Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

One of the largest art collections in the world, begun in the early 16th century under Pope Julius II. The visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, with the ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 and the Last Judgement (1536–1541); along the way are the Raphael Rooms.

Did you know: It is best to book on the official website to avoid long queues. Photography is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

✦ The legend: In the Last Judgement, Michelangelo painted Minos, judge of the underworld, with the face of Biagio da Cesena, the master of ceremonies who had objected to so much nudity. The story goes that Biagio ran to the pope to protest, and that Paul III replied that his jurisdiction did not reach hell: down there he could do nothing. The face is still in place.