2.5 (rounded up so I don't get struck down) Ugh! People! Look what you've made me do! Your crassness made me experience an unforgiving mass of humanity that took away from the beauty and divinity of the building. God - 5 stars. Man - 1 star (as usual). This is why we can't have nice things. The denouement of the Vatican Museum is the Sistine Chapel. It's what everyone walks the miles and miles of corridors like mad cows to get to. It could and should be a refreshing glass of cold water on a hot day. It should be the bee in your bonnet. Perhaps, for some, it is. It was not for me. I couldn't separate the art and divinity from the people. 1.) You're crushed in with a ridiculous number of people. Rather than allocating a certain amount of time for a certain amount of people to enjoy the CHAPEL, the throngs of folks never stop coming so there's no relief from the crush of the crowd. Ever. Looking up to gaze at the marvel? Oops. You just got shoved. Keep it moving. Not solemn. Not holy. 2.) The guards are incredible rude. I am sure they see themselves less as guards and more as herders (not shepherds). And as herders, their mission is to push push push the crowd to where they want them to go (not to where the crowd wants to go). I'm surprised that they don't make a habit of slapping tourists silly and then going to St. Peter's for forgiveness. I would. Truly, I can't be too hard on the guards because... 3.) The people. Dear God, the people. First off, you're at a holy site. Don't dress disrespectfully. You're told this over and over but yet you'll see flip flops, short skirts, straps, tank tops, and the like. DOES NO ONE KNOW HOW TO DRESS FOR CHURCH SERVICE?? I wish the guards would bar entry to these idiots. That would, certainly, help with the crowds because no one knows how to follow any rules. Is it too much to ask that you shut the [redacted; please forgive me] up and not talk? Is it too much to NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES?? This is why the guards are crabby. They're continually telling people to shut up and stop taking pictures. It's rude. It's disrespectful. It's crass. Your surreptitious photos aren't cute. They're gross and they reveal you to be the worst kind of selfish, self-absorbed person. Congrats. People like you ruin it for everyone. I hope that blurry photo was worth it. Dummy. Just seeing them in this listing aggravates me. How hard is it to be respectful and think of other people? Do you see? This. All of this... got in the way of what I so wanted to be a transformative, holy experience. As it was, I scowled past the idiots trying to take selfies and acting put out that the guards attacked them (they should have been escorted out of the building), tried to center myself, found *the* image, contemplated it, and then remembered to leave out the group exit. Thanks, folks! People: ruining things since the Garden of Eden. read more

This was a beautiful Church. Smaller than I envisioned. And they absolutely would not allow you to take pictures and would reprimand you if they caught you. They also wanted everyone to be reverent and be silent, but people would still talk anyways. Not many places to sit. Our tour was given a half hour to be in there (but all there is to see is the ceiling) and there is bench seating inside that everyone is sitting on, so the second someone gets up you have to rush to get the spot. Beautiful painting, and crazy to see how big the ceiling is. read more

