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Sistine Chapel Tickets and Tours
4.3(52.3K Ratings)
- Discover the Vatican Museums at your leisure with options tailor-made for you! Go solo with direct entrance, or skip long queues with hosted entrance.
- Explore masterpieces by Caravaggio, Da Vinci, and Raphael in the Pinacoteca, then marvel at Renaissance sculptures in the Pio Clementino Museum
- Walk in the footsteps of the Pope(s) as you explore the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms at your own pace.
- Make your way to the crowning jewel of the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and marvel at Michelangelo’s famed frescoes.
Inclusions
- Entry to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- Hosted entry to Vatican Museums (optional)
- Ticket redemption (optional)
- Booking and handling fees
Exclusions
- St. Peter's Basilica tickets
- Audio guide
- Live guide
- Tip: Watch out for the only painting by Vincent Van Gogh that graces the Vatican Museums - his very own rendition of The Pieta.
- The entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- The use of mobile phones and photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St Peter’s Basilica.
- For guests with documentation of disabilities and visible disabilities, entry is free along with an additional ticket for 1 companion.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St Peter’s Basilica.
- Guests opting for the hosted entrance tickets will need to meet the host at the designated check-in location. The exact meeting point will be shared on your ticket.
- Please note that this ticket does not include a guided tour. The host will only assist you to the entrance.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Redeem your ticket with a local host and enjoy fast-track entrance into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Touted as one of the world's busiest museums, admire the work of Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Bernini, and many others.
- Wander through the various galleries such as Pigna Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Candelabra Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and many more at your own pace.
- At the Greek Cross Gallery see the elaborately-carved sarcophagi and virtual menagerie of fantastic beasts, real and imagined at the Sala degli Animali.
- Complete your Vatican Museums tour by entering the magnificent Sistine Chapel as you stand in amazement at Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and wall frescoes.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line escorted entry into Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Designated host
- Assistance from onsite representative
Exclusions
- Professional tour guide
- Audio guide (chargeable)
- Transportation
- Tip: Not only will you avoid the heat early in the morning, but you will have the opportunity to be practically alone in the main galleries of the Museum, visit St. Peter's Basilica and stop to observe the Sistine Chapel in detail.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified disability exceeding 74%). Additionally, in the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Certification of disability must be shown before the issue of the entrance tickets either at the Reception or at the Special Permits Desk, located in the entrance hall of the Vatican Museums.
- Strict Dress Code: Guests visiting Vatican Museums must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- This experience is not accessible by pram/strollers.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Make the most out of your visit and jump straight into the action. Skip the line with this guided tour, bypassing long queues at the Vatican Museums.
- Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? The expert guides share stories and hidden symbolism behind artworks, adding a whole new dimension to your experience.
- With unforgettable masterpieces and exquisite art, explore a vast collection spanning centuries, from ancient artifacts to Renaissance marvels.
- Tour in the language of your comfort. Choose from English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish-speaking guides.
- Discover Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, showcasing the genius of Italy's most renowned artist.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Museums
- Priority entry to the Sistine Chapel
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish-speaking local guide (as per option selected)
- Audio equipment
- Group size (up to 25)
- Tip: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- Please be dressed appropriately. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- It is recommended to cover tattoos and any other similarly visible distinctive personal signs.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, or baby carriages.
- Photography and the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
- Luggage and/or large bags are not allowed inside the venue. You may drop off your bags with the free cloakroom service.
- Pets and other small animals are not allowed in the venue, with the exception of guide dogs.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Elevate your Vatican experience with this exclusive, premium, small group tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Personalized attention and a fun-filled atmosphere await!
- Skip the crowds and embrace VIP treatment on this small group tour. Say goodbye to long lines and the hustle of larger groups.
- Dive deeper into history with expert storytellers. They bring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to life with captivating stories and intriguing anecdotes.
- Maximize your time and minimize the wait! This smaller group size allows for efficient navigation, giving you more time to soak in the masterpieces and create lasting memories.
- Beauty awaits you at every turn! With the help of a local expert, unveil the Vatican's best-kept secrets, and get ready to step into the world of Michelangelo.
Inclusions
- 2.5 - 5 hour guided tour (as per option selected)
- Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums
- Entry to the Sistine Chapel
- Charismatic local expert
- English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German-speaking guides
- Intimate group size of 10 or less
- Tip: This tour ends inside the museums…so, why not make the most out of your visit and enjoy a coffee in the courtyard before leaving the site?
