Founded in 1929, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, both in area and population – only 1/8 the size of Central Park in New York City. The headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City is also home to the Pope and a treasure trove of the world’s most most famous and priceless, iconic pieces of art, sculptures and spectacular architecture.
With its own flag, national anthem, coins, postage stamps, and a population of about 1,000, you will find St. Peter’s Basilica. The Basilica is erected over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle. It is the largest religious building in the world. The Sistine Chapel, whose famous ceiling was painted by Michelangelo, and the Vatican Museums are house collections of extraordinary importance. It is a privilege and an honor to witness such harmonious and spiritual beauty.
The Small List
Places to Visit
St. Peter’s Basilica – The world’s largest church is able to host 20,000 people and is the site of some of the most famous art works from all over the world, like Michelangelo’s Pietà (which, by the way, he carved when he was only 24 years old). The imposing structure was built over a span of more than one hundred years. Of course, constructed by the greatest Italian architects of the era.
Sistine Chapel – The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous painted interior spaces in the world, and virtually all of this fame comes from the breathtaking painting of its ceiling from about 1508-1512 when Michelangelo was hired by Pope Julius II to carry out a work of evangelization. The most famous section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling is Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.
Vatican Museums – The Vatican Museums contain masterpieces of paintings, sculptures and other works of art. All have been collected by Popes through the centuries. The mission the Vatican Museums today is to present, preserve and share that extraordinary legacy of culture. In addition, the purpose is to share the history and beauty that the Roman Pontiffs have collected for centuries.
