The Sistine Chapel is located in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City where the Pope resides. It is famous largely because it is home to of one of the greatest artistic achievements of humankind. Michelangelo painted the incredible frescoes on its ceiling and The Last Judgment on the wall during the 15th century.

Millions of visitors travel to Rome each year to see the paintings. Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the chapel, and the artist, who was predominantly a sculptor, reluctantly agreed to the arduous task. The Sistine Chapel frescoes include stories from The Book of Genesis, such as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

In addition to Michelangelo's famous artwork, the chapel is also the location of the papal conclave, where high ranking officials in the Catholic church elect the new pope. Cameras are not allowed into the chapel, so those who want to see it today either have to fly to Rome and visit in person or peruse published representations of Michelangelo's masterpiece. Know before you go and read up on these little known facts about one of the world's most treasured art pieces.