his skin was melting underneath him and his spine was tied into knots.
He concluded that he had to change his day job: “I am not in the right place-I’m not a painter”.
But Michelangelo’s works on the Sistine Chapel took place in different periods in time: like The Universal Judgement on the walls behind the altar. This was painted only after he painted the ceilings, between 1536 and 1541 for the Popes Clemente 7th and Paul 3rd.
The Area dedicated to the Universal Judgement was “unveiled” on October 31st 1541, leaving everybody speechless. But not for long. It seems that the beautiful painting wasn’t at all appealing to the moralists who found the frescoes obscene. Possibly because the fresco included hundreds of nudes. The accusations of heresy and obscenity were so strong that they forced Michelangelo to take a step back from the Holy Office for a few years.
Only after Michelangelo’s death the Council of Trento ordered in 1563 that all the nudes painted in the Judgement were to be covered. Daniele da Volterra was commissioned the work, and his job consisted of covering the men’s obscenity with undergarments. From that moment on Daniele da Volterra was known as the “Bragotte”, literally means undergarments.
He was the man in charge of painting underwear on the people in the painting!
Daniele da Volterra was also a student and admire of Michelangelo, so he learned from the master all the techniques to use for these type of frescos. To paint the underwear, he used a method that consisted in dry tempera, leaving the original painting intact and undamaged underneath.
While the scene of Holy Biagio and Caterina were chiseled completely, because the position they were placed in was found unacceptable.
In 1994 a massive restoration was necessary, because of centuries of candle smoke and incense that attacked the walls of the Sistine Chapel. And the nudes were revealed once more. But the restoration supervisors decided to leave a few figures in undergarment, as testimony of the mid 1500s Counter-Reformation.
One of the many curiosities about the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s work, is how he changed the representation of God: before then, He was portrayed in a Hand, the Hand of God, that breaks through the clouds. Thanks to Michelangelo, God was represented for the very first time in the Sistine Chapel in a human form, a muscular body to highlight His Power and a long white beard, some say that it recalls the Greek God Zeus.
Another curiosity is that from the 1870s to this day, the Sistine Chapel is designated to the election of the new Pope, where the Cardinals gather to cast their vote. And once the new Pope is made, he is conducted in the Crying Room, a small room behind the Universal Judgement. Fun fact about this room, it is called crying room because it is traditionally where the elected Pope gathers his thoughts and allows himself to cry, tears of joy of course.
The Sistine Chapel is included in the Vatican Museums’ itinerary. That’s why we always recommend a professional guide for this experience.
Visit the Sistine Chapel with a private guide and it would be like the cherry on the cake. The highlight of your trip. You will walk through numerous halls of the Vatican, filled with beautiful artifacts, sculptures and Masterpieces from every era. And at the end of the itinerary, you will finally reach the beautiful Sistine Chapel. It will be highlight of your day.
The benefit of a guide includes many things, the incredible explanations, the most interesting facts and history and also a great guide to walk through the museums vast halls and rooms without risking to lose yourself. If you are considering a morning tour, you could enjoy having breakfast inside the Museums, for an extra special treat.
Visit the Sistine Chapel to learn all about the beautiful structure, when it was painted and other curiosities. A day to remember.
you may be interested:
Rome & Vatican Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia Docking in Civitavecchia and want to see Rome and Vatican City in a single, unhurried day? This private shore excursion takes you straight to the highlights — St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, followed by Rome's must-see landmarks — with a reserved entry time to the Vatican Museums arranged in advance and a dedicated guide who adjusts the pace to your group. Vatican Museums tickets are among the most searched-for and most frequently sold out entries in Rome, and the general admission queue can run well over an hour at peak season. Booking a guided tour with pre-arranged entry avoids that wait entirely, which matters most when you're working within a cruise ship's fixed time in port. Tour Highlights St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and the heart of Vatican City. Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes. Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, on the walk through central Rome. Trevi Fountain, with time for photos before the return to port. Sample Itinerary Time Stop Morning Pickup at Civitavecchia port, scenic drive into Rome Mid-morning Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica Afternoon Panoramic tour of central Rome's classic landmarks Late afternoon Return transfer to Civitavecchia port Good to Know Dress code: shoulders and knees covered for entry to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, strictly enforced at security. Footwear: comfortable walking shoes recommended , expect several kilometers on foot across the day. Best for: first-time visitors, families, couples and small groups of friends who want the essentials covered without the planning. Group size: private for your party only , never combined with other cruise passengers. Tickets with priority access Don't let endless Vatican queues swallow your limited time in port. With our reserved priority entry, you bypass the hours-long lines and head straight into the heart of the museums. Beyond seamlessly timing your walkthrough to beat the worst afternoon crowds, your guide adds unmatched value where it matters most: before entering the Sistine Chapel. Because absolute quiet is enforced inside, your guide equips you with the stories and details behind Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes beforehand giving you a far richer, more meaningful experience About Your Guide Every guide on this tour is a licensed, English-speaking local expert with specific accreditation to guide inside the Vatican Museums , not every operator in Rome holds this, and it directly affects how smoothly your group moves through security and entry. Guides are assigned in advance of your cruise date and briefed on your ship's specific arrival and departure schedule, so timing decisions on the day are based on real knowledge of that day's crowds rather than a generic script. Best Time of Year to Book This Tour Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) bring the most comfortable temperatures for a full day of walking between St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums and central Rome, and they also coincide with heavier cruise traffic through Civitavecchia — so booking your tour well ahead of these dates matters more than in quieter months. Summer (July–August) is Rome's hottest and busiest season: queues lengthen even with skip-the-line access arranged, and an early morning start becomes especially valuable. Winter (November–March) sees the fewest crowds of the year and remains a fully practical time to visit, since the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica are indoor sights for most of the itinerary. You Might Also Like Vatican's Best-Kept Secrets — hidden corners of the Vatican Museums worth seeking out beyond the highlights. Splendors of Rome Tour — for a day focused on ancient Rome instead of the Vatican. Civitavecchia Port Transfers — need only a transfer, without a full day tour? Frequently Asked Questions FAQ —Tickets with priority access to the Vatican Museums included? Yes, we arrange priority entry in advance so your group avoids the general admission queue. FAQ — What should I wear to visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums? Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended given the amount of walking involved. FAQ — Are Sistine Chapel tickets sold separately from the Vatican Museums? No — the Sistine Chapel is the final stop inside the Vatican Museums complex, and one ticket covers both. FAQ — Is photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel? No — photography and filming are prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel, and this rule is actively enforced by museum staff. FAQ — Is this tour suitable for children? Yes — the pace and stops can be adjusted for families with children, though the amount of walking and standing in busy galleries is worth considering for very young kids.
price from €187.50
Discover the Wonders of the Vatican on a Private Tour Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vatican City, home to some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. This exclusive private tour offers an in-depth exploration of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, guided by one of our highly qualified and specialized experts. Skip the Lines for a Privileged Experience Your tour begins at the Vatican Museums Entrance, where you’ll meet your personal guide and enjoy access with privileged entry tickets. To guarantee you spend your time immersed in the wonders of the Vatican rather than waiting in long queues. Marvel at Masterpieces of Art and History Step into a world of artistic triumphs created by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and other masters of the Italian Renaissance. Explore the stunning frescoes of The Four Raphael Rooms and other legendary works that highlight the profound connection between art and Christianity, and their impact on society through the centuries. Experience the Awe of the Sistine Chapel The pinnacle of your private tour is the Sistine Chapel, a space that exudes overwhelming beauty and significance. Stand in awe before Michelangelo’s legendary masterpiece, “The Creation of Adam”, a symbol of human creativity and divine inspiration. Visit the Heart of Christianity: St. Peter’s Basilica Conclude your journey at St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual and architectural heart of the Catholic faith. Marvel at Michelangelo’s poignant marble sculpture, The Pietà, and Bernini’s magnificent bronze altar. Your guide will share the stories behind these extraordinary works, enriching your appreciation of their cultural and religious significance. Explore St. Peter’s Square Wrap up your experience by visiting the World-famous St. Peter’s Square, where history and spirituality converge. Here, take a moment to soak in the grandeur of Vatican City, leaving you with memories of an extraordinary encounter with history, faith, and art. This exclusive private tour guarantees an immersive, tailored experience that reveals the Vatican’s unparalleled treasures, ensuring it becomes a highlight of your visit to Rome.
