The smallest state in the world is the Vatican. It occupies only 0.44 km² and is located in the territory of Rome. Despite its tiny size, the Vatican is of international importance.
The Vatican is a place of pilgrimage for all Catholics in the world, because here is the residence of the Pope and the most important governing bodies of the Roman Catholic Church. The tiny state is surrounded by medieval walls, which in the old days protected the Holy See from possible sieges.
Vatican citizenship
It is almost impossible to obtain Vatican citizenship for a person not associated with the Catholic Church. Only cardinals who are in the immediate circle of the Pope have it. By international agreement, all Vatican citizens are considered diplomats of the church. All people working in this state in lower positions have Italian citizenship.
Vatican landmarks
On the territory of the Vatican there are beautiful basilicas, museums, palaces and even magnificent gardens. The Vatican Gardens are considered the most beautiful in Europe, despite the fact that they take up little space. It only takes 20 people to keep them in good shape. In the center of the gardens is the Galleon Fountain, a smaller copy of the ship of the same name, which can simultaneously fire from 16 cannons.
The perimeter of the Vatican can be walked around in an hour. The length of the state border is about 3 km. The Vatican has a lot of buildings that are inaccessible to tourists for various reasons. Nevertheless, any guest of a tiny state will definitely find where to go.
The Historical Museum is one such place. Here you can find an interesting collection of weapons: old sabers from Venice, muskets. Tourists are also allowed to enter St. Peter's Basilica. Its dimensions are so huge that it can accommodate any European cathedral. Inside the cathedral, you can see numerous masterpieces of art created by Raphael, Michelangelo. Anyone can climb to the top of the dome. You can get there in two ways: by stairs or by elevator. Those who choose the first path will have to climb the stairs for about half an hour, but you will not spend money for the right to ride in the elevator. The top of the dome offers a wonderful view of the Vatican and Rome.
In front of the cathedral there is an oval-shaped St. Peter's Square. In the center there is a majestic obelisk, which appeared here in 37 AD by the will of the emperor Caligula. A little later, beautiful fountains were built. It was on this square that the Apostle Peter, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, was martyred.
