The Michelangelo Sistine Chapel, and its massive walls, within the sanctuary
of The Vatican, were frescoed by some of the finest artists of the 15th
and 16th centuries – and there has been much recent restoration work
done that allows today’s visitor to see these masterpieces at their
best.
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A fabulous work of art, that will
leave you awe inspired, the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel is part
of our guided tour itenary at Lets Travel Rome.com, and is a big
favourite with our visitors. Don't go to Rome and leave without
seeing this labour of love!
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Botticelli, Signiorelli, Ghirlandaio and Perugino, as well as Michelangelo
himself, poured their souls into these amazing works between 1534 and
1541 that have become some of the most admired in the world.
Here is a brief summary of some of the wall frescoes you can see when
visiting the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel in Rome:
“The Last Judgment” – by Michelangelo, depicting the
rising of souls up to face the wrath of God, restored in 1993. This was
intended as a warning to Catholics to adhere to their faith, even during
the turmoil of the Reformation.
“The Calling of St Peter and St Andrew” – by Ghirlandaio.
“Handing over the Keys to St Peter” – by Perugino.
“Punishment of the Rebels” – by Botticelli.
“Temptations of Christ” – again by Botticelli.
And, in total, 12 unique and beautiful scenes that will leave you in awe.
However, without any doubt, the most impressive fresco of all in the Michelangelo
Sistine Chapel is his work that decorates the ceiling. Produced for Pope
Julius II, between 1508 and 1512, the main panels portray the Creation
of the World and Fall of Man, and are surrounded by subjects from both
the Old and New Testaments.
In the 1980s the ceiling was restored, revealing
the full majesty of the colours used, and here is an image that will
live with you forever.
Restorers used computers, photography and spectrum analysis to inspect
the fresco before work commenced, and were able to identify the original
painting beneath previous restoration work, and the new colours are agreed
to be the closest match to the original ever achieved.
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Essential Tip: Understandably, the
guardians of the Vatican, St Peters and the Michelangelo Sistine
Chapel are insistent
over the issue of proper religious respect for the artefacts they
control. Appropriate dress code is essential for your visit, and
shoulders and upper arms must be covered to gain entrance. You can,
if necessary, buy T-Shits or similar in the shops at the edge of
St Peters square – but you will pay a premium for this.
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Better to use one of our Rome "Skip
The Line" Guided Tours to plan your
itinerary to include a visit to the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel, and The
Vatican,
when you are combining this with similar activities.
Make sure you take a break in the spacious, formal, courtyard, while you
are here, with its centrepiece golden sculpture and head of Augustus, and
don’t neglect to visit the many other Chapels and Museums within
The Vatican walls.
As we said, the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel will leave you inspired by
its beauty, and is a must see when you travel Rome.
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Essential Tip: Through
Lets Travel Rome and Viator, our partners in Rome, we are able
to offer attendance at an Audience with Pope Benedict, at The Vatican
City. Tickets are limited, and you MUST have a confirmed reservation
to attend. The exact location depends on the seasons, and the Pope's
location each day.
Reserve your place for an Audience with Pope Benedict. |
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