Sistine Chapel

Perhaps the most sought-after attraction in Vatican City, the 15th Century Sistine Chapel is where the Papal Conclave gathers so as to elect the Pope. Home to a plethora of ceiling frescoes and the fabled ‘The Last Judgement’ by Michelangelo, what seems like an unending walk brings you inside this abode of ceaseless wonder. And the many security guards make sure you do not get a picture of any of the marvels. Speaking of the frescoes, they depict the creation, the story of Adam and Eve, the fall and the fate of Noah. What stands out prodigiously is the acclaimed ‘The Last Judgement’ on the west wall which brilliantly illustrates Christ passing his sentence over the deceased souls. Interestingly, the tale of how Michelangelo painted the ceiling while lying on his back the whole time is nothing but a myth.
If this wasn’t intriguing enough, the tour guides have a treasure chest full of stories of how Michelangelo was a subversive artist who vehemently refused to conform to the standards of his time. Upon receiving persistent complaints from the Papal officials regarding the prevalence of nudity in the ceiling frescoes, Michelangelo painted the Gates of Hell right behind the Pope’s pulpit and he then went on to portray the many saints as blithering idiots in compromising positions. Revenge is indeed a dish best served cold.

Getting there:
The Sistine Chapel is a part of the Vatican Museums, open from 9am to 6 pm, the entry to which costs you about 25 Euros. It is advisable to book your tickets online in order to beat the queues. Admission is gratis every last Sunday of the month.