Known for its breathtaking art and deep spiritual significance, the Sistine Chapel plays a key role in one of the most important events in the Catholic Church: the election of a new pope. From Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling to centuries of sacred tradition, this iconic chapel is where history and faith come together.
Step inside, and the silence is immediate. Above, Michelangelo's frescoes stretch across the ceiling like a divine thunderclap frozen in time. Often labeled the greatest artwork in history, the ceiling’s sheer scale and beauty are overwhelming.
The paintings that adorn the Sistine Chapel ceiling are meant to evoke questions of who we as humans are in the grand scheme of life, and what we might become. Click through this gallery to explore the powerful art and timeless mystery of the Sistine Chapel.