Vatican is the smallest state in the world, its area is only 0.44 km. sq. It is located almost in the center of Rome, on the right bank of the Tiber River. From the city center, you can get to the Vatican from the Hadrian’s Mausoleum by walking along the wide Via della Conciliazione.

Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

A little general information about the Vatican: this country is the residence of the Holy See – the Roman Popes, who are recognized as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire local population of the Vatican (and it is less than a thousand people) are recognized as subjects of the Roman Popes and ministers of the Catholic Church. Specially trained Swiss mercenaries have been guarding the Vatican for several centuries.

The main facade of St. Peter’s Cathedral

The Vatican is a very specific state, there are no hotels or restaurants for tourists, no other tourist infrastructure. Also, there is no customs or passport control here, since this state is associated with Italy. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come here to see the Pope, who occasionally appears in the central square of the Vatican, as well as to visit St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Vatican Museums, which have a truly unique collection of various antiquities and masterpieces of world art.

Queue of those wishing to get inside Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican

There are many tourists here around the clock, so be prepared to stand in lines everywhere. Tickets to the Vatican Museums can be purchased online in advance. Entrance to Peter’s Cathedral is free, however, when entering the Cathedral, all tourists are inspected by the security services, which is why there is also a large queue here.