The Vatican City

The Vatican has been a state since 1920 with the pope as its head. This tiny enclave in the heart of Rome is the administrative and spiritual capital of Roman Catholicism as well as the world’s smallest independent state. The Vatican is the richest country in the world per square foot and has a total population of only 750. The Vatican has an astonishing collection of priceless art treasures and some of the most captivating architecture in the world including St Peter’s Catholic Church designed by Michelangelo. The Sistine Chapel is the main chapel in the Vatican Palace. Frescoes adorning the walls include works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Perugino. The ceiling of the Sistine chapel is famous and was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.