What do I need to know before visiting the Sistine Chapel?

Visitors to the Sistine Chapel and other sites within the Vatican – including the Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter's Basilica – are required to dress appropriately before entering. The correct dress code is to have arms and shoulders covered as well as legs covered for men and women.



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It is preferable to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Hats, low-cut or sleeveless dresses, shorts, miniskirts are not allowed. Torn trousers and T-shirts are not recommended. You can buy plastic capes to wrap around to cover your knees and shoulders.

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How to dress for the visit to the Sistine Chapel. It is preferable to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Hats, low-cut or sleeveless dresses, shorts, miniskirts are not allowed. Torn trousers and T-shirts are not recommended.

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The use of mobile phones is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.

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Visitors to the Sistine Chapel are asked to observe absolute silence. It is absolutely forbidden to use a mobile phone in the Sistine Chapel and it is strictly forbidden to take photos and film inside the Sistine Chapel.

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It's forbidden to show up with bare sleeves. In summer the solution can be to bring a cardigan or a shoulder cover to wear inside the Museums. Pants or skirts must cover up to the knee. It is absolutely forbidden to wear a top that leaves the belly open.

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Visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Inside you can admire Michelangelo's frescoes and the works accumulated by various Popes over the centuries. The visit lasts about three hours but depends on how long you decide to stay and admire the works.

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Sistine Chapel The Chapel is the only place in the Vatican that photography and filming are completely banned. Undoubtedly one of the world's most famous buildings, the Sistine Chapel is a testament to the immense skill of history's greatest artists within the Renaissance era.

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Can I bring a bag with me to the Vatican Museums? Yes, you can bring a small bag with you on your tour. Bags, backpacks or luggage measuring more than 40·35·15 centimeters are, however, not allowed into the Vatican Museums and must be checked at the cloakroom.

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Rules for the visit Taking pictures and filming videos in the Sistine Chapel is strictly prohibited.It is allowed to take pictures without flash inside the Vatican Museums. The cloakroom service is free of charge.

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The Vatican has a dress code that some travellers might not be aware of when visiting. Luckily if you're planning on wearing jeans to the Vatican, you definitely can! When you plan to visit, it's best to keep your knees and shoulders covered. And for footwear, you will need flat shoes, not flip-flops or casual sandals.

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There is a security check as you enter into the Vatican museums so it is important that you only bring a plastic bottle. Glass bottles will be taken from you or you will be forced to leave them in the locker room.

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What shoes to wear at the Vatican. There are no special rules about shoes at the Vatican and you can wear closed shoes or sandals. While there is no specific rule about wearing flip flops at the Vatican, it is good practice not to. Flip flopr are impractical for the location, often noisy and considered too casual.

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You can purchase the ticket to Vatican Museum at the main entrance, but to do so, you'll have to wait in a long line at the door. That's why we recommend you buy your Vatican tickets online in advance.

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The best time to visit the Sistine Chapel is around 1:00 pm on weekdays or early in the morning by queuing up before opening. To enjoy the visit with fewer people we recommend: not to go on the last Sunday of the month (when entrance is free);

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Can I wear shorts in Rome? Yes. In summer, the only season when the weather in Rome is hot enough for shorts, both men and women can wear shorts for sightseeing.

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The Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited attractions in Vatican City and Rome in general. A masterpiece by Michelangelo and a space of great religious significance for Catholics, the Sistine Chapel is a must see for art lovers and pilgrims.

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