Vatican City: Exploring the World's Smallest Country and Spiritual Heart of Catholicism
The Vatican City State holds the titles as the smallest independent nation worldwide in terms of land size and population numbers. The Italian landlocked city of Rome contains Vatican City as its smallest state covering an area of 0.44 square kilometers where 825 residents live. Vatican City maintains great importance because it functions as the center of Roman Catholic religion as well as its cultural and historical heritage despite being tiny in area and population. By signing the Lateran Treaty in 1929 Vatican City gained status as a sovereign nation which now acts as the control center for the Catholic Church and its spiritual headquarters. The Bishop of Rome who is known as the Pope lives in Vatican City while he governs the entire Catholic global community along with the city-state itself.
St. Peter's Basilica ranks among Vatican City's most prominent sites as it stands as one of the world's largest churches while representing Renaissance architectural wonders. The basilica provides sacred protection to the grave of Saint Peter who served as both an apostle of Jesus Christ and became the first Pope. People flock daily to St. Peter's Square after it was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini to complement the basilica. The Vatican Museums encompass multiple galleries and museums that show the extensive art and historical collection from ages of the Papal reign. Michelangelo and Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci are among the artists whose works can be witnessed by visitors. Visitors must experience the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo painted Genesis scenes on the ceiling with "The Creation of Adam" being the most famous among them. The Swiss Guard performs security duties in Vatican City since their initial creation during the 16th century. Visitors can identify Swiss Guards through their traditional Renaissance-style uniforms while these soldiers provide protection to the Pope and Apostolic Palace.
Tourism stands as an important economic sustaining factor for Vatican City. Yearly millions of individuals travel to visit Vatican City to interact with its religious features and view its artistic creations and historic artifacts. The periodic Jubilee Year together with papal conclaves attracts a higher number of people to visit Vatican City. Recent events particularly the death of Pope Francis have maintained Vatican City as a worldwide center of fascination. The metropolitan status of Catholicism now stands reinforced through the Pope's funeral procession and the papal selection conclave which took place in the city. All travelers guided by vacation plans must verify tour operations directly on official Vatican City resource pages before traveling.