The Sistine Chapel is famous for its Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo. The frescoes on the ceiling, collectively known as the Sistine Ceiling, were commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 and were painted by Michelangelo in the years from 1508 to 1512. They depict incidents and personages from the Old Testament. The Last Judgment fresco on the west wall behind the altar is also one of the most important artworks in the chapel. The chapel’s interior walls and ceiling are decorated with frescoes by many Florentine Renaissance masters.
What makes the Sistine Chapel so important is its history, religion, and art, which represent Italys rich culture. As the pope’s own chapel, the Sistine Chapel is the site of the principal papal ceremonies and is used by the Sacred College of Cardinals for their election of a new pope when there is a vacancy. The frescoes that completely cover the walls and the ceiling are also a major attraction for tourists from around the world. The chapels architecture is not what grabs peoples attention, but rather the magnificent paintings hidden within. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited landmarks in all of Europe.
