Rome--the Vatican
 

Over a coffee a friend brought up the point that photography
forbidden in the Sistine Chapel----is that true !!!!!!!!!

Yes, photography not permitted - http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In..._Consigli.html.

And don't even try or you'll be sent straight to hell, or the postcard shop....:)

Its OK in the basillica though ?????

I wouldn't guarantee it. Many churches forbid cameras, particularly flashes, partly to protect fragile frescoes and partly to protect the serenity of the building – these are churches after all.

You wouldn't expect to take pictures in an art gallery, and Italian churches are 'just' as packed with artistic treasures as any gallery.

When you enter any church, you will be greeted with a sign which will tell you what you can and can't do, such as whether photography is forbidden, or the wearing of shorts, or whether you must be silent (such as in the Sistine Chapel). Just follow the rules as you find them.

They all have gift shops where you can buy postcards.

Yes we took photos in the Basilica. That's permitted.

Photography is more an issue now days but with the
modern camera,s ability to take good shots in low
light and no flash cancels out damage to fresco,s
But if they set rules to maintain the serenity and
decorum then we must respect it and as you say you
can get good postcards
Thanks for advise

Photography was permitted everywhere else but the sistine chapel last Fall. It didn't stop a bunch of boorish visitors however, using flashes as well, which got annoying. The guards were trying their best to get them to cease without much luck.

Really, it was so crowded and dark getting good shots would've been difficult anyway.