This is definitely the one place I wanted to visit that didn't involve the ocean and surfin' ;) This history that envelops this absolutely captivating, sheer stunning and heavenly edfice, known as the Sistine Chapel, is truly a breathtakiing experience that any and everyone should particpate in, regardless on one's reglious beliefs, at least once in their life. Religion aside for the moment, which is difficult to separate when discussing the Sistine Chapel, but the staggering amount of art that encompasses this chapel, is definitely worth the trip. The architecture alone will leave one speechless. The paintings or frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, painted during the Renaissance Period, consist of some of the greatest artists to ever hold a brush, such as Michelangelo, Pinturicchio, Perugino and Sandro Botticelli. You want an art history lesson of the some of the greatest artists during the Italian Renaissance Era, than just look above at the ceilings or along each wall. While walking through the museum to anxiously await the arrival of our ultimate destination, the Sistine Chapel, your senses are definitely on overload, taking in the sight of utter amazement, at all precious paintings, sculptures that adorn the hallways of the museum. You will also find some of the most awe-inspiring relics of the Catholic religion. It's definitely a history lesson, not just in Catholicism; but the sheer influence that the Italian Renaissance Era had on the history of art and architecture. Within the chapel along the lower sections or tiers, are some truly wondrous tapestries designed by Raphael. Unfortunately their re-creations, although done incredibly well; due to the fact that the original tapestries were unfortunately burned. As you exit the museum confines, you come to what I consider to be the beginning of the journey, and reach this etherial artifact of the Catholic faith, The Sistine Chapel. As you walk into the Sistine Chapel, your eyes and senses become absolutely entraced, and your left momentarily speechless, at the sheer wonder, and admiration of the sights; but true reverence immediately manifest itself, for the pure greatness that Michelangelo along wiv his great peers, unleashed on the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The splendour and magnificence of Michelangelo is definitely on display, as evidenced in the Sistine Chapel vault or ceiling and along the altar wall of the chapel, with his iconic images so beautifully put to life, "The Last Jugement", on the Sistine Chapel alter wall, and the stunning image of the Hand of God giving life to Adam in the amazing frescoe "The Creation of Adam", on the vault (ceiling) of the Sistine Chapel. He was also responsible for painting the "Book of Genesis", in a series of nine stories, that beautifully adorns the walls of the chapel. Once inside the Sistine Chapel itself, the crowds certainly become overwhelming and the room is unspeakably congested. Your literally rubbing shoulders, among other parts of your body, wiv all the tourists in this historical, magestic and impressive chapel. However, you just stand, smile and gaze in amazement of how truly remarkable the Sistine Chapel is. This was definitely worth the many hours of waiting and walking just to reach the the end of the tour, the Sistine Capel, which actually turned out to be the beginning. I definitely would recommend this experience to anyone that has plans to travel to Italy, because this was truly an enlighting journey. I found this quote with respect to Michelangelo Buonarroti and the unfathomable 5,000 square feet of frescoes he painted in the Sistine Chapel, which, still to this day, identify the exceptional, intellectual ability, creativity, and originality of the man: "Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving." - Johann Wolfgang Goethe, August 23, 1787. Cheers!!! read more

See all

My walk through the halls of the Sistine Chapel was like a journey through the the Renaissance. Pieces of art work that had transformed Europe - the same ones that propelled the continent into the cultural nucleus of the world that it is today- were literally surrounding me on all sides. I can sit here and pretend that the each brush stroke stimulated my artistic senses. I can lie and tell you that painted portrayals of Christianity awakened my spirituality. Regrettably, that was not the case. In fact, I was bored by the third corridor of the chapel. But the promise of Michelangelo's masterpiece urged me on. The Creation of Adam is painted on the ceiling of the last room, and so I rushed past many Renaissance treasures in my pursuit of the masterpiece. It's legendary reputation was the carrot stringed to a stick and I was the donkey chasing mindlessly after its allure. And like the donkey that I was, I couldn't fully appreciate The Creation of Adam, the masterpiece that is hailed as Michelangelo's finest. I was standing beneath one of mankind's greatest artwork, and the only feeling that aroused was the numbing pain in the back of my neck from staring at the ceiling for so long. To illustrate my complete lack of appreciation, my most memorable moment was actually laughing at my friend's jape at the painting. "I was expecting a little bit more from the God-Adam finger touching, you know? Maybe God expected more, too. Adam just sitting there barely reaching and telling God 'you go 90 I go 10.'" But of course I couldn't laugh for long since there was a strict policy of silence. They literally had dudes shouting at you to be quiet through a microphone. That baffled me. So are they trying to achieve silence via louder noises? That's so moronic...or oxymoronic #teehee But maybe I'm the true oxymoron around here. Here I am right now, painting my experiences with a keyboard and explaining artwork I do not understand. Who am I to criticize the work of Michelangelo and his peers? To them, I would be the ultimate oxy-MORON, the uncultured Renaissance-man. read more

It's a very touristy thing to wander the Vatican Museums and see the Sistine Chapel, but trust me. Go see it. It's gorgeous and the history behind it is just amazing. Michaelangelo was not a painter, but rather a sculptor, and yet he created this beautiful work of art before hitting the age of 30. It's well worth it to go, but come early. When the Museums open is when you want to start, and if you want to experience the Chapel in relative peace away from the crowds, head there first and then circle back for the rest of the museum. NOTE: Do NOT take photos. I've seen cameras confiscated for it. You also may not talk. Guards will remind you to be silent, but keep it up and they will kick you out (another thing I've seen happen). Respect the rules, y'all. read more

They forbid taking pictures of the Sistine Chapel. Do some light research on it before hand so you can appreciate the ceiling more. This is a part of the Vatican Museum so that's how you get tickets. If you're a student, bring your ID to get a discounted price. read more

They employ about 15 security personnel at all times to stand around and tell people not to take pictures. They can be pretty aggressive and it definitely ruins the atmosphere. Tourists come from all over the world to see this masterpiece, do they really think people won't try and get a shot? It's a bit of a walk reaching the chapel. If you are arriving near closing hours I highly recommend you skip the other exhibitions along the way. (An ideal solution would be to dedicate at least an entire afternoon to the Vatican Museum.) read more

I was very disappointed that we are not allowed to take any photos because Vatican has sold the right to the Japanese TV Network for exclusive film and publication rights. But that didn't stop some people and so the Guards kept yelling NO PHOTO NO PHOTO. The Chapel itself is a piece of art. Where ever you look up and the famous painting The Creation of Adam on the ceiling is located in the middle of the Chapel! so don't miss that. read more

The chapel surprised me by being much smaller then I had expected. Even off-season middle of the week it was full of people. There is just so much to take in. Lots of individual masterpieces. Laid out like they are framed pictures overlapping. Some famous...there is Adam reaching out to God but all are masterpieces. It is just incredible​. read more

Frequento spesso e realmente lo Stato Vaticano per questioni personali oltreche' di fede.. E ogni volta che ho modo di essere qui mi immergo in quest'aurea intrisa di storia , arte , fede.. una perla in mezzo a Roma , città comunque immensa ed amatissima nonostante l'invidia di molti (tie' .... LOL). Poche parole... grandi significati .. Arte.. Luce.. Armonia.. Musica.. Si musica perché è qui che ha sede il Coro della "Pontificia Cappella Sistina" che tra "vestiario" e "Schola Puerorum" allieta con i suoi meravigliosi canti le Messe Papali ... Si perché per chi non lo sapesse e' il coro Ufficiale Pontificio che effettua servizio non solo presso la Santa Sede , ma (richiestissimo) in tutto il Mondo ... Un grande onore... che costa forse qualche sacrificio ma che vale sicuramente la pena anche per la propria interiorità :) read more

Its the Sistine Chapel, how do you not give it 5 stars. They said no pictures while you are in there but lets be serious, that's what selfie mode is for. I got a shot of the most famous painting in the Catholic Church and I make no apologies for it. The path to the chapel is very crowded so go there after you see the rest of the Vatican. read more

People by the hundreds stood in there for hours on end, saying very little. Many were openly weeping. One of the few world-famous, man-made creations to utterly out-pace the reputation and hype. Ciao, Michelangelo. Take a bow. read more

Michelangelo, you really outdid yourself. His fresco of The Last Judgement will leave you speechless. But really, you must be quiet anyway, as there is no talking allowed. Spend a good 20 minutes or so in here, admiring the work in silence. Religious or not, this is something everyone should see in their lifetime, for the sheer beauty. read more

