Sistine Chapel tickets

4.4(81,081 ratings)

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Sistine Chapel closed from April 28, 2025

Following the passing of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel will be closed from Monday, April 28, 2025, as it prepares to host the papal conclave. Tours will continue without access to the chapel. The closure is expected to last for approximately 4–6 weeks. Thank you for your understanding during this sacred time of transition. For questions, refer to your confirmation email or contact our support team.

Tour guide showing a group the intricacies of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican Museums, Rome, included in the Jubilee Silver Pass
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums, Rome.
Tourists with guide near Statue of Apollo Belvedere, Vatican Museum.
Small group tour exploring Vatican Museums' art collections.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Guided tour group inside Vatican Museums, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the intricacies of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican Museums, Rome, included in the Jubilee Silver Pass
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums, Rome.
Tourists with guide near Statue of Apollo Belvedere, Vatican Museum.
Small group tour exploring Vatican Museums' art collections.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Guided tour group inside Vatican Museums, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the intricacies of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican Museums, Rome, included in the Jubilee Silver Pass
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums, Rome.
Tourists with guide near Statue of Apollo Belvedere, Vatican Museum.
Small group tour exploring Vatican Museums' art collections.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Guided tour group inside Vatican Museums, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Guided Tours
4.3(16,337)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

from
€59
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Gain deeper insight into the museums' treasures and Michelangelo’s frescoes with an expert guide.

  • Everything you get: Skip the long ticketing lines—saving 1–2 hours—and explore the Vatican Museums with your expert guide. Visit iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms, then step into the Sistine Chapel with the context that brings Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment to life.
  • Why choose this: The Vatican collection is so extensive it could take 48 days to see it all. This tour helps you discover the most important works in just a few hours, with expert insights that make them unforgettable.
  • Upgrades: Join a standard group tour (up to 30 guests) for a budget-friendly way to gain expert context. Prefer a more personal, engaging experience? Choose a small-group tour with fewer than 15 guests. You can also add an open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens for exclusive access to the sprawling green spaces hidden behind the museums.

Gain deeper insight into the museums' treasures and Michelangelo’s frescoes with an expert guide.

  • Everything you get: Skip the long ticketing lines—saving 1–2 hours—and explore the Vatican Museums with your expert guide. Visit iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms, then step into the Sistine Chapel with the context that brings Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment to life.
  • Why choose this: The Vatican collection is so extensive it could take 48 days to see it all. This tour helps you discover the most important works in just a few hours, with expert insights that make them unforgettable.
  • Upgrades: Join a standard group tour (up to 30 guests) for a budget-friendly way to gain expert context. Prefer a more personal, engaging experience? Choose a small-group tour with fewer than 15 guests. You can also add an open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens for exclusive access to the sprawling green spaces hidden behind the museums.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
  • Explore with a group of up to 20 people
  • Guided tour of Vatican Gardens (as per option selected)
  • Small group tour (as per option selected)
  • Nighttime tour (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and/or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your ticket includes a specific entry time and delays might lead to denied entry. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot.
  • Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
  • If you've chosen the tour with Vatican Gardens, note that it includes access to only select Museum galleries (Gallery of Candelabras, Gallery of Maps, and Gallery of Tapestries).
  • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures.
  • The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
St. Peter’s Basilica facade with tourists in Vatican City.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Vatican Museums guided tour with visitors admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Vatican Museum Gallery visitors admiring artwork in Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica facade with tourists in Vatican City.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Vatican Museums guided tour with visitors admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Vatican Museum Gallery visitors admiring artwork in Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica facade with tourists in Vatican City.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Vatican Museums guided tour with visitors admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Vatican Museum Gallery visitors admiring artwork in Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
Guided Tours
4.4(18,791)

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

from
€74.90
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.

  • Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
  • Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
  • Upgrade: Go for a fully guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a deeper, more immersive experience. Explore with an expert who brings its history to life and gain deeper context inside one of the world’s most important churches. Prefer a more exclusive experience? Opt for a semi-private tour (max 10 guests) for deeper engagement and a more intimate Vatican visit.
  • Go for the early morning tour with Dome climb to explore before the rush and see the Vatican from above.

Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.

  • Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
  • Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
  • Upgrade: Go for a fully guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a deeper, more immersive experience. Explore with an expert who brings its history to life and gain deeper context inside one of the world’s most important churches. Prefer a more exclusive experience? Opt for a semi-private tour (max 10 guests) for deeper engagement and a more intimate Vatican visit.
  • Go for the early morning tour with Dome climb to explore before the rush and see the Vatican from above.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica
  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
  • Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
  • Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
  • Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
  • Headphones

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot.
  • Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
  • The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
  • With the Jubilee underway, all entrances to St. Peter's Basilica are restricted. Therefore, in order to secure access, it will be necessary to complete the reservation no later than 5 days before the experience.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Visitors on a small group guided tour inside the Vatican Museums, admiring the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork during Vatican Museum guided tour in Rome.
Vatican Museums tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Guide with small tour group at Vatican musuem
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line tickets, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Visitors on a small group guided tour inside the Vatican Museums, admiring the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork during Vatican Museum guided tour in Rome.
Vatican Museums tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Guide with small tour group at Vatican musuem
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line tickets, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Visitors on a small group guided tour inside the Vatican Museums, admiring the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork during Vatican Museum guided tour in Rome.
Vatican Museums tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Guide with small tour group at Vatican musuem
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line tickets, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture
Guided Tours
4.4(2,340)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour

from
€89
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Tour at a relaxed pace with fewer than 15 guests—for more personal guidance and deeper engagement.

  • Everything you get: Skip long ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums in a small group for a smoother, crowd-free experience. With your expert guide, navigate iconic rooms like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, then step into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment—with time and space to truly take it in.
  • Why choose this: A smaller group means fewer distractions, more personal attention, and time to engage deeply with the art and your guide.
  • Upgrade: Choose a semi-private tour with just 10 guests and enjoy a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica with exclusive access.

Tour at a relaxed pace with fewer than 15 guests—for more personal guidance and deeper engagement.

  • Everything you get: Skip long ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums in a small group for a smoother, crowd-free experience. With your expert guide, navigate iconic rooms like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, then step into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment—with time and space to truly take it in.
  • Why choose this: A smaller group means fewer distractions, more personal attention, and time to engage deeply with the art and your guide.
  • Upgrade: Choose a semi-private tour with just 10 guests and enjoy a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica with exclusive access.

Inclusions

  • Small group of up to 15 guests
  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Escorted entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
  • Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
  • Headsets

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Tip: The early bird gets the worm! Crowds at the Vatican start to build around around 10am. Book an earlier spot to beat the crowds.
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your ticket includes a specific entry time as delays can lead to denied entry. Arrive punctually to maximize your experience.
  • While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour.
  • After exiting the Sistine Chapel, you will have an expedited escort through the Sistine Chapel directly to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica.
  • For reservations made less than 72 hours in advance, access to the Basilica cannot be guaranteed due to ticketing restrictions.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Tourists in Vatican Museums, viewing Sistine Chapel's artwork and architecture, Rome.
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museum, Rome.
Vatican Museums entrance with visitors, Rome, Italy, priority tickets tour.
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tourists on spiral staircase in Vatican Museums, part of Sistine Chapel Tickets tour.
Aerial view of Vatican Gardens in Rome with St. Peter's Basilica in the background
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Tourists in Vatican Museums, viewing Sistine Chapel's artwork and architecture, Rome.
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museum, Rome.
Vatican Museums entrance with visitors, Rome, Italy, priority tickets tour.
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tourists on spiral staircase in Vatican Museums, part of Sistine Chapel Tickets tour.
Aerial view of Vatican Gardens in Rome with St. Peter's Basilica in the background
Tourists in Vatican Museums admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling, Rome, Italy, on guided tour.
Tourists in Vatican Museums, viewing Sistine Chapel's artwork and architecture, Rome.
Visitors exploring the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museum, Rome.
Vatican Museums entrance with visitors, Rome, Italy, priority tickets tour.
Tour guide showing a group around the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at night in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate frescoes and historical artifacts in Rome
Tourists on spiral staircase in Vatican Museums, part of Sistine Chapel Tickets tour.
Aerial view of Vatican Gardens in Rome with St. Peter's Basilica in the background
Tickets
4.4(33,372)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

from €39.90
€31.92

20% off

Flexible duration

Save 1–2 hours by skipping ticketing lines and explore the Vatican’s treasures on your schedule.

  • Everything you get: Enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your selected time—no waiting at ticket counters. Stroll through iconic galleries, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces in the Gallery of Maps, before arriving at the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
  • Why choose this? Most visitors spend hours in line—this ticket gets you inside fast, so you can spend that time with the art. Once inside, explore at your own pace with no fixed route or guide schedule.
  • Upgrade: Skip all logistics with hosted entry—a local rep meets you, validates your ticket, and walks you in. Once inside, explore freely or add an audio guide with expert commentary in 12 languages for deeper insights without joining a tour. Want to elevate your visit? Include a scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens, before your Museum and Chapel visit—normally off-limits to the public.

