The Sistine Chapel is that rare case when reality not only meets expectations, but also exceeds them. Entering its vaults, you experience a real cultural shock from the realization that you are standing exactly where Popes are elected, and you see masterpieces familiar from childhood from textbooks. Michelangelo's fresco "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall and his painting of the ceiling with the central scene of the "Creation of Adam" make you freeze. It is amazing not only the genius of the idea and the power of the images, but also the physical scale of the work that one person has completed in four years. When you look up, you forget about neck fatigue. The atmosphere inside is solemn and tense. The silence (which the caretakers are trying to maintain, despite the constant hum of the crowd) only enhances the impression. It seems as if the very air is saturated with history and art. The only drawback is the incredible number of people. There is little space, there are always a lot of people, and it is difficult to keep your eyes on the details without being distracted. But this is nothing compared to the feeling of awe that comes when you realize that you are in the epicenter of world art. This is a must-have item in the life of anyone who is interested in culture. Unforgettable.

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Александр Владимиров

Level 30 Local Expert

The Sistine Chapel is probably the peak of all the treasures of the Vatican. Even if you have a favorite place in Rome (and it probably appears to everyone who has been here), I think you will never refuse to visit the Sistine Chapel again. A conclave is held here, and a Pope is elected. All Popes have received a tiara here since 1492 (just think about it - America was discovered in the same year!). But for many of us (probably even for most), the chapel is Michelangelo's ceiling painting. I must admit that I immediately started looking for the "Creation of Adam" - the fresco where God holds out His hand to Adam. There is so much symbolism in it - for example, the figure of God is either in the heart or in the womb - in any case, it gives life. And the fingers of God and Adam do not touch because it is impossible to connect the divine and the human. Although... who knows what meaning the author himself put into his creation -) You can't take pictures in the chapel. If you accidentally took a picture, you will not be required to delete it. But of course, it's not worth deliberately angering the guards. First of all, there are no flashes (perhaps because of them, photos were banned, although videos are also prohibited). Secondly, if you really want to, try to do it unnoticeably, from below, at the "Dutch angle" -) And yes - the rear camera is usually more powerful than the front -) If you're in a chapel, no one will kick you out (unless you're with a band, but even then you'll be given a certain amount of time alone with eternity). There are a lot of tourists, it's quite noisy (the guards regularly ask for silence and the hum becomes quieter for a moment, and then flares up again). It is better to buy tickets in advance or look for a guide who will offer both an excursion and tickets. A good combination for the tour is the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. An amazing place, a must-visit if you are in Rome. It's one of those places you always want to go back to.

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Алексей Ростов

Level 30 Local Expert

One of the most famous sights of the Christian world. Of course, words cannot convey the beauty and impressions of the wall and ceiling paintings made by such masters as Michelangelo and Botticelli. The chapel is also famous for the fact that a conclave gathers here to elect the pope after the death of the previous pope. We were lucky, we visited the Vatican right before Easter. And besides, this year the Catholic Easter coincided with the Orthodox Easter. This happens once every 25 years. Therefore, everything was very beautifully decorated and prepared for the holy holiday. Many thanks to our guide, otherwise it is very difficult to understand and sort something out, because there are so many people. One of the most beautiful places we visited. Unfortunately, there is only one photo because they are not allowed to take pictures.

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