Remaining silent in the Sistine Chapel wasn't a struggle for me, because I was stunned beyond words. This place is incredible, and really made me go WOW in a way I've only felt a handful of times before. To see God reaching out his hand, giving life to Adam, as painted by Michelangelo really made me speechless. So did everything I caught sight of; it is all just so beautiful. The huge wall depicting judgement day is wonderful too. I feel like no matter how long you looked at it, you could always catch sight of something new, or notice something which stands out to you in a way it hadn't before. It's really crazy to try and comprehend that the ceiling was painted between 1508 and 1512. It is just bursting with grandeur and skill, and the detail in the emotions of those both dragged to hell and ascending to heaven on that fateful day is particularly impressive. Follow the no camera rule and don't spend the duration trying to take one blurry picture; take as much of it in as you possibly can and you'll get the most full experience, and the best memory. This was the highlight of Rome for me, and a memory I cherish from my time in the city. read more

First thing everyone needs is patience, especially when trying to stuff the whole of humanity and their overabundant tour groups into an entranceway that can only fit 1 person at a time...I can't tell you how many times I got shoved and stepped on by old people! Once you enter in, move about the room, it's dark for a reason...no one wants everything to fade out with the sunlight. There are benches all around the perimeter of the room, so if you're so inclined, go have a seat and admire the view. I love how beautifully ornate the artwork looks...from top to bottom, you can strain your neck just trying to take in everything on the ceiling. There are pieces that have been restored so their colors are more vibrant in certain areas. I like that there's a chronological order to the panels..from the beginning of genesis to the end with the book of revelations...nice! Like others have said before, you have to be quiet *I don't know why people feel like they need to talk, because like the kindergarteners I teach, they're not asking you to do something you can't do, everyone can keep quiet*. The security has been shushing everyone on a consistent basis, so I guess tourists are just ignorant, or just dumb...maybe both, hehe..and don't get me started on the people taking photos. I saw lots of people take pictures with their smartphones...I just wish I was evil enough to just ignore rules and do that, but what are you really going to see? A blurry dark image on your screen? People, it's dark in there, you won't see anything on your cameras. Memories are always humanity's best camera, so unless you have dementia or Alzheimer's, you're going to remember what the Sistine Chapel looked like better than your grainy dark photos. The exit was just as tight and squishy...best keep up with your tour group because you can get lost in there pretty quick. read more

Amazing! One of the highlights of my two trips to Italy - absolutely breathtaking and something everyone should try to see in their lifetime. If you can deal with lines and crowds as far as they eye can see, then take the time to visit the Vatican museums. Do not bother with waiting in line and absolutely do not buy tickets off anyone in the street! Plan ahead and book a tour - I've done both guided and non-guided and was equally happy with both. This place is HUGE and filled with countless, priceless works of art. When we visited, there was also an Egyptian exhibit which I found fascinating. Everyone is shuffling through trying to get to the main attraction: the Sistine Chapel. Whether you take the long way or the short way is up to you. Either way, it's worth it - again crowded, but try to find a quiet spot and just stare at the ceiling. Keep in mind that you must be covered to enter the Vatican. I've read reviews where people went in shorts or skirts and weren't turned away, but I've read many others where they were - so just don't risk it and wear long pants/dress, and ladies bring a shawl to cover up. Talking and photos are not permitted in the Sistine Chapel! Please show some respect - it blows by mind that tourists pretend not to know or care what is expected when visiting the chapel. One thing to keep in mind - there are two doors to get out of the Sistine Chapel - the one to the left is the exit to leave the Vatican. The door on the right leads to St. Peter's - it is not clearly marked to make sure you go to the right! The line to get back into St. Peter's is ridiculous, so learn from my mistake! read more

Shame on those who take pictures of the Sistine chapel despite numerous signs, guards and announcements telling you otherwise. It's amazing how people believe that they're above everyone else and how this simple rule doesn't apply to them. You're there to admire the serenity, beauty and just to marvel at how an artist can put life to a religious story. Despite being hyped non stop during our Vatican tour, the chapel itself did not fail to impress. Our tour guide, prior to entering the chapel, explained some of the significance and interpretation of the artists work, so smaller details in the ceiling sprang to life (for example, a self portrait of Michelangelo shedding his human skin is hidden amongst the artwork). Not to be missed....truly one of the most magnificent pieces of combined art ever created in one place. read more

