Comprehensive Explanation of the Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s Masterpiece “The Last Judgment”

Vatican City, rich in historically and artistically significant buildings and artworks, is a popular tourist destination that has been designated a World Cultural Heritage Site. Among its many attractions, the Vatican Museums—which house one of the world's largest collections of religious artworks—are composed of various museums including the Sistine Chapel, the Pio Clementino Museum, and the Pio Christian Art Museum.

The Sistine Chapel is a must-see spot where you can admire numerous world-renowned artworks such as Michelangelo’s masterpiece “The Last Judgment.” In this article, we delve into the entrance fees and highlights of the Sistine Chapel.

What is the Sistine Chapel?

The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is a chapel in Vatican City, renowned as the venue for the papal conclave to elect the next pope. The 24 museums within the Vatican Palace are collectively known as the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel is one of them. It is world-famous for its decorative frescoes by great artists of the High Renaissance such as Michelangelo and Botticelli. Among these works, Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and “The Last Judgment” stand out for their overwhelming power and beauty.

The Sistine Chapel is not only the site of the conclave but also a sacred place where important religious ceremonies in Vatican City are held. Vatican City, which houses the Sistine Chapel, was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1984. Alongside visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, a trip to the Vatican Museums is an absolute must.

Highlights of the Ceiling Frescoes

Upon entering the Sistine Chapel, you are immediately struck by the immense frescoes that cover the entire 40-meter-long ceiling. Painted by Michelangelo in his thirties, these works—collectively known as “Affreschi di Michelangelo”—depict scenes from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament.

◆ Content of the Ceiling Frescoes

The following scenes are depicted in order:

・Separation of Light and Darkness
・Creation of the Sun and Moon
・Separation of the Earth and the Waters
・Creation of Adam
・Creation of Eve
・Original Sin and the Expulsion from Paradise
・Noah’s Sacrifice
・The Great Flood
・Noah’s Drunkenness

Among these, the most famous is “The Creation of Adam.” It is mentioned in textbooks, so even those not well-versed in art have likely seen it.

This fresco portrays the moment when God breathes life into Adam, the first human. It is said that the figure grasping God’s left hand represents Jesus Christ—be sure to observe this detail with your own eyes.

Highlights of “The Last Judgment”

Michelangelo’s masterpiece “The Last Judgment,” painted when he was in his sixties, measures approximately 14 by 13 meters and is said to be the largest painting of its kind in history.

The central figure in the painting is Jesus Christ.
“The Last Judgment” depicts God’s final and eternal judgment, where Christ is shown dividing the dead between heaven and hell.

Those who receive God’s mercy ascend to heaven on the upper left, while those who defied God are depicted as falling into hell on the lower right. Over 400 figures, each with varied expressions and postures, are portrayed—so take your time to appreciate all the details.

How to Enter the Sistine Chapel and Ticket Reservations

To enter the Sistine Chapel, you must have an entrance ticket to the Vatican Museums. There are four methods to purchase tickets:

・Reserve tickets through the official Vatican Museums website.
・Purchase same-day tickets at the entrance ticket counter.
・Sign up for a local guided tour.
・Book an optional tour with a tour company.

Since same-day tickets often involve long queues, it is advisable to reserve your tickets in advance. The official website is in English, so if you prefer to make reservations in your language, consider booking an optional tour with a travel company in your country.

【Vatican Museums Entrance Tickets】
・Adults: 17 euros
・Children (6–18 years): 8 euros

*Online reservations incur an additional fee of 4 euros per ticket.
*Prices are scheduled to change in 2023.

For more details on online reservations, please refer to our article on the Vatican Museums.

Important Notes When Visiting the Sistine Chapel

The artworks within the sacred atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel are breathtaking and can soothe the soul. Although you might want to take photos as mementos, photography is currently prohibited in the Sistine Chapel—unlike in other parts of the Vatican Museums. Please store your camera or smartphone in your bag, respect the rules, and quietly appreciate these masterpieces.

Also, because the Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, appropriate attire is required. You will not be allowed to enter if your clothing exposes your shoulders, knees, or thighs, so choose your outfit carefully. Additionally, any large items (over 40×35×15 cm) must be checked in at the cloakroom on the first floor of the Vatican Museums. Keep the claim ticket you receive safe until you retrieve your belongings.

How to Access the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are located on the north side of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel is situated within the Vatican Museums.

From Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci Airport), take a train to Rome’s central Termini Station, which takes about 30 minutes.
From Termini Station, board Metro Line A towards Battistini and get off at Ottaviano Station.

Follow the signs for the Vatican Museums from the station, and it will take about 7–10 minutes on foot to reach your destination. The surrounding area is filled with numerous attractions, offering you a full day of sightseeing.

◎ Cafes & Restaurants Near the Sistine Chapel

Here are some popular cafes near the Sistine Chapel. Before or after your visit to the Vatican Museums, enjoy authentic cappuccinos and Italian cuisine.

◆ Caffe Vaticano

Located directly opposite the entrance to the Vatican Museums, this cafe offers a wide variety of gourmet treats including drinks, gelato, and cakes—perfect for a light snack.

◆ Antico Caffe San Pietro

Located near St. Peter’s Basilica, this cafe operates on a self-service basis where you can choose from a variety of drinks. It also offers light meals such as pasta and lasagna.