Vatican City, Religious capital and sovereign enclave in Rome, Italy
Vatican City is a small state inside the city of Rome, covering around 44 hectares (110 acres) and serving as the seat of Catholic Church leadership, with St. Peter's Basilica, palace buildings, and gardens behind the walls. The administration governs the spiritual and temporal life of the church and opens parts of the grounds to the public, allowing pilgrims and travelers to visit the basilica, museums, and chapels.
The Lateran Treaty of 1929 created this independent state and resolved conflicts between the Holy See and the Italian government that had existed since the annexation of the Papal States in 1870. The pope regained full sovereignty over a small territory and the ability to conduct church diplomacy without interference from other countries.
The archives of the basilica preserve writings and spiritual texts that attract scholars from many countries and reveal the centuries-old influence of the Roman Church on doctrine and law. Visitors see mosaics, chapels, and frescoes that depict the stories of the apostles and saints and reflect religious life across the ages.
Visitors must cover shoulders and knees when entering the religious buildings and should have bags ready for security screening. Wednesday mornings host papal audiences that require advance booking and may restrict access to some areas.
The Swiss Guard wears uniforms from Renaissance times and recruits members only from Catholic regions of Switzerland. The small state issues its own stamps, coins, and license plates that are valid only within its territory and are sought after by collectors worldwide.
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