Originally Posted by
HawaiiTrvlr
Sk3, well said. When I was in Rome 2 years ago, I did 2 tours. One at night and the Sistine Chapel wasn't all that crowded. However, the next day tour was very crowded. You could hardly walk around. Plus, we only got to spend 10 minutes in there before we were asked to move to make room for a new group. I know I could spend several hours in there just to take it all in.
Hello old friend! Thanks for your post.
I've read a lot of people's reports that they too enjoyed their night time visit. It's not offered year round, but to those reading who are interested, be sure to check the Vatican's schedule to see if "Nighttime at the Vatican Museums" is offered for your dates. In the past it was offered from May to July and from September to October, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
And back to the chapel's "birthday", here's a video posted on Reuters:
Pope marks Sistine Chapel's 500th anniversary (0:47)
Nov. 1 - Pope Benedict holds evening vespers in the Sistine Chapel to mark the 500th anniversary of the room's famed frescoes. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/11...Channel=118065