Explore the Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive

Enter the Sistine Chapel 75 minutes before the doors are opened to the public.

This is an accompanied tour, so even though guided tours are forbidden in the Sistine Chapel, you won’t be on your own. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you to the chapel and will prepare you with all the information you need before you enter.

Sistine Chapel Tour Highlights

• Explore the Chapel when there is no one else around and enjoy a more intimate visit
• Experience the calm and quiet within the Chapel when it is empty
• Gaze upon Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco without being jostled or moved on
• The Sistine Chapel Ticket also includes entry to the Vatican Museums, which you are free to explore for as long as you like

Inside the Sistine Chapel

When you enter this beautiful building, you’ll be struck two things, the fact that it is empty of people and by the calm and quiet within – a stark contrast to later in the day when the crowds can barely move!

Whilst inside, make sure you look out for the boneless self-portrait of Michelangelo. He painted this particular piece to make a point – he’d rather be skinned alive than paint the Sistine Chapel again!

As you look up at the incredible fresco, you’ll begin to understand why Michelangelo felt so strongly about his task…

Discover the Vatican Museums

Following your visit to the Sistine Chapel you are free to enter the Vatican Museums and wander the halls, rooms and palaces at your own pace. Your guide will leave you with a map introducing the most important sights.

Having had an early start, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the 9 miles of sculpture, paintings, drawings, manuscripts, tapestries and more that are contained within 220 museum rooms.