Sistine Chapel

American  

noun

1. the chapel of the pope in the Vatican at Rome, built for Pope Sixtus IV and decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo and others.

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Sistine Chapel British  

/ ˈsɪstaɪn, -tiːn /

noun

1. the chapel of the pope in the Vatican at Rome, built for Sixtus IV and decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo and others

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Sistine Chapel Cultural  

1. A chapel adjoining Saint Peter's Basilica, noted for the frescoes of biblical subjects painted by Michelangelo on its walls and ceilings. The Creation is one of the notable subjects of the ceiling paintings, and the Judgment Day is depicted on the rear wall of the chapel.

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Discover More

Michelangelo had to work on his back to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The project took four years to complete.

Etymology

Origin of Sistine Chapel

Sistine, from Italian Sistino relating to Sisto Sixtus (Pope Sixtus IV)

Example Sentences

Highlights include the first painting he completed entirely on his own, as well as tapestries designed for the Sistine Chapel.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

When white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel last May and Leo’s election was announced to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square, many people’s reaction was puzzlement as they quickly googled him on their smartphones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

White smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel to announce the election of the 267th head of the Catholic Church after a less-than-24-hour conclave.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

In the Sistine Chapel there was a serene moment with the singing of a piece by the English Catholic composer Thomas Tallis.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

It took a moment before I realized that it was a leafy replica of Michelangelo’s fresco of Adam from the Sistine Chapel.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs