The Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in Europe with a population of about 1,000 only. Places to see in the Vatican are Vatican gardens, Vatican museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. Though in Rome this state is separated from it by a walland is situated on the banks of the river Tevere.

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica was designed by Michelangelo Buonarotti and was constructed between 1506 and 1626. Michelangelo’s Pieta, a bronze statue of St. Peter and a number of marble and gold statues can be seen in St. Peter’s Basilica. Other attractions in the Vatican city are the Nercropolis, Vatican Grottos and the Museum of Vatoican Treasures. Sr. Basilica is kept open to public between 7 am and 7 pm from April to September. The Vatican City is the official residence of the Pope.