CITY AND STATE OF VATICAN
The smallest state in the world and its famous monuments.
The Vatican, which houses the Holy See and the Vatican City State, is located in the western part of Rome. Vatican Hill is not, however, one of the seven hills of Rome (the Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal and Viminal). With less than 0.5 km², the Vatican is the smallest state in the world. It is an independent state whose official creation dates back to February 11, 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Agreement. Here, the Pope has all the powers (executive, legislative and judicial). In the Vatican enclave, you will find the Apostolic Palace, St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums extended by the Sistine Chapel, the necropolis of St. Peter, several churches and palaces. The Vatican Gardens cover 30 hectares and occupy two thirds of the total area of the State. The Holy See also has jurisdiction over several extraterritorial areas (70 hectares), including three of the four major basilicas in Rome (St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls). The fourth is the basilica of Saint Peter.
You will notice the Swiss Guards and their blue, red and yellow uniform. The Pontifical Swiss Guard is responsible for the security of the Pope and the Vatican, it is an armed force whose origin dates back to 1506. It is composed of just over 100 men of Swiss nationality and Roman Catholic faith.
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Visite guidée indispensable pour (essayer) de tout comprendre. Lieux magnifiques, chargés d'histoire ! Peintures, statues, crypte, trésors, ... A faire absolument ! Compter 4 heures minimum !! Attention, pas mal de monde.