Category: Vatican City

The Vatican is a city-state (Stato della Citta del Vaticano). It became an independent state in 1929 under the Lateran Treaty, and has an ecclesiastical constitutional government. It is the smallest country in the world, with an area of ​​44 hectares. There are also 13 buildings in Rome and the Gandolfo Castle (the Pope’s summer residence), outside that area, which enjoy extraterritorial status. Despite its size, its international influence is immense, due to the Catholic faith. The defense is the responsibility of Italy. The Swiss Guard ensures the safety of the Pope. The Vatican’s economy stems from the annual contribution of Catholic dioceses around the world, the sale of postage stamps, coins, medals and tourist souvenirs; admission fees to museums, the sale of publications and the rental of real estate. Estimated population: about 800 residents. The Vatican is, along with Rome, one of the main tourist destinations in the world. Every square meter in the Catholic City has a story that deserves to be told. Because it is considered a sacred area, the Vatican has spent the centuries with its heritage little violated, becoming a historic museum and a UNESCO heritage site. The Vatican Gardens have been a place of quiet and meditation for the Popes, since 1279, when Nicholas III transferred his residence from the Lateran Palace to the Vatican. At the time, he planted an orchard, a lawn and a garden. Today, it has fountains, monuments and covers a third of the Vatican’s 44-hectare area. The gardens can be visited by tourists with open buses. The Vatican library is one of the oldest in the world. In the eighth century, the figure of the librarian of the Roman Church already existed. Over the centuries, the Vatican has collected valuable manuscripts, drawings, coins, medals and many old books in its library.