Save 1–2 hours by skipping ticketing lines and explore the Vatican’s treasures on your schedule.

  • Everything you get: Enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your selected time—no waiting at ticket counters. Stroll through iconic galleries, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces in the Gallery of Maps, before arriving at the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
  • Why choose this? Most visitors spend hours in line—this ticket gets you inside fast, so you can spend that time with the art. Once inside, explore at your own pace with no fixed route or guide schedule.
  • Upgrade: Skip all logistics with hosted entry—a local rep meets you, validates your ticket, and walks you in. Once inside, explore freely or add an audio guide with expert commentary in 12 languages for deeper insights without joining a tour. Want to elevate your visit? Include a scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens, before your Museum and Chapel visit—normally off-limits to the public.

Inclusions

  • Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Hosted entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
  • Vatican Garden open bus tour (as per option selected)
  • Booking and service charges

Exclusions

  • Live guide
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
  • Gratuities
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot as delays might lead to denied entry.
  • If you've chosen the Vatican Gardens open-bus tour, your visit will begin with the garden tour, followed by entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The multilingual audio guide is available during the garden tour only—not for the museum and chapel visit.
  • The Vatican Museums has free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required. Click here for the accessible route.
  • Cover your shoulders, knees, and backs—this applies to all visitors.
  • When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour.
  • The Sistine Chapel is located at the end of the Vatican Museums tour, so expect to pass through galleries before reaching it.
  • Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Aerial view of Saint Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Tourists entering Vatican Museums with skip-the-line tickets, Rome, Italy.
Tourists exploring underground chambers of the Colosseum, Rome, with exclusive Rome Super Pass.
Tour guide leading tourists at the Colosseum, Rome, part of the 'Rome in a Day' tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with tourists in St. Peter's Square, Rome.
Tour group inside Vatican Museums, Rome, viewing art en route to Sistine Chapel.
Tourists inside the Colosseum in Rome using the exclusive Rome Super Pass.
Tour guide with group in Colosseum Underground, view of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy.
Colosseum underground tour with view of Roman Forum, Rome.
Tour guide with group in Colosseum Underground, views of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy.
Aerial view of Saint Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Tourists entering Vatican Museums with skip-the-line tickets, Rome, Italy.
Tourists exploring underground chambers of the Colosseum, Rome, with exclusive Rome Super Pass.
Tour guide leading tourists at the Colosseum, Rome, part of the 'Rome in a Day' tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with tourists in St. Peter's Square, Rome.
Tour group inside Vatican Museums, Rome, viewing art en route to Sistine Chapel.
Tourists inside the Colosseum in Rome using the exclusive Rome Super Pass.
Tour guide with group in Colosseum Underground, view of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy.
Colosseum underground tour with view of Roman Forum, Rome.
Tour guide with group in Colosseum Underground, views of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy.
Aerial view of Saint Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Tourists entering Vatican Museums with skip-the-line tickets, Rome, Italy.
Tourists exploring underground chambers of the Colosseum, Rome, with exclusive Rome Super Pass.
Tour guide leading tourists at the Colosseum, Rome, part of the 'Rome in a Day' tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with tourists in St. Peter's Square, Rome.
Tour group inside Vatican Museums, Rome, viewing art en route to Sistine Chapel.
Tourists inside the Colosseum in Rome using the exclusive Rome Super Pass.
Tour guide with group in Colosseum Underground, view of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy.
Colosseum underground tour with view of Roman Forum, Rome.
Tour guide with group in Colosseum Underground, views of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy.
Guided Tours
4.4(1,798)

Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour

from
€169.95
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
7 hr. - 9 hr.
  • Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
  • Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
  • At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
  • Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.
  • Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
  • Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
  • At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
  • Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.

Inclusions

  • Full-day guided tour of Rome
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Access to the Colosseum floors 1 & 2
  • Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
  • Access to Vatican Museums
  • Access to Sistine Chapel
  • Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Audio headsets

Exclusions

  • Transport
  • Tip: Don't miss checking out Pietà by Michelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most famous sculptures to exist in the world.
  • All visitors must carry a photo ID for security checks.
  • Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
  • Please note that you will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica on your own. Your guide will not take you inside, since direct access from Vatican Museum is not possible.
  • St Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship and may be closed without prior notice for religious events: in this case, the visit will be substituted by a visit to the Vatican Library.
  • Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering venues. Guests with a pacemaker will need to show a certificate to bypass security screening
  • Facilities: Cloakroom at Vatican Museums
  • The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues.
  • Strict Dress Code: In order to enter St.Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums, one must abide by a dress code. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
  • Note that the following are not allowed inside Colosseum: large backpacks or pieces of luggage.
  • Note that the following are not allowed inside Vatican Museums: suitcases, backpacks, containers, umbrellas, walking sticks (except those required by disabled visitors), tripods for cameras and video cameras, signage of any kind.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Sistine Chapel Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel - Home to Michelangelo's The Last Judgement