price from €100.00
As if a day in Rome wasn't enough, we will take you for a private tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel! A private tour in Rome to remember Enjoy a full day tour in Rome and the Vatican City with your private luxury vehicle. Your personal tour driver will pick you up directly from any place you want, from your hotel or other. And your tour begins! Drive by Piazza Venezia,the impressive circular square, with buildings and monuments enclosing it. With the infamous Balcony from which Mussolini gave his speeches, on one side. Or L'Altare della Patria, Monument to the last king of Italy Vittorio Emanuele the Second, a giant marble white, ancient temple-shaped building that climbs on the side of one of Rome's legendary Seven Hills, Capitoline Hill. Also known as Campidoglio, it hosts incredible views of the Piazza Venezia on one side and the Roman Forum on the other, the perfect division between the ancient Roman past and the present. Speaking of Ancient Roman times, you will head for the Colosseum A stop to see the Mighty Colosseum up-close is definitely a must! Walk Ancient ways of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Drive by the Circus Maximus,a field used mostly for concerts and political events today, but it was once an arena used to entertain Romans while they watched and cheered during water spectacles, fights or reenactments. It was often used as movie sets, like in the film BenHur. To remain in the Roman theme, circle back around into the City Center, characteristic for it's narrow cobble streets that lead to so many wonders. Like the Pantheon! An ancient Roman Temple with a beautifully decorated dome and an incredible history. Created in ancient times, to worship All Gods, it is now one of the active Catholic churches in Rome. To learn more about the Pantheon, visit our blog! Then there's Piazza Navona, not to far from there. A Renaissance delight, with incredible architectures and beautiful fountains, like the Four Rivers fountain, by Bernini. The streets filled with cute little boutiques, old buildings, ivy crawling over the facades and window sills, reveal beautiful wonders, that you will not find in any other place on Earth! Like the Spanish Steps. A beautiful street with the famous sets of stairs that climb into the shape of a giant butterfly up to the square of Trinità dei Monti, which offers incredible views of the Spanish steps below and the busy Via dei Condotti, famous for the most in vogue haute couture stores. One of the adjacent streets hides possibly the most famous Fountain in the WORLD The Trevi Fountain is another mandatory stop. Embedded in a tiny little square, is the world famous fountain. With sculptures of different water related scenes, sea shells, dancing horses and Poseidon. Waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water. What an amazing work of art. Make sure to toss a coin over your shoulder and make a wish! Legend has it, it will guarantee your return in Rome. All this touring can sure work up an appetite! Lucky for you, all of our tour drivers not only know the perfect places to see in Rome, they also love food and know the best restaurants in town! So your tour driver will be happy to recommend the perfect restaurants, trattorias or pizzerias depending on what you are in the mood for. Finally, you driver will take you at the Vatican Museums where you will continue the tour to explore the Museums and the Sistine Chapel! Prepare to sigh! We dare to find something as beautiful as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel *Upon request, we can arrange one of our qualified guides to take you to a once in a life time experience inside the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Other wise you will enjoy your time inside the Museums and Sistine Chapel alone, freely and at your own pace! Without having to stick to a strict itinerary a guided tour would inevitably have. Just know that depending on the number of visits in a day, some wings might be closed. But this won’t matter at all, we can assure you, there is just so much to see, you’ll hardly even notice! To fully assist you, we do offer the possibility of adding Skip the line tickets with privileged entrance directly during the booking process. At the entrance, the customer service will hand you a map of the site, for you to explore the different areas of the Museums and the Sistine Chapel! What you will experience would includes is a system of wings and halls and terraces, including the Cortile Della Pigna, Belvedere, Pio Clementino Museum, the Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and Raphael’s Rooms. Next, you will visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel. The breathtaking, overwhelmingly beautiful creation for you to admire! From there, you'll head back to the exit, a trod on the famous cylindrical stair case. Another undisturbed masterpiece, called "Momo" designed by an Italian architect in the 1930s, inspired by Bramante's double helix staircase from the 1500s, inside the Pio Clementine Museum, a wing of the Vatican Museums. From the Momo stair case you'll exit the Museums to find your private tour driver eager to hear your opinions on the experience. And you'll return to your Hotel location in Rome in time for the afternoon tea.
price from €165.00
Exclusive Evening Vatican Tour: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience Experience the Vatican like never before on this exclusive private evening tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Skip the crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit to some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces with Discovery Tours. No Crowds, No Lines Skip the long lines and enjoy exclusive evening access to the Vatican at 7:00 PM, when the usual crowds have dispersed. This private tour offers an intimate look at the Vatican’s treasures without the hustle of daytime visitors. A Magical Sunset Tour Your evening begins with a warm welcome from your private guide at the Vatican Museums entrance. As the sun sets over Saint Peter’s Dome, enjoy a peaceful view of the Pinecone Courtyard—a perfect start to your tour. Explore Renaissance Masterpieces Visit the stunning Candelabra Gallery and the Four Raphael Rooms. Marvel at the Tapestries Gallery and the Gallery of the Maps. Each gallery offers a glimpse into Italy’s rich artistic history, with your guide sharing fascinating insights. The Sistine Chapel: A Personal Encounter with Genius End your tour in the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in peace. Without the crowds, you’ll have time to fully absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Creation of Adam and Last Judgment. A Perfect End to Your Day This private evening tour is the perfect way to end your day in Rome. Experience the Vatican’s masterpieces in peace and leave with unforgettable memories. Book your exclusive tour today and discover Rome’s artistic treasures in a whole new way.
