The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is a church inside Vatican City in Rome, Italy. It is famous for its amazing painted ceiling. The ceiling was painted by an artist named Michelangelo over 500 years ago. The Pope uses this chapel for special events.

Michelangelo's Masterpiece

Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He lay on his back on tall platforms to paint. The ceiling shows scenes from the Bible. The most famous part shows God touching the finger of Adam, the first man.

A drawing showing how the Sistine Chapel may have looked long ago.
A drawing showing how the Sistine Chapel may have looked long ago. (Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons)

A Special Place

The Sistine Chapel is where cardinals meet to pick a new Pope. The walls also have beautiful paintings by other famous artists. Visitors come from around the world to see the art. They must stay quiet inside the chapel.

Fun Facts

  • Michelangelo's neck and back hurt badly from painting the ceiling.
  • The painting on the ceiling has over 300 figures.
  • The chapel was built in the 1470s and named after Pope Sixtus IV.

Did You Know?

When they choose a new Pope, smoke comes out of the chapel's chimney; white smoke means a new Pope has been picked.