For some reason, the staff hate people taking pictures and also don't want you to talk in the chapel. The talking i can partially get, as a christian. But the pictures I do not. You pay 50 euro to get in and can't even take a picture? Luckily I finessed several of the ceiling and still look at them every now and again. It's something everyone should see at least once. read more

Location: Vatican City. You can use the metro A line and get off at Ottaviano. From there, it's not even a 10-minute walk. The place: Mind-blowing. I mean, what more can I say about the Sistine Chapel? It's the Sistine Chapel - expect to be impressed! Prior to going in, my tour guide had explained the history and meaning behind several of the 'stories' that are portrayed on the ceiling and this was super helpful in understanding the progression of each piece. Note that the chapel requires absolute silence and no photos are allowed. So don't be a douche bag and start taking photos with your flash. Just keep the camera in your pocket and take in the marvel that is the Sistine chapel. Book online in advance, otherwise you will be waiting outside for hours, and there is NO shade. read more

Review # 500 For my 500th review I had to have a 5 star appreciation! The "Big Kahuna" that most people come for when visiting the Vatican! You must snake your way through many hallways before getting here (it's a very long maze type walk), but it's just breathtaking to see the Sistine chapel where the college of a cardinals elect a new pope! I'm in complete agreement that don't try to be that cool guy who takes a photo here! Check out all the photos online and respect that this is a holy place of worship! Not the Eiffel Tower or the state fair! Don't be that moron who gets chided by the security as there are lots saying be quiet, no photos! It's amazing the hordes of tourists they let enjoy the Sistine chapel! Truly one of the most amazing decorated places,I have come to experience! The frescoes, carvings are exquisite and just mind blowing how they were done! If you have the chance in your lifetime come check out the sistine chapel. I am by no means religious but have a great appreciation for incredible art and history! read more

Not much I can say other then you must visit this place at least one time in your life. So much history. The architecture, artwork and statues are breathtaking. I was amazed that I was walking into a building that was here before christ. I will write the same review for St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican . You must see them all. read more

Everyone comes for the world famous art by Michelangelo. But the space itself is also tranquil and intimate.

The artwork in here is amazing. There's just so much of it. You HAVE to visit the Sistine Chapel if you're in the Vatican or in Rome. Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam (where Jesus is touching Adam's finger) is housed here, and it's simply amazing. There is just so much artwork, it's very easy to get overwhelmed by it all. Buy your tickets online to avoid the line, and definitely, definitely, definitely visit!! read more

To me, the Sistine Chapel is the holy grail of the Vatican. Unfortunately, I didn't prepare myself and became to concerned with the moving crowd rather than taking in the history. From the moment you walk in, you're being shuffled along hundreds of other people bumping into you, cutting you off and so on. As soon as I entered, I just wanted to leave because of the mess that was in there which was really disappointing. But from the few minutes I spent looking around, it truly is something breathtaking. To think that this was all painted by one man and took over four years to complete is mind boggling. Regardless of your religious views, this is something everyone should see in their lifetime. I just wish the Vatican would limit the amount of people inside at one time, maybe even do 15 minute blocks between viewings. I would also recommend to research what you want to see the most before entering, that way you'll know where to look and won't miss it, such as the Creation of Adam and small blocks that weren't cleaned off. read more