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- The Vatican Museum provides complimentary wheelchair hire from the cloakroom, subject to availability.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
- Strict dress code: Sleeveless and/or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts, and hats are not permitted.
- On rare occasions, the Sistine Chapel closes without notice. If this happens, you will spend your full tour diving into the depths of the Vatican Museums.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- From the world-famous Sistine Chapel to the extensive art collections of the Vatican Museums, uncover it all on this unforgettable tour.
- Discover the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a sanctuary of faith and artistic beauty, with skip-the-line entry and self-guided exploration.
- Journey through centuries of history as an expert guide reveals the stories and secrets behind the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Behold the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, showcasing the genius of one of history's greatest artists.
- Choose between local English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guides who will regale you with intriguing anecdotes.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Expert local English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Audio equipment
- Group tour of 25 or less
- Tip: Avoid booking on Wednesdays! Did you know the Pope speaks in St Peter's Square Wednesday mornings? Sometimes this results in last-min closures, so plan for another day if possible.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, or baby carriages.
- The Basilica may be subject to last-minute closures. In the event that it is closed, the tour will be extended inside the museums.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Witness two astonishing landmarks, the Vatican Museum, and Sistine Chapel, by taking a 3-hour guided tour.
- Take a stroll around the museum and spot the world’s largest collections of art, the Renaissance masterpieces, and classical sculptures.
- Check out the breathtaking Renaissance frescos decorated at the Sistine Chapel.
- Get a tour of the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, Tapestry Gallery, and many other rooms within the Vatican Museum.
Inclusions
- Tour of Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
- Priority entrance
- Expert English, Romanian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Portuguese, German, French, or Italian-speaking guide
- Group tour of less than 30 guests
- Personal radios and earpieces
Exclusions
- Audio guide
- Tip: May through September are usually considered the high season in Rome, with a mini-high season around Easter. So plan your trip accordingly!
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). Additionally, in the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Certification of invalidity must be shown before the issue of the entrance tickets either at the Reception or at the Special Permits Desk, located in the entrance hall of the Vatican Museums.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- Please be advised capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure This could also influence the smooth running of the tour, especially on national holidays and events.
- This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairment.
- Please note the following are not allowed on tour: large bags, backpacks, and suitcases.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
- Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
- Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
- Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
- Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
- 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
- Group of 20 people or less
- Reservation fees
- Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
- It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Sistine Chapel Sistine Chapel
Top things to do in Rome
Why Visit the Sistine Chapel?
- Marvel at the stunning interiors: Originally known as the Cappella Magna, meaning 'Great Chapel', the Sistine Chapel is known for the frescoes that line its interiors.
- Witness the work of Michelangelo: The most prominent fresco here is the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgement, created by Michelangelo.
- Admire artworks by renowned Renaissance painters: You will also find frescos that depict the lives of Moses and Christ that had been created by Renaissance painters such as Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, and Rosselli.
- Step into the Pope's chapel: The Sistine Chapel is the Pope's own chapel and the location for papal ceremonies like the election of the new Pope.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets & Guided Tours
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
You can access Sistine Chapel Access with Vatican Museums tickets. These tickets will allow you to skip the queue at the entrance and head straight to the security. Explore all the galleries within the Vatican Museums until you make your way to the last room: the Sistine Chapel, where you can view the famous frescoes.
You can also upgrade your experience with a handy audio guide, available in 10 languages, which will help you understand the various works of art better.
Book Your Vatican TicketsVatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tours
For those who wish to gain a more in-depth understanding of the paintings within the Sistine Chapel and the other galleries of the Vatican Museums, taking a guided tour is your best option. Guided tours also allow you to enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums. Once inside, your guide will take you through the Vatican Museums galleries. The Sistine Chapel will be the last leg of the tour, Here you will be able to witness Michelangelo's genius and understand the works better, thanks to your expert guide.
Book Vatican Guided ToursSistine Chapel Highlights
The Sistine Chapel Ceiling
The frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 under the commission of Pope Julius II. Originally painted as golden stars on a blue sky, Michelangelo worked on the ceiling to convert it into one of the most famous works of art in the world. Michelangelo commenced the enormous undertaking after he built himself a scaffold to reach the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Over 40 scenes were painted onto the ceiling in the span of 4 years depicting nine stories of Genesis, ancestors of Jesus, the twelve Prophets, and Sibyls, as well as the salvation of the people of Israel.
