The Vatican City

A City within a City

Back To Rome

The Vatican City stands just west of the Tiber, the river of Rome. About 200 people live and work here in the world's smallest state. It has its own judicial system, shops, bank, currency, post office, garages - even its own radio station and daily newspaper (the Osservatore Romano) and its official language is Latin.

 See the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's frescoes are the pinnacle of European artistic achievement. The 930 sq m ceiling, started in 1508, took four years to complete. Visit the Vatican Museums, which house some of the greatest treasures of the art world.

 Marvel at the sheer size and majesty of St. Peter's Basilica, the most famous church in Christendom and Catholicism's most important point of pilgrimage. It sees visitors from all over the world drawn to the spot where St. Peter was buried after his crucifixion. Climb to the top of its dome for the stupendous view as shown in the picture to the left. Take a walk around the world's largest  Christian church and wonder at the beauty of Michelangelo's Pieta.

Come out of the cathedral and stroll around the square, built by Bernini, taking your time to truly appreciate one of the finest views in the world today.