price from €87.50
Everybody should feel like royalty when visiting Rome and Vatican City: This special all-inclusive shore excursion is a true private VIP Tour of Rome and Vatican Rome is a remarkable city. There is so much to do and see here and adding the Vatican to the itinerary, makes this private tour all the more special. And you want to make sure to cover every possible site during your cruise stop in Civitavecchia. For a true, private VIP tour of Rome and Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. That's why not only we will offer you one of our highly entertaining tour driver, but one of our professional guides, for a private guided tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine and Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Let's see what this private tour includes: Deluxe private transportation with personal driver, a professional highly qualified guide and All entrance tickets with privileged entrance Your private tour driver will welcome you at the dock of your cruise ship. And after a quick introduction to learn more about what you'll do on the tour, your quick trip to discover Rome will begin. Approaching the city you will stop on top of the Gianicolo Hill. A beautiful green hill that hosts incredible panoramic views of the city. A personal guide inside the Colosseum and Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel We offer the finest selection of expert guides, specialized in History, archeology, art and traditions of Rome. Your personal guide is not only very knowledgeable but will make this guided tour inside the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, fun, catchy and engaging. The remaining venues of Rome you will enjoy with your highly entertaining tour driver. So, what will you see when in Rome? First off, you'll cover the Historical Roman aspect of the City, a drive to the Circus Maximus, the legendary stadium, with a stop to meet with your guide at the Colosseum, for your private guided tour of it's archeological park, including the Arch of Constantine, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The glorious Colosseum, an amphitheater built in ancient Roman times to host all sorts of gory spectacles, like the infamous Gladiator fights. The Roman Forum, the Commercial and Political Hub of the Romans and the Palatine Hill, one of Rome's Seven Legendary Hills. Renaissance Times unveiled you get closer to the City center Continue with your tour driver to explore the heart of the Capital. Busy shopping districts and runways intertwined with fountains temples and churches Piazza Venezia, a memorial built in honor of Italy's last king, Victor Emanuel II, an architectural digest. A white, temple-like building, built in layers on the side of Capitoline Hill, often times referred to as the wedding cake. Capitoline Hill is another of Rome's 7 Hills, and it's, to this day, the Political life of Rome (location of the Mayor's office), the square on top of the hill is a beautiful artful creation of Michelangelo himself, surrounded by Medieval and Renaissance buildings, such as the Town hall and the Capitoline Museums. The peculiar aspect of Capitoline Hill is that it is placed between two different Eras in Time: Past and present co-exist. The Roman Forum behind it and the present with the busy square of Piazza Venezia, surrounded by Renaissance buildings, that encompass Via Del Corso, one of the most famous shopping districts in the Capital. Driving across Via del Corso, several narrow streets intersect. Many of which will bring you to discover hidden gems like the Pantheon. Don't be fooled by the Temple shaped building, with Latin inscriptions. It was built in Roman times, to worship "All Gods" but it is, to this day, one of the most beautiful and still active Catholic churches in Italy. Hosting incredible artworks and mausoleums of several important people in history. Before you'll know it, you will reach the monumental Trevi Fountain, for a toss of the coin. Speaking of Fountains, a stop by the adjacent Piazza Navona is highly recommended. A renaissance beauty, dotted with three outstanding artistic fountains, such as the famous Fountain of the 4 Rivers, by Bernini, topped with an Egyptian obelisque, so fascinating. Then, of course, there is the Spanish Steps the iconic stair case, shaped like the wings of a butterfly. Before your private tour of Rome and Vatican continues your tour driver will reunite you with your guide after a quick bite to eat in one of the many local bistros and Trattorias. All the recommendations will be made. You’ll then continue on the Vatican tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel! Please keep in mind that Saint Peter's Basilica may not be visible, because of the Year of the Jubilee. Due to the limitations and time conflicting arrangements, you will be able to only view it from the outside in Saint Peter's Square. Your guided tour of the Vatican begins: Vatican Museums contain an incredible collection of art and treasures. Your guide will walk you through a portion of this fascinating museum. Such as the Stanze di Raffaello, Raphael's Rooms, The Gallery of the Maps and the Tapestries, the Belvedere and the Cortile della Pigna, etc. Then you will reach the one and only Sistine Chapel. The ultimate masterpiece by Michelangelo, including wonderful frescoes of the CREATION and the LAST JUDGEMENT. But the walls and ceiling on the whole Chapel are one major work of art, to which other artists contributed, such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio. From the Chapel, you will head back to your tour driver, who will be waiting for you in a prearranged meeting point. As your tour comes to an end, you will depart from the Vatican Museums and return to your cruise ship on a nice relaxing ride. Book this private shore excursion of Rome and Vatican with personal private guide inside the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, and what you will be offered is a VIP once in a lifetime experience of the Eternal City
price from €225.00
+39 06.999.77.65
+39 350.194.03.96
info@discoveryguidedtours.com
9 hours
