By The Virtual Tourist

Bellagio Ceiling
Bellagio Ceiling

The Sistine Chapel may be the granddaddy of the ceiling world, but it's far from the only one worth straining your neck to see.

As proof, the editors and members of VirtualTourist.com have compiled a list of the World's Top 10 Greatest Ceilings.

1) BELLAGIO HOTEL; LAS VEGAS, NV

They may look like multicolored jellyfish, but in fact, the colored disks that float on the ceiling of the Bellagio are actually thousands of hand-blown glass flowers. Like the town itself, it has to be seen to be believed.

2) DEBRE BERHAN SELASSIE CHURCH; GONDER, ETHIOPIA

You'd never guess by looking at the outside of this small, relatively simple church that such stunning artwork graces the inside. It's said that no two of the angel portraits flanking the ceiling are alike.

3) GRAND CENTRAL STATION; NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.

Once covered in black grime, this ceiling was restored in 1996 as part of the station's renovation project and now depicts the signs of the zodiac in beautiful sea green and gold hues. There's even a little patch that was left dirty just to show the difference between the before and after.

4) OPERA GARNIER, PARIS, FRANCE

Although the primary function of the building is to provide a stage for the city's extraordinary ballet company, Marc Chagall's equally extraordinary ceiling mural is a show in and of itself. Thought to be somewhat incongruous with the building's architecture, it was the source of much controversy when it was added in 1964.

5) KHAI DINH TOMB; HUE, VIETNAM

It took 11 years to complete and a tax increase on the lower classes to finance, but the results are pretty astounding. The hand-painted dragons on this ceiling are as menacing as the dictatorial ruler they protect.

6) ST IGNAZIO CHURCH; ROME, ITALY

It's almost impossible to believe when looking at this multi-dimensional painting, that the surface is actually flat. Perhaps one of the most incredible examples of "Trick of the Eye" paintings ever completed, it's a clear rival with its more famous nearby neighbor.

7) SAGRADA FAMILIA; BARCELONA, SPAIN

No one could ever say this building was constructed too hastily. Started in 1866 and still unfinished, the imposing forest-like ceiling is as original as the rest of the Gaudi-designed church.

8) CENTRAL ROTUNDA, GRIFFITH PARK OBSERVATORY; LOS ANGELES, CALIF.

Designed by Hollywood art director turned muralist Hugo Ballin, the subtle, circular painting depicts the signs of the zodiac and other celestial beings. An interesting side note: Ballin was a sketch artist on the film "The Wizard of Oz," which might explain the ceiling's whimsical look.

9) MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE; CHICAGO, ILL.

This genuine Tiffany ceiling is so incredible it's enough to distract even the most ardent shopaholic. More than 100 years old, it's composed of more than 1.6 million pieces of glass and is considered by many to be one of the best examples of Tiffany craftsmanship ever constructed.

10) GALLERIES LAFAYETTE DEPARTMENT STORE; PARIS, FRANCE

As beautiful as the Mona Lisa and as memorable as the Eiffel Tower, the glass domed ceiling at the famed department store attracts as many tourists as shoppers. Built about 20 years after construction of the main store in 1893, the dome is overshadowed only by the view from the store's terrace.

 

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