If you are in Rome and don’t know where to start, the Sistine Chapel is one of the must-see sites for anyone visiting Rome for the first time, and even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of religious sites, you won’t be disappointed. This is one of the most spectacular buildings in the old city and in addition to impressive architecture, it also includes famous works of art. As such, the chapel attracts crowds of visitors every day and it stars in the most popular tourist sites in the city.
The chapel is actually a church that is located in the Vatican City in what is defined as a compound that serves as the Pope’s palace and this is the place where the famous ceremony called “Conclave” was held in which the Pope was elected to serve in his important role. The chapel that stands on the spot today was built on the ruins of the large chapel (Cappella Maggiore) that stood on the spot before.
During the visit, you will be able to get an impression of the beautiful building, which does not need to be a great connoisseur of architecture to enjoy its splendor and its spectacular design elements. This building was designed by the architect Bacho Fontelli and was inspired by the First Temple of Jerusalem. This construction began in the second half of the 15th century AD and lasted a total of 3 years.
In addition to the special structure, the chapel is also known for the works of art that decorate it and especially for its famous wall and ceiling paintings painted by the well-known artists of Italy during the Renaissance. Among these are also Michelangelo’s famous work of art “Judgment Day” (this work was added at a later stage) and the fresco on the ceiling of the building. In addition to these works, there are about 30 more frescoes that decorate the windows of the chapel.
In fact, the ceiling of the chapel attracts a crowd of fans in its own right. Among the most famous paintings painted on it are those taken from the book of Genesis in which familiar scenes appear such as the flood and Noah’s ark, the creation of man, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, and the creation of the world (the creation and separation of the lights and the separation of the land from the sea).
An interesting fact about the building and the beautiful works that decorate it, is that over the years and naturally, some of the original elements lost their initial glow, and unnatural events that took place in the place added and left their mark. But the most noticeable damage was caused precisely because of the incense and church candles that raise smoke that over time significantly damages the works.