The Sistine Chapel is a papal chapel located in the Vatican Palace and is one of the world's most important chapels. Built by Pope Sixtus IV between 1477 and 1480, its renowned frescoes, including the iconic The Last Judgment, painted by Michelangelo from 1508 to 1512, are Renaissance masterpieces. When you visit the Vatican Museums and its 54 galleries, the Sistine Chapel will notably be the last room you visit.

Where is it located?

The chapel is situated in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. You can enter through the Viale Vaticano, located on the north side of Vatican City. It's on the right side if you look at St. Peter's Basilica from St Peter's Square.

How to access the Chapel?

Access to the Sistine Chapel is through the Vatican Museum entrance, and is included in all Vatican Museum tickets.

Sistine Chapel in a nutshell

entrance accessible through the Vatican Museums

Highlights: Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam, Botticelli's frescoes depicting the story of Christ and Moses, the chapel's architectural design.
Current use: The Sistine Chapel serves as the Pope's personal chapel and the site of the papal conclave.
Entrance: No separate entrance; accessible through the Vatican Museums.

Unique facts: 

  • Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes, a globally famous artwork, covers about 12,000 sqft.
  • In the 1560s, Pope Pius IV ordered fig leaves and loincloths to cover the nudes in Michelangelo’s paintings
  • The chapel, initially for worship, had thick walls for Vatican defense

Your Sistine Chapel tickets explained

Skip-the-line tickets

Guided tours

After hours access

Combo deals

Is Sistine Chapel access included?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Why go for it?

Save time. Hosted entry ensures a relaxed experience. Explore the chapel's beautiful and symbolic frescoes without feeling rushed.

Includes skip-the-line entry for an efficient visit. Active engagement with complimentary audio equipment.

Crowd-free setting for a deeper connection with art. Enjoy 30-minute breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard.

One package for complete experience, no separate tickets or multiple bookings. Great for those with time constraints or tourists wanting essential highlights.

Starting price

€42

€68

€94

€178

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Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour

The Sistine Chapel becomes the heart of the Conclave

While closed to visitors, the Sistine Chapel now hosts the sacred process of electing the next pope. Learn how this ancient ritual unfolds—and how you can witness it from St. Peter’s Square.

What's inside the Sistine Chapel?

Sistine Chapel Entrance Wall

Entrance wall

The entrance wall of the 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.

Sistine Chapel’s ceiling

Chapel’s ceiling

The frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, include:
• Nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic The Creation of Adam
• Ancestors of Jesus
• Twelve Prophets
• Sibyls
• Four corner paintings representing the salvation of the Jewish people

Michelangelo painted over 300 figures on the curved ceiling, initially commissioned for the 12 Apostles. His innovative scaffolding system facilitated the work, inspiring artists.

Northern Wall, Sistine Chapel

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.

Southern Wall, Sistine Chapel

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 altar wall - sistine chapel

The altar wall

The entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel features Michelangelo's masterpiece, The Last Judgment, painted between 1534 and 1541. This monumental fresco depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment of humanity, based on the 20th chapter of the Revelation of John. Highlights are:
• Heroic central image of Jesus Christ surrounded by saints and prophets.
• Figures of the blessed ascending to heaven on Christ's right, pulled by angels.
• Figures of the damned being dragged to hell on Christ's left by demons.
• Michelangelo's self-portrait as St. Bartholomew holding his flayed skin.
• Intentionally distorted and exaggerated human proportions.

It's a climactic conclusion to the biblical narrative depicted in the chapel's ceiling and walls.

The Conclave: See the secret ceremony that chooses a new Pope

The Sistine Chapel isn’t just an artistic masterpiece—it’s where history is made. Learn how the next pope is chosen, what the white smoke means, and how you can be there when the world hears Habemus Papam, post Pope Francis's very sad demise.

