The Sistine Chapel

-- Sistine Chapel --

The Sistine Chapel is a part of the Catholic Churches holdings in Rome, but really, even if you have absolutely no interest in religion at all, it’s one of those places you just have to visit.

What makes this Chapel so important and interesting is, of course, the ceiling, which was painted (if painted is an adequate description of the masterpiece) in frescoes by Michelangelo Buanarotti in the early sixteenth century.

Awe Inspiring

When you walk into the Chapel and look up at the ceiling, it’s almost impossible to believe that it was painted by hand, by one man. Especially when you consider that there are twelve thousand square feet of ceiling that was decorated by his hand. When you further consider that it took him only four years to complete his masterpiece, and that at times, he was blinded by the falling paint, it’s even more unbelievable!

The Chapel from Outside

The Sistine Chapel, viewed from outside, is unadorned, and even bland. It’s devoid of decoration, and built from plain brick, and it looks like any other blocky, medieval building. Until you enter through the Papal Palace that is.

Wall Frescoes

The walls of the Chapel are also decorated, and many famous artists, like Sandro Botticelli, added their art to the wall frescoes, and they are very beautiful, but it’s the ceiling of this building that is without a doubt the key to its magic.

Nearly Did Not Happen

What’s really interesting about the ceiling is that when Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint it, he wanted to decline. He considered himself a sculptor, not a painter, and was, to all accounts, a little intimidated by the project. Then again, who wouldn’t be!

Restored to Its Former Glory

Starting in 1984, the Sistine Chapel, including the famous ceiling, underwent an intensive period of restoration, where the frescoes and carvings were all cleaned. In spite of the controversy, which surrounded the methods used, the frescoes that emerged after the cleaning are clear, and bright, and as close to the day they were completed as they are ever likely to be.

Then again, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are only so many times that the frescoes can be restored, which means that the building and it’s awesome decorations, while likely to be around for some time, will eventually fade and disappear.

Looking at the ceiling, and even the walls, of the Chapel, it’s hard to believe that any human beings are that talented. That the hands of man created that detail. In fact, even to the non religious, it seems clear, when you look at those paintings, that there has to be some higher power, which was involved. It’s just too perfect to wrap your head around. If you ever are in Rome, or more specifically, the Vatican City, and you get the chance, visit the Sistine Chapel – it is a life changing experience you definitely will not regret.

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