The Vatican
Since 1929 the Vatican has been a sovereign state, independent of Italy. With a surface of 44 m² and scarcely 1000 inhabitants, it is the smallest recognized state in the world. As the site where St. Peter was martyred and buried, the Vatican became the residence of the popes who succeeded him. The papal palaces beside the great basilica of St. Peter’s house the Vatican Museums. With the added attractions of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, their wonderful collections of Classical sculpture make them one of the most important museums in the world. Of great interest also is a visit to the tomb of St. Peter’s in the Necropolis under St. Peter’s and to the Vatican gardens.
