Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo)
Must-SeeThe creation of Adam, the Last Judgment, 500 square metres of genius. The most looked-at ceiling in history.
Sant'Ignazio (Andrea Pozzo)
Must-SeeA flat ceiling painted to appear as a soaring dome — stand on the marble disc in the nave for perfect illusion. Free, uncrowded.
Palazzo Barberini (Pietro da Cortona)
Must-SeeTriumph of Divine Providence — the ceiling that defined High Baroque. Neck-cracking scale.
Palazzo Farnese (Annibale Carracci)
Must-SeeThe Loves of the Gods — Carracci's masterpiece rivals the Sistine. Visit by appointment (French Embassy). Free but book ahead.
Camera degli Sposi (Mantegna)
Must-SeeThe first fully illusionistic room — walls and ceiling painted to dissolve into open sky. The oculus with peering figures was revolutionary.
Where to start
Italy has the world's greatest concentration of ceiling paintings. Use this guide to find the masterpieces — then let yourself be surprised by what you discover on your own.