About The Vatican City
The Vatican City (Città del Vaticano in Italian) is an independent city in central Rome, ruled by the Pope (Bishop of Rome). It is the seat of authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican is the smallest state in Europe. It has a total area of 0.44 km² and within its walls there are about 1000 people.
In this small state, the pope lives, in an apostolic palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. The palace is open to the public, but visitors must book in advance. The Vatican City separated itself from the rest of Italy on February 11, 1929, with the signing of the Lateran Treaty between Pope Pius XI and Mussolini.
History of Vatican City
The Vatican City, also known as the Vatican City State or Vatican City State, is a walled complex within the city of Rome. The city has an area of about 44 hectares and a population of 842, making it the smallest city in the world. The Vatican City is not in power. Its rule is that of the Holy See, which is the only international law that maintains international relations with almost every country in the world.
The Vatican City is a priest-kingdom or church ruled by the Pope – the Bishop of Rome. The highest representatives of the state are all members of the Catholic clergy from different countries. The Vatican City is different from the Holy See which originated in early Christianity and is the primary source of information for the 1.2 billion Eastern and Latin Catholic believers around the world.
On the other hand, the city-state was born in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty between Italy and the Holy See, which spoke of it as a new creation, and not as a remnant of the larger papal states. and originally included most of central Italy. Under the terms of the agreement, the Holy See has jurisdiction and authority, special jurisdiction, and full country-state ownership.
The name Vatican City was originally used in the Lateran Treaty that was signed on February 11, 1929, leading to the creation of the modern city-state. The name was adopted from the Vatican Hill, where the city is located. The Vatican is derived from the name Vatica or Vaticum, an Etruscan settlement, which means garden, located in the general area that the Romans called vaticanus ager, which means “Vatican region”.
The Italian city name for the city is Città del Vaticano, or rather, Stato della Città del Vaticano which means “Vatican City State”.
Best things to do in Vatican City
A visit to the Vatican City, one of Rome’s most popular tourist sites, can be overwhelming and crowded. We understand, and we are here to help. Here’s our guide covering what to do, what to see, what to jump and where to retire for lunch when you’re done.
Marvel at the Sistine Chapel Ceiling
The paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel puts it on the map as one of the most beautiful chapels and churches of the Roman Catholic church all over the world. Painted by the great artist Michaelangelo for around 3 years, the ceiling of the chapel is known to be one of the key figures when it comes to Renaissance art. Some of the images you will recognize on the ceiling are from the book of Genesis, as well as some of the most famous prophets of the Bible.
St. Peter
Designed by Bernini in the 17th century, the Garden of St. Peter is the main entrance to the Basilica in Vatican City. Divided into two parts, Bernini wanted an effect that would respect the “matrix of the whole church”.
There are 140 statues of saints along the balustrade, two beautiful fountains, Michelangelo’s Pieta, a large promenade leading to the basilica, and statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Tourists love to see the Royal Staircase that leads to the Vatican Palace.
It is about 60 meters high, but thanks to the gradual reduction in width as it rises, it seems like a long time. Ponte Sant’Angelo
In the second century, Emperor Hadrian built the Ponte Sant’Angelo, a bridge that was intended to serve as the main entrance to his father’s castle,
Castel Sant’Angelo.
It means the bridge of the Holy Angel, and it crosses the Tiber. It was painted by Bernini in the 17th century.
He made ten statues of angels, each with symbols related to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ – including the scourge and thorns.
The Vatican Museum
Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the Vatican Museums are one of the largest collections of art in any country.
Covering about seven kilometers of streets, you will find Egyptian mummies, Etruscan pieces, Renaissance masters and modern art. Don’t miss the classical statuary at the Museo Pio-Clementino and the Raphael frescos.
The museum is located in two palaces – the Vatican Palace and the Belvedere Palace. Inside you will find three beautiful courtyards: the Cortile della Biblioteca, the Cortile della Pigna and the Cortile del Belvedere.
It’s impossible to see everything in one day, so plan ahead to figure out what your “must-see exhibits” are.
