Welcome to the wonderful world of the Vatican!
It’s like a tiny city within Rome, Italy, officially known as Vatican City State. You won’t believe it, but this place is so small that it could fit in your pocket… well, almost! With just around 44 hectares (110 acres), it holds the title of being the tiniest internationally recognized independent state.
It’s not just any ordinary city-state, though. It’s the spiritual and administrative HQ of the Roman Catholic Church, and guess who lives there? The Pope himself! He’s the leader of the Catholic Church and also the Bishop of Rome.
🛎️ Reminder: To explore the Vatican with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide! 😊
Where is Vatican?
The Vatican is on the western bank of the Tiber River. Walls surround the Vatican City, and you can access the city-state through various entry points, including St. Peter’s Square, which serves as the main entrance for visitors.
Why is Vatican Important?
The Vatican City is a city-state that serves as both the spiritual and governmental centre of the Roman Catholic Church. In addition to its religious significance, Vatican City is also an important cultural and artistic hub. The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of artworks, including renowned masterpieces such as the Sistine Chapel, adorned with the iconic ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo.
Millions of tourists come to Vatican City every year to take in its architectural wonders, learn about its rich religious history, and take in significant papal rites and events.
When Did Vatican City Become Independent?
On February 11, 1929, Vatican attained independence. The Lateran Treaty, the Lateran Concordat, was made between the Holy See (the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church) and the Kingdom of Italy to establish this independence.
Vatican’s Hidden Fun Facts
We’ve talked about Vatican and its 3 hidden fun facts. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 😊
The Beatles vs. Vatican
Back in 1964, when The Beatles rocked “The Ed Sullivan Show,” it was like a teenage love explosion! These four lads grew their hair long and inspired a whole generation of wannabe rockers. But it wasn’t just their music that made them special. The Beatles had a witty charm that reporters adored. During interviews, they cracked jokes left and right, keeping everyone entertained. It was like a comedy show with killer tunes!
When John Lennon made that famous comment about the Beatles being more popular than Jesus, it caused quite a stir! People were so shocked that they started organizing protests and burning Beatles records. It was like the world had gone “Hey Jude” crazy!
Even the Vatican voiced its opposition, with Pope Paul VI issuing a statement. He emphasized that certain subjects should not be treated irreverently, especially in the context of Beatnik culture. In 2008, it appeared as though the Vatican had pardoned the Beatles for John Lennon’s remarks regarding Christianity and Jesus Christ.
Vatican’s Approval of the Bond movie Skyfall
Did you hear the news? The Vatican has given James Bond a rare thumbs up!
Yes, you heard it right. The official newspaper of the Vatican, L’Osservatore Romano, has actually praised the film “Skyfall” and its legendary spy protagonist, Double O Seven. But hold on a second, isn’t James Bond known for his less-than-saintly behavior? Well, that didn’t stop the Vatican from appreciating the movie. L’Osservatore Romano, with its mottos “To each his own” and “The gates of Hell shall not prevail,” dedicated not one, not two, but five impressive articles to the film. They even scored an interview with the one and only Daniel Craig, the man behind the tuxedo.
Pirate Invasion at Vatican: They Came Ashore!
Picture this: the Vatican, that holy sanctuary in the heart of Rome, once found itself under attack! But hold on to your hats because these weren’t your ordinary pirates with eye patches and parrots on their shoulders. No, no! Brace yourself for the fearsome Saracens, pirates hailing all the way from the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. Before this extraordinary event, Rome had seen its fair share of European raiders. The Gauls, Goths, and Vandals had all taken their turns in pillaging the city. But in a daring and unexpected move, in the year 846, Arab raiders set sail for Italy, determined to make Rome tremble.
Pope Leo IV swiftly sprang into action, demonstrating the strength of his resolve and love for his sacred city. To safeguard the sanctity of Saint Peter’s, he embarked on a monumental task—constructing an impenetrable wall to enclose the area, which we now know as the Vatican. This grand barrier, known as the Leonine City, stood as a testament to the pope’s determination and served as a powerful shield against future threats.
If you desire to reveal other hidden facts, do not forget to check out “Unveiling the Mystery of Mona Lisa”!
