There's an odd hush in the Sistine Chapel. Normally, this place is swarming, with up to 25,000 people visiting every day. But I'm here with just a few dozen others early on a Wednesday morning, before this celebrated holy site is officially open to the masses.ù

As we crane our necks to admire Michelangelo's masterpieces on the vaulted ceiling soaring overhead, there's hardly a sound, save the occasional squeak of tennis shoes on the marble floors and the low voice of a guard reminding snap-happy tourists that photos are forbidden. For those who wish to rest their aching feet, there's no shortage of seating on the wooden benches lining the walls, and pilgrims who come to kneel before the altar need not jostle for space.

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Source: http://www.twincities.com/