Our second day in Rome began in Vatican City with a tour of the Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. We paid for a group tour through the Vatican Museum rather than a third party vendor, which turned out to be a good choice. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. At 37 euro each for the tour, it was a bit pricey, but the 3 hour tour was a great review of the highlights so I don't feel like I need to go back again. The Sistine Chapel was the final stop on our guided tour. Since you're not supposed to talk or take pictures in the Chapel, our guide gave us some information and context at the beginning of the tour. For example, Michelangelo was tricked by Pope Julius II into accepting the commission to paint the Sistine Chapel. He was a sculptor and architect, did not consider himself a painter, and was not interested in painting the Chapel. He actually went blind after 4 years of paint dripping into his eyes. The fresco of God's butt on the ceiling may have been Michelangelo's way of sticking it to the Pope. Michelangelo had previously depicted the Pope's Master of Ceremonies as Minos of the underworld in his fresco of the Last Judgment even giving him donkey ears after he called the painting disgraceful because of its nudity. Another painter was later commissioned to add underwear to the figures and would forever be known as "braghettone", or "britches". Our group spent about 20 minutes in the Chapel admiring the famous frescoes before wrapping up our tour. My friend and I stopped by the gift shop at St. Peter's Basilica to buy some keepsakes before heading for a bite to eat inside Vatican City. I would recommend going early because the crowds were growing as we were leaving around noon. read more

This is the most beautiful chapel ever. You walk through multiple hallways and buildings until you get to the main attraction - Cappella Sistina. And it is well worth it. The detailing of the architecture is just amazing. And once you get to the chapel, you there are benches all around where you can just sit and take in all the beauty. You are allowed to take photographs everywhere up until you get into the Sistine Chapel. And they are serious. People were getting stopped and required to remove the photos in front of the guards. So just a heads up, don't bother trying! This building is so old that you feel all the heavy air. But it's really one of a kind. There was a line to get in but the line moved fairly quickly. Just be prepared to wait from the line to getting through the halls and getting into the chapel. They do have a dress code that you must follow in order to be allowed in. You don't need to be religious to enter or appreciate this. The beauty can be appreciated by many different people regardless of their religion, lack of religion, values and beliefs. It's the only place I saw in Roma that had more than one religion in one room. A beautiful thing really. Don't miss this place when you visit Roma! read more

At the end of the Museum tour is the Sistine Chapel. It's crazy crowded. I mean, literally, wall-to-wall people, and many are talking even though there's a guard at the front who says SILENCE! every few minutes. My honest opinion is that it was amazing to be in this room, to be somewhere so famous and historical. It was amazing to realize that a man lived in scaffolding for 4 years to create this ceiling, and that he nearly went blind doing so. It was amazing to realize this is the Pope's private chapel. But, after about 10 minutes.... It was hot, my neck hurt, and there were people jostling me everywhere. If I could have the Sistine Chapel to myself, I might feel more of a reverence for the religious aspect of it, but with all of those people, it was kind of exhausting. *You're not supposed to take pictures, but of course people do. People being me. It's one thing to see a picture in a book. But to look at a photo you took yourself... it takes you straight back to that amazing room. read more

So the Vatican Museums are nice and all, but the REAL pièce de résistance EVERYONE is waiting for is the Sistine Chapel, right? Thank you Vatican for creating the "short itinerary" route, clearly indicated by new signs. When I first visiting the museum in 1998, you had to take the long way, which took at least an hour and a half. Now you can get there in 20 minutes if you walk briskly! Alas, unlike in 1998, photography is now prohibited! Also, after years of tourists following the Rick Steve's shortcut into St. Peters Basilica (the "group exit" on the right leads directly into the church), entry has become more tightly regulated, meaning tagging onto that exiting tour group may get you some unwanted attention from security. You have to exit the museum from the main entrance and walk all the way back around to St Peter's Square for security screening into the Basilica. As for Michelangelo's masterpiece? Absolutely astounding. The controversial restoration that was unveiled in the 1990s is striking in how bright the colors are when compared to memories of old art textbooks. The Last Judgment, a rather macabre subject for an altarpiece, takes on a whole new political context when you learn it was Pope Julius's reaction to the Protestant Reformation. Also quite fascinating is to see how Michelangelo encoded his own agenda into the scene. The whole work is so overwhelming that you forget the rest of the chapel is adorned with works of Ghirlandaio and Botticelli... read more

