A City Becomes a Country

On this day in 1929, Vatican City gained its sovereignty, becoming Vatican City State. Of course this is an ecclesiastical state ruled by the Pope. All the main officials come from the Catholic clergy. The Treaty of Lateran brought this city-state into existence. The city houses beautiful buildings and some of the finest art collections in the world.

St. Peter's Basilica

The area had been given the name "Vatican" before the Roman Republic. Many villas were built in that section during the Roman Empire. Emperors had a marshy area drained to do this and to build beautiful gardens. In 326, the basilica was built over what was believed to be the tomb of Peter.

Vatican Post Office

Today, much of the city's revenue comes from tourism and the sale of postage stamps. St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museums are some of the more popular places for tourists. A visit to Rome isn't complete without a visit to Vatican city. This is history. 

Ceiling

Swiss Guards at the Vatican

Ceiling dome

Sculptures

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