While known as the location of papal conclaves, the primary function of the Sistine Chapel is as the chapel of the Papal Chapel (Cappella Pontificia), one of the two bodies of the papal household, called until 1968 the P… See more

The chapel is about 35 metres (118 feet) long and 14 m (46 ft) wide, with the ceiling rising to about 20 m (66 ft) above the main floor.
Its exterior is unadorned by architectural or decorative … See more

The first stage in the decoration of the Sistine Chapel was the painting of the ceiling in blue, studded with gilt stars, and with decorative borders around the architectural details of the pendentives. This was e… See more

The southern wall is decorated with the Stories of Moses, painted in 1481–1482. Starting from the altar, they include:
• Moses Leaving for Egypt by Pietro Perugino and assistants
• The Trials of Moses by Sandro Bot… See more

The Sistine Chapel's ceiling restoration began on 7 November 1984. When the restoration was completed, the chapel was re-opened to the public on 8 April 1994. The part of the restoration in the Sistine Chapel tha… See more