Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel), Rome (must see)
The Sistine Chapel stands as the most renowned chapel within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. It is celebrated for its remarkable architecture, reminiscent of Solomon's Temple from the Old Testament, and its breathtaking decoration, adorned with frescoes by some of the greatest Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli.
Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo undertook the monumental task of painting the chapel's ceiling between 1508 and 1512. With the pope's support, Michelangelo was granted artistic freedom and dedicated four years to creating a masterpiece. He adorned the ceiling with 366 figures depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, illustrating biblical narratives such as the Creation of the World, the Fall of Man, and the Coming of Christ. These frescoes are accompanied by the presence of ignudi, striking male nudes, which surround the biblical depictions. Additionally, the spandrels surrounding the vault feature sibyls, prophetesses from pagan mythology, who were embraced by Christian artists during the Renaissance as figures capable of foreseeing the arrival of Christ. One of the most iconic paintings within the chapel is "The Creation of Adam," portraying God reaching out to create Adam against a backdrop of cloudy heavens. This renowned artwork is among the most reproduced religious paintings in history.
The chapel owes its name to Pope Sixtus IV, who oversaw its restoration between 1477 and 1480, transforming the former Cappella Magna into the magnificent space we know today. Since the time of Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of profound religious significance and as a venue for important papal functions. Currently, it is famously recognized as the location of the Papal conclave, the process through which a new Pope is elected.
Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo undertook the monumental task of painting the chapel's ceiling between 1508 and 1512. With the pope's support, Michelangelo was granted artistic freedom and dedicated four years to creating a masterpiece. He adorned the ceiling with 366 figures depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, illustrating biblical narratives such as the Creation of the World, the Fall of Man, and the Coming of Christ. These frescoes are accompanied by the presence of ignudi, striking male nudes, which surround the biblical depictions. Additionally, the spandrels surrounding the vault feature sibyls, prophetesses from pagan mythology, who were embraced by Christian artists during the Renaissance as figures capable of foreseeing the arrival of Christ. One of the most iconic paintings within the chapel is "The Creation of Adam," portraying God reaching out to create Adam against a backdrop of cloudy heavens. This renowned artwork is among the most reproduced religious paintings in history.
The chapel owes its name to Pope Sixtus IV, who oversaw its restoration between 1477 and 1480, transforming the former Cappella Magna into the magnificent space we know today. Since the time of Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of profound religious significance and as a venue for important papal functions. Currently, it is famously recognized as the location of the Papal conclave, the process through which a new Pope is elected.
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Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) on Map
Sight Name: Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour
Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world鈥檚 smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour
As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
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