Vatican City

Vatican City is a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. With an area of approximately 44 hectares or 110 acres(one-eighth the size of New York's Central Park), and a population of 842, it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

Vatican City is governed as an absolute monarchy with the Pope at its head. The highest state functionaries are all Catholic clergy of various national origins.

Within Vatican City are religious and cultural sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. They feature some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. The unique economy of Vatican City is supported financially by the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications.

View of St. Peter's Square from the top of Michelangelo's dome






Pontifical Swiss Guards in their traditional uniform








30 comments:

  1. You captured the place beautifully! That second photo, wow...

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    1. Thank You !! It was some effort climbing all those stairs but well worth it :)

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  2. It's my dream to go to Vatican someday. Till then Ill keep looking at your blog whenever i think of the Vatican. the photos are beautifully captured.

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    1. Thanks :) Hope you get to visit this lovely place soon.

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  3. I was so overwhelmed when I entered the Vatican that I cried LOL it's an amazing place to witness.

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    1. Yes it can be overwhelming.. Hope you enjoyed your trip!

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  4. What great photographs. Been to the Vatican city a few years ago and was gobsmacked at the wealth of the place. Couldn't help wondering how many poor souls lost there lives creating and building it all!

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  5. I have been to the Vatican several times, one time I even saw the Pope and appeared on the Vatican Tv channel. Indeed it's a great place to take pictures, with beautiful angles and shadows created by the columns.

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  6. I have always wanted to go to the vactician, someone I know went to Rome recently and it looked like she had an incredible time. My cousin told me it was packed but an experience everyone must go through.

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    1. Yes if you go in offseason you will have far lesser crowds and can really enjoy the place.

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  7. My dream is to visit Vatican one day! It's so amazing place! You shared with us these photos and they are great!

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  8. Wow! Thanks for reviving my memories. I have been to the Vatican city. My husband had planned a surprise trip to Italy on our wedding anniversary. Love your photos. Did you see the man in orange dress sitting on a single stick there?

    Fatima | http://www.blogsbyfa.com

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  9. I've never been to Italy and never realized until I saw your photos why it is called Vatican City, I didn't realize how vast and large it was. The guards uniforms are so colorful, I had no idea!

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    1. Thanks and yes Vatican City is the smallest country in the world :)

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  10. I hope I get the chance to visit the Vatican some day. Absolutely amazing pictures, you seemed to have capture the essence perfectly.

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  11. It really is incredible. I love the architecture and the sculptures. These are really nice shots!

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  12. Breathtaking pictures! Love the angles and the composition. Your post makes me instantly get up of my bed , take out my cam (which had been in my wardrobe unused for quite long)and think of going out and start taking pictures :p

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    1. Thanks and hope you did get up and put your cam to good use!

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  13. These photos are breath taking. I would love to travel to the Vatican city and enjoy the history and architecture.

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  14. Vatican! Ah! So many memories! I visited it a couple of years ago! Great city!

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  15. Coming from a country side, I am shocked by the lack of greenery I see in this city! Still looks like a beautiful place to visit nonetheless!

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  16. I'm baptist but my mother use to be Catholic and she kind of instilled this fear and reluctance of the Catholic Church in me at a you d age but the Vatican City is still on of the place I'm dying to visit 😜

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