Vatican

The Vatican State in RomeThe Vatican is the name of the state owned by the Catholic church, in fact the smallest state in the entire world. The Vatican exist since 1929 and it covers and area of 44 hectares. The leader of the Vatican is the Pope, who at the same time is the head of the Catholic church.

The Vatican is located at the Mons Vaticanus (Vatican Hill) and from here it has received its name. To this area Emperor Nero brought an obelisk during his reign, and this can still be seen at the Saint Peter’s Square today. According to the legend Peter was also crucified at the square.

According to the official statistics the Vatican has 571 inhabitants. The most important citizen is the Pope, and in addition to him bishops and people from the Papal Swiss Guard.

There are several buildings in Rome belonging to the Vatican, but they are still located outside the official “border” of the Vatican. Some of these are:

– Lateran basilica
– Santa Maria Maggiore
– San Paolo Fuori le Mura
– and many, many more

More articles about the Vatican

Pieta by Michelangelo

Pieta by Michelangelo
If you want to see the creation that gave Michelangelo a longed for breakthrough in his carrier, you need to...

Read more ...

Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican, and if you stand at the Saint Peter's Square and look towards...

Read more ...

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica
Everyone who come to Rome should visit the St. Peter's Basilica. Until 1990 it was the largest church in the...

Read more ...

Saint Peter’s Square

Saint Peter’s Square
Saint Peter's Square is one of the masterpieces of Bernini, and he had quite a challenge making the square. A...

Read more ...