One Of Europe's Most Visited Landmarks Is A Captivating Masterpiece Famed For Artistic Legacy

Not every work of art is able to stay relevant century after century, or even find itself in all types of culture from so-called high culture and its prestigious connotations to the more general appeal of pop culture. Among the artists noted for doing just that is Michelangelo. His work includes David in Florence, one of Rick Steves' favorite artworks in Europe. But quite literally one of his biggest works of art is the interior of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. This is among the best things to see if you only have a one-day trip in Rome.

Michelangelo's awe-inspiring art covers the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a project that he worked on from 1508 to 1512. Throughout the 12,000 square foot ceiling, Michelangelo painted 343 figures. Most figures are from religious teachings in Christianity, but also female prophets (sibyls) from Classical beliefs. Overall, this quintessential piece of the Renaissance era depicts religious beliefs surrounding humanity and humanity's struggles. This makes it hard to believe that Michelangelo preferred sculpting over painting, and was hesitant when Pope Julius II commissioned him for the job.

The middle portion of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling has paintings following the book of Genesis in the Bible. However, most visitors likely try to spot the panel referred to as the Creation of Adam. The image of God and Adam reaching toward each other is a moving depiction of God's creation of humanity itself, an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It is also one of the many highlights of Michelangelo's career that has weaved itself into pop culture. From contemporary artists adding Jim Henson and the Muppets into the painting to poster art for Steven Spielberg's film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," it is easy to spot an homage to the fingers of God and Adam almost touching.

Aside from the neck-craning experience of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, be sure to soak in Michelangelo's painting of the Last Judgement on the wall behind the altar. He worked on this fresco around 30 years after finishing the ceiling. His haunting depiction of humans either being saved and entering heaven or being frighteningly dragged down by devils was shocking to onlookers, and controversial mainly due to the high number of nude figures in the work.

Michelangelo took care of the ceiling and altar backdrop, but quite a few famous names painted the rest of the Sistine Chapel's interior. For example, Sandro Botticelli and Luca Signorelli contributed to the frescos of Moses on the south wall. Painted masterpieces aside, cardinals and popes still use the Sistine Chapel for ceremonies just as its original 15th century builders intended. One of these ceremonies is the election process for new popes, called a conclave. For the Academy Award nominated film "Conclave," set designers meticulously recreated the Sistine Chapel to use for many tense and dramatic scenes. 

See the Sistine Chapel's artistic legacy for yourself by getting tickets to the Vatican Museums. If you really want to delve into the Sistine Chapel's history and art, perhaps get line skipping perks, look into guided, hosted, or audio tours in Rome. These can help you make sense of the intricate paintings and focus on more than just the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement. Regardless of how you plan a visit, remember not to take photos inside the chapel and cover your shoulders and knees while inside this sacred place.