Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited attractions inside the Vatican Museum for obvious reasons. The goal for everyone is to lay eyes on Michelangelo’s most popular masterpiece, causing some to rush through an otherwise intriguing museum visit. One cannot think of the Sistine Chapel without thinking about the famous, rebellious artist, and vice versa.
It is about a two-hour walk-through history before you reach La Capella Sistina and the lifework of a Renaissance master! Contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo did not paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel while lying down. Instead, he stood on scaffolding he designed himself.
Vatican City is one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe, both literally and figuratively speaking. If you’d like to avoid having your shoes melt into the asphalt, consider visiting the Sistine Chapel in late spring or early fall. Also, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are your best bets to avoid the worst crowds.
The Sistine Chapel is open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it is open till 10:30 pm. However, it is closed on all Sundays except the last Sunday of the month.
Just like many other places in the Rome tour, it is important to dress appropriately while visiting Sistine Chapel. Men and women are not permitted to show their shoulders and knees in the Vatican City so you can skip wearing shorts, skirts, or sleeveless tops.
Sistine Chapel witnesses long waiting times, so buying your ticket well in advance is recommended.