The Country in Rome

The Vatican city was established in 1929, it is situated within the city of Rome. It is one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture, this small slice of the city is packed with more history and artwork than most cities in the world. It is the smallest independent state in the world, but is the most visited. The Vatican sits atop a low lying hill just a few hundred metres west of the River Tiber.

Although the city is an independent country it is completely surrounded by the City of Rome. This is the centre of Roman Catholicism, and the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with more than 150 countries. Also it deals with issues, passports, coins, and stamps these are its form of economy. It has a radio station and a publishing house and the Flamboyantly dressed Swiss Guards. John Paul II, the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years, was elected in 1978. Pope Benedict XVI was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City in 2005 after Pope John Paul II's death.

The Vatican is one Rome's most visited so staying there might be a problem. But you have to consider the fact that Rome has some of the most beautiful villas in Italy. The easiest way to get to the Vatican from Rome is via the metro service to Ottaviano-San Pietro. Where it is a short walk away if you can't take the Metro then there are buses that get there as well.

There are an unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. The first building you will see at the end of the Via Della Conciliazione, is St. Peter’s Basilica which was designed by Michelangelo and his Pieta is exhibited within the building. Also if you go to the top of the roof you will see a great view of the whole Vatican city. It's usually better to go when sun is rising or or setting as during the day its usually hazy. Also the in house museum is great and see the grotto below, this is where St. Peter and John Paul II as well as other popes are buried. The baldequino over the main altar built with bronze looted from the Pantheon is an interesting example of baroque design.

There are other Vatican sites such as the Apostolic palace which is the official residence of the Pope. It is known as the Sacred palace, the Papal Palace and the Palace of the Vatican. The Vatican itself refers to it as the Palace of Sixtus V in honour of Pope Sixtus. There are also the Vatican Gardens which take up half of the territory it covers approximately 23 hectares, there you will see it is decorated with fountains and sculptures. These gardens date back to medieval times when orchards and vineyards extended to the north of the Papal Apostolic Palace. Then there is the museum, St Pietro and many more.









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