VATICAN – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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The Vatican, officially known as the Vatican City State, is the smallest independent state in the world by both area and population. It is an enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. Established in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Gasparri and Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, the Vatican City was created to ensure the independence of the Pope and the Catholic Church from the Italian government. Historically, the Papal States, a much larger territory, were ruled directly by the Pope. However, these were annexed by the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, leading to the Roman Question – a political dispute about the Pope’s rights. The creation of Vatican City resolved this issue.

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The Holy See

The Holy See refers to the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, commonly known as the Pope, and it represents the central government of the Roman Catholic Church.

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A handsome man in a fancy garnment. Papal Swiss Guard

Key features of the Swiss Guard include their colorful and distinctive uniform. The uniform consists of blue, red, orange, and yellow vertical stripes, a prominent ruff collar, and a plumed helmet.

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The Lateran Archbasilica

The Lateran Archbasilica (Archbasilica of St. John Lateran), a church or a cathedral that although located in the city of Rome is an extra-territorial Vatican property. 

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Musei Vaticani

Musei Vaticani belongs to one of those museums where one is simply overwhelmed with all the artifacts, sculptures, and paintings gathered in a relatively small space. It would be difficult to recall all of them, not to mention describing or even take photos of all of them.

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Vatican City is not only the least populated country in the world – with around 800 residents – but it also operates a highly unique system of citizenship. Rather than being hereditary or permanent, Vatican citizenship is typically granted on the basis of one’s official role within the city-state. Clergy, members of the Swiss Guard, and certain lay officials may receive it for the duration of their service, but it is usually revoked once their duties come to an end.

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St Peter’s Basilica Vatican. What You Should Know Before You Go

An overview of key information to know before visiting St Peter’s Basilica Vatican. The article covers the life of Saint Peter, the history and architectural development of the Basilica, its role within the Vatican City State, as well as the symbolism of its altars, notable artworks, and the legacy of its creators.

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Pius XII. Pope of the warfare time and harsh politics

The statue of Pope Pius XII from Vatican Basilica. His Papacy was marked by warfare but also the preservation of the Catholic Chruch as a political entity.

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VATICAN – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Power plays of Pope Innocent III in Medieval Europe

The Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome is not only a magnificent building, but also a place where one can admire statues of popes. Here are a few words about another one of them, Pope Innocent III.

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Vatican is unique in its political status. It is an elective, ecclesiastical, and absolute monarchy, ruled by the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. The Vatican’s government operates from the Apostolic Palace and its economy is supported by contributions from Roman Catholics worldwide, the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications.

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Navigating time with precision

The statue of Pope Gregory XIII at the St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Gregory XIII was the one who commissioned the Gregorian Calendar, named after him, to make necessary corrections to its predecessor, the Julian Calendar.

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VATICAN – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities