"Keeweechic's Vatican Ctiy" Vatican City by keeweechic

Vatican City Travel Guide: 1,690 reviews and 3,679 photos

Vatican City State (Holy See) is located not far from Tiber River in Rome. The state's territory is the smallest in the world with an area of nearly 44 hectares. Vatican Hill lies between Monte Mario and the Janiculum and in the 1st century B.C. it was the site of Caligula’s circuls where Nero had hundreds of Christians martyred some years later. Originally, the official residence of the bishops of Rome was not the Vatican, but the Lateran Palace which was donated to the Roman Church. St. Peter's was then a basilica reserved for burials. The first to build at the Vatican was Pope Symmachus in 501. He built two Episcopal residences at the sides of the basilica. In 781 Charlemagne altered, for his own use, a palace standing to the north of the basilica. Eugene III built a "new palace", which Innocent III enlarged and then enclosed within turreted walls. Nicholas III was the first pope to adopt the Vatican as his permanent residence. The military character of these early buildings is testament as an emergency refuge by the popes.

The population of the Vatican City State is made up of mainly Italians who have Vatican citizenship or are authorised to reside there while preserving their original citizenship. The Vatican City State is recognised by the international community as a legal sovereign body. Although St. Peter's Square lies within Vatican City, it is normally open to the public and comes under Italian police authority.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.
(c) keeweechic 2001 - 2006 (copyright)

Intro Updated Jul 31, 2006
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Reviews (22)

The Coliseum Off The Beaten Path (1)

The Coliseum was partially destroyed but it is still enormous and one of the largest Ancient Roman ruins. In A.D. 70,... more travel advice

Bernini Colonade Things to Do (15)

Bernini created a striking effect by enclosing the Piazza San Pietro inside a gigantic 4 pillar deep colonnade which is... more travel advice

Vatican Gardens Things to Do (15)

The Vatican Gardens are 24 hectares (60 acres) of formal parkland, interspersed with grand buildings, like the summer... more travel advice

Basilica of St Peter Things to Do (15)

Basilica of St Peter is the greatest church in Christendom. Its origins date back to 324 where it was a shrine for the... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Crime
Local Customs (4)
See All Museum Guide

Transportation (1)
Getting There
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Comments (50)

starship Sep 6, 2006 at 9:35 AM Report Abuse

Some good advice here which I hope to use next summer if all goes as planned.
lvdpiet Nov 29, 2005 at 3:03 PM Report Abuse

This is nice!
JetlagCity Aug 21, 2004 at 8:31 PM Report Abuse

Very nice overview of Vatican City, & great shot of the Swiss Guards in their colorful uniforms, I've always wanted to see them! Nice tip on the sphere, too, this is the first I've heard of it.
belgianchocolate May 28, 2004 at 8:09 PM Report Abuse

Pickpockets in the vatican...there are no holy places left. I can't wait to see this all myself next month. ;-).
TomorrowsAngel Jan 1, 2004 at 12:33 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for visiting my HCMC page - an amazing country aye. Very detailed info about the Vatican City. I'm hoping to get there in May. Good luck for 2004.
aliante1981 Jul 20, 2003 at 12:15 PM Report Abuse

So many things to see/do on such a small area. Pity I was really in a mad rush while there. Though I managed to see almost everything:))
Ken_Weaver Mar 11, 2003 at 10:57 AM Report Abuse

Very detailed and informative. A must visit for me soon!
AndyRG Dec 29, 2002 at 7:22 AM Report Abuse

I liked more your picture of Spiral Ramp! Baseball stadiums can't be more impressive...
TinKan Dec 8, 2002 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Great information.
MEdelmann Nov 27, 2002 at 11:05 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful description of a destination, I´ve never been to. The staircase is amazing ...