Absolutely gorgeous! Every wall and ceiling is beautiful art, and just walking around the halls and rooms instills a mystical surreal feeling in you. Supposedly no photography is allowed, but no guard told me anything, and I furtively snapped away in secret! No way I was going to leave this place without a few pictures. The lighting in the chapel isn't the best though, so be prepared to hold the camera really still if you're not using a flash! read more

Amazing - truly amazing. You stand and sit in silence taking it all in appreciating in person what you've couldn't truly appreciate in movies, television or pictures. The masterpiece of many Michelangelo masterpieces you may be surprised on how intimate the experience really is. You'll marvel at the restoration - the thirteen years it took to restore a masterpiece that took twelve years to create. A remarkable experience not to be missed. read more

One of the most Amazing places I have ever seen. Once you enter the Museum it takes about 30 min to reach the Cappella Sistina, but the walk is filled with art, tapestries and sculptures the whole way. The Vatican is truly a magical place to visit. Once you exit the chapel, you can go past the fountain and up to St. Peter's Basilica where you can view Michelangelo's Pieta Sculpture. The Basilica is just as beautiful. I would return in a heartbeat! read more

See all

Visited in September and Sistine Chapel is the place to just sit in awe, that is if you can actually find a seat. Beautiful and amazing. Even though no camera's were allowed... what would have really helped would be to turn up air conditioning to at least keep the place cool and calm for everyone's enjoyment. Such a special place and beautiful. read more

The fame of the Sistine Chapel lies mainly in the frescos that decorate the interior, and most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. The museum was great - we only wish we had done more homework before going so we knew more background of masterpieces and such. We did go with our own tour guide but when you do some homework of your own you appreciate the experience much more! We got lucky the day we went (a Thursday) and it wasn't to crowded so we were able to take our time read more

Breathtaking chapel.....lives up to all the hype and I would suggest going here first and early in the day in your trip to Rome. Also, pay the extra to skip the lines. You'll save 3 to 6 hours on your day for a few extra euros read more

Cappella Sistina - Very illegal photo but I don't regret taking it. Chapel was breath taking. - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

Unbelievably big and so so beautiful. Experience of a lifetime. So much history, it's breathtaking. That's really all I can say... read more

Cappella Sistina - I wasn't supposed to take a pic of this but I did anyway.... - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

I would recommend going the second it opens. It's beautiful, so beautiful, but I do like to take time over things and you don't get that luxury. You will also get kicked out if you take photos. I'd still say it's definitely way Ruth visiting though. read more

Paintings are astounding ... wonderful to walk through.. However, it is very crowded during the summer.

So disappointed! First, it was the busy season of July. I understand that. However, after working forever to get in (we choose the long way to take in everything else first) I was EXTREMELY upset how loud and obnoxious the crowd was! Absolutely nowhere to stand so I had to keep walking through. Barely got to glance at ceiling! I would think they would move people through in groups limiting numbers. And the noise was ridiculous! I was hoping for quieter peaceful viewing. What I got was too many tourist whispering loudly because they had head sets on. So sad read more

I couldn't get Robin Williams' speech out of my head. I enjoyed the silence as this was the end of an INTENSE 3.5 hour tour. Definitely get the tour! read more

''We were here in 2011 my wife and I on our European tour. . Awesome art work, lots of people and talking is forbidden as well as camera's!'' . But that didn't seem to phase too many of them as they wouldn't shut up ? you heard a lot of please SSSSH' by the guards! But stupidity seems to win out? we were quiet and respectful though? The artwork by Michelangelo makes one yearn to simply stand quietly and look up to appreciate the effort by this man !'' I have seen plenty of Nat'l Geo photos of this but no comparison to seeing it in person!'' 5 stars for the Sistine chapel*****! But 1 star* for the noisy loose lip assholes we had to put up with that day? ''Thank you'' read more