The Vatican Tickets







The Sistine Chapel - Home to Michelangelo's Last Judgement

This papal chapel located in the Vatican Palace is revered for its iconic Renaissance architecture and frescoes, including The Last Judgment, painted by Michelangelo from 1508 to 1512. When you walk through the 54 galleries of Vatican Museums, 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 on the north side of Vatican City.

How to access?

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

Sistine Chapel in a nutshell

All-in access: Your Vatican ticket covers the Sistine Chapel.

Entry to the Sistine Chapel is included with all valid admission tickets to Vatican Museums. Here's a breakdown of the ticketing options available for you.

Your Sistine Chapel tickets explained

Ticket typeIs Sistine Chapel access included?Why go for it?Starting priceRecommended tickets

Skip-the-line tickets

Yes

⦁Save time with hosted entry. ⦁Explore symbolic frescoes unrushed.

€31Skip-the-line Tickets

Guided tours

Yes

⦁Skip-the-line for a faster visit. ⦁Engage more with included audio guide.

€37.50Guided Tour

After hours access

Yes

⦁Crowd-free space for deeper art appreciation. ⦁Enjoy a 30-minute breakfast in the Vatican Courtyard.

€99Early Morning Tour

Combo deals

Yes

⦁One package for a complete, hassle-free experience. ⦁Ideal for tight schedules and essential highlights.

€63Combo: Vatican + Colosseum

What's inside the Sistine Chapel?

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

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

Know before you go

Frequently asked questions about Sistine Chapel tickets

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.

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