The Last Judgement
The Last Judgement is probably the most famous single work of art in the Sistine Chapel. Covering the entire wall behind the altar, The Last Judgement was painted by Michelangelo from 1535 to 1541. The Last Judgement depicts the second coming of Christ on the Day of Judgment and is based on the 20th chapter of the Revelation of John. A heroic image of Jesus occupies the center of the wall with saints and prophets surrounding him. Common folk has been painted at the bottom of the wall. The painting is one of a kind in terms of its symbolism and size and has to be seen in person to truly feel its glory.
The Southern Wall
The southern wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the Stories of Moses. Painted in 1481-1482, some of the famous frescoes on the southern wall are:
- Moses Leaving to Egypt
- The Trials of Moses
- The Crossing of the Red Sea
- Handing over the Tablets of Law
- Descent from Mount Sinai
- Punishment of the Rebels
- Testament and Death of Moses
The cycle ends on the entrance wall with the Dispute over the body of Moses.
The Northern Wall
The northern wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the Stories of Jesus, painted in 1481-1482:
- Baptism of Christ
- Temptation of Christ
- Cleansing of the Leper
- Vocation of the Apostles
- The Sermon on the Mount
- The Delivery of the Keys
- The Last Supper
Beyond the windows, you will also find three episodes of the Passion: the Agony in the garden, the Arrest of Jesus, and the Crucifixion. The cycle ends with the Resurrection of Christ on the entrance wall.
Entrance Wall
The Entrance Wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the following frescoes that depict the final episodes in the lives of Christ and Moses:
• Resurrection of Christ
• Discussion over the body of Moses
The original frescos created by Ghirlandaio and Signorelli respectively were destroyed in 1522 when the architrave of the door collapsed. They were replaced in 1522 by the works of Hendrik van den Broeck and Matteo da Lecce.
Plan Your Visit to Sistine Chapel
Timings
Getting There
Monday to Saturday
9 AM to 6 PM (Last entry at 4 PM)
Last Sunday of the Month
10:30 AM to 2 PM (Last entry at 12:30 PM)
Note: The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel is closed on all Sundays.
Closures: 1 & 6 January, 11th February, 19th March, 18th April, 29th June, 15th August, 1 November, and 8 & 26 December.
Vatican Museums Opening Hours
You have to go through the Vatican Museums to get to Sistine Chapel. To reach the Vatican Museums you can opt for any of the following options:
Bus: Take Bus 40 and alight at Piazza Pia or bus 64 to Terminal Gianicolo.
Metro: Take Line A to Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station.
Tram: Tram 19 stops at Piazza del Risorgimento.
Train: Take a train from Roma Termini to St. Pietro, Vatican City's own train station.
Directions to Vatican MuseumsAll Your Questions About Sistine Chapel Answered
Q. What is the Sistine Chapel?
A. The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace that was built between 1477 and 1480 by Pope Sixtus IV. Aaprt from being a place of both religious and functionary papal activity, it is a tourist attraction thanks to the frescoes created by Michelangelo.
Q. Do I need tickets to enter Sistine Chapel?
A. Yes, you need to purchase tickets to enter the Sistine Chapel. Your Vatican Museums tickets will allow you access to the chapel. You can buy your Vatian Museum tickets here.
Q. Can I get skip-the-line tickets into the Sistine Chapel?
A. Yes. Your Vatican skip-the-line entry tickets include the Sistine Chapel as well.
Q. Can I only visit the Sistine Chapel?
A. No, you need to go through the Vatican Museums to enter the Sistine Chapel as it is last of the 54 galleries inside the Vatican Museums.
Q. Do I need an additional ticket to enter the Sistine Chapel?
A. No, you do not need an additional ticket to enter the Sistine Chapel. Your Vatican ticket includes entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Q. What can I see inside the Sistine Chapel?
A. Inside the Sistine Chapel you will be able to see the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling that had been painted by Michelangelo. You will be able to see depictions of the lives of Moses and Jesus here.
Q. Can I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?
A. No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel.
Q. Is there a dress code to enter Sistine Chapel?
A. Yes, visitors are expected to dress appropriately and modestly to gain entry into the Sistine Chapel.
Q. Are guided tours of the Sistine Chapel available?
A. Yes, guided tours of the Sistine Chapel will be available with your Vatican tour. However, it is important to remember that visitors are expected to observe absolute silence while inside the Sistine Chapel and so, your guide will provide you with all the explanations that you would need before you enter the chapel.
Q. How much time will I need to spend at the Sistine Chapel?
A. You should set aside at least an hour to view all the frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel.