Architectural highlights of Sistine Chapel

Sistine chapel Renaissance design

Historical and cultural significance of the Sistine Chapel

  • The Sistine Chapel was constructed between 1473 and 1481 under the patronage of Pope Sixtus IV, after whom the chapel is named. The original medieval chapel on the site was demolished, with the new chapel retaining the asymmetrical plan and brick walls of the previous structure.
  • The interior walls were initially decorated with frescoes by Renaissance artists like Perugino, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio in 1481-1483. These frescoes depicted scenes from the lives of Moses and Christ.
  • In 1508, Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the chapel's ceiling. Michelangelo completed this monumental work between 1508-1512.
  • Michelangelo was also commissioned to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall of the chapel, which he completed between 1536 and 1541.
  • Since 1878, the Sistine Chapel has served as the site of the papal conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new pope upon the death or resignation of the previous pontiff.
  • The chapel's artworks, especially Michelangelo's frescoes, are considered some of the greatest achievements of the Italian Renaissance and have had a profound impact on Western art.

Learn more about Vatican's history

Notable figures of Sistine Chapel

Pope Sixtus IV

The Sistine Chapel is named after the Pope Sixtus, as he commissioned the original construction of the chapel between 1473-1481.

Michelangelo

The renowned Renaissance artist, Michelangelo was originally a sculptor, who painted the iconic frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the altar wall, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.

Pope Julius II

Pope Julius II, known as the Warrior Pope, was a central figure of the High Renaissance and a patron of the arts. He commissioned Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling in 1508.

Raphael

Raphael designed a series of tapestries to cover the lower walls of the Sistine Chapel in 1515-1516. Inspired by Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael included Michelangelo's likeness in his School of Athens.

Giovanni dei Dolci

Dolci is architect who designed the original Sistine Chapel building in the 15th century.

Know before you go

General information
Visitor tips

Timings

  • Opening hours: 9am – 4pm (Mon to Sat)
  • Closed: Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month), and on specific dates throughout the year, like Jan 1 and Dec 25.

Location

Rules

  • Remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the sacred nature of the Sistine Chapel.
  • Observe silence inside the Sistine Chapel, as speaking above a whisper is prohibited to preserve the contemplative atmosphere.

  • Try to visit the Sistine Chapel either first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive, or later in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned out.
  • Every corner of the chapel is adorned with beautiful frescoes, each backed by fascinating stories and rich symbolism. Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the breadth of these masterpieces.
  • If you prefer self-paced exploration, we recommend brushing up these artworks beforehand so you're not just left admiring the pretty pictures.
  • Familiarize yourself with the layout of the Vatican Museums to streamline your journey to the Sistine Chapel and make the most of your time.
  • Once inside, take your sweet time to fully appreciate the stunning frescoes by Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters and understand the symbolism behind each scene.

Vatican Museums rules & regulations

Frequently asked questions about Sistine Chapel tickets

Do I need to purchase separate tickets for the Sistine Chapel?

No, a ticket to the Vatican Museums includes entry to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is located within the Vatican Museums complex. You can buy these tickets online. You can also join a guided tour with priority access.

Is skip-the-line access needed for Sistine Chapel tickets?

The Sistine Chapel can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Skip-the-line access is highly recommended to avoid long wait times and make the most of your visit to one of the world’s most significant chapels. You can buy these tickets online. You can also join a guided tour with priority access.

Does the Vatican guided tour cover Sistine Chapel as well?

Yes, Vatican guided tours do include the Sistine Chapel. In fact, it's one of the key highlights. You can explore and admire the iconic frescoes by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists with a professional guide, enriching your experience with exciting stories and lesser-known facts.

What is the ideal time frame to explore Sistine Chapel?

Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes inside the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's frescoes. Of course, this can vary depending on the crowds and your personal pace. However, it is recommended to allocate a couple of hours for your visit, as you will start your journey at the Vatican Museums and explore several rooms before reaching the chapel. The Sistine Chapel is a place where you don't want to rush, so taking the time to appreciate each detail in the frescoes is essential for a fulfilling experience.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?

You can book the tickets on-site, but both the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are famous landmarks and availability might run out, especially in the peak season. Therefore, to secure better deals and ensure access, it is recommended to book Sistine Chapel tickets in advance rather than waiting to purchase them on the day of your visit.

Can I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?

No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel. This is to protect the delicate frescoes from the damage caused by camera flashes.

Is there any dress code for visiting the Sistine Chapel?

The Sistine Chapel has a strict dress code that requires visitors to have their shoulders and knees covered. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed. Proper attire is required for entry.

Is the Sistine Chapel accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the Sistine Chapel is accessible for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted, and there are elevators available to reach the chapel. Visitors should inform their tour operator or the Vatican staff of any special needs.

Is the Sistine Chapel suitable for children?

The Sistine Chapel is generally considered appropriate for children, as it is a significant cultural and religious site. However, the long lines, strict dress code, and need for quiet contemplation may make it challenging for very young children. Parents should use their discretion based on their child's age and attention span.