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Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy

The Sistine Chapel is one of the chapels in the official residence of the Pope (Apostolic Palace) in Vatican City. The chapel is named after Pope Sixtus IV who restored it in 1480. The Sistine Chapel is famous for its frescos depicting the life of moses and the life of Christ. They were painted by renowned artists like Botticeli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, and others.

Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. It is a masterpiece well known all over the world. The most famous frescos in the ceiling is the creation of Adam. It illustrates the book of genesis where God breathes life into Adam (touching fingers). Sistine Chapel is the place used for electing each successive Pope. There's a special chimney installed on the roof of the Sistene Chapel. The conclave gathers to elect a new Pope. At the end of the election they burn the ballots. If a white smoke emanates from the chimney it means that a new Pope had been chosen. If the smoke is black it means the cardinals were unable to elect a new Pope.