Vatican City: where is it?

About Vatican did not hear, perhaps, some resident of a distant wild settlement in the depths of the jungle. The entire civilized world periodically directs its views on the state of the Vatican, because it is a kind of capital of Catholic Christianity on the planet. The history of this city-state has many centuries, full of political and religious events.

The theme of our article was the Vatican: where is it, what is worth knowing about it, if we are going on a tourist trip to this particular country.

Where is the Vatican and how to get there?

So, most of us know that the Vatican is a city-state. It is located in Rome, the ancient capital of Italy.

Like every state, the Vatican also has its own borders. However, they are not difficult to cross from Italy. From the center of Rome in the direction we need, there are various types of public transport: fixed-route taxis, metro, taxi services. It will not be difficult to go to the Vatican, where there are more than a dozen places of interest.

For example, the Roman metro line A for a short time will take you directly to St. Peter's Cathedral in the central square or to the numerous museums of this tiny country.

Today operates an incredibly picturesque walking path from Rome to the Vatican, running from Venice Square.

Geographical data and the nature of the territory

Being aware of where the state of the Vatican is located, let us examine the main geographical data about it.

So, the area of the Vatican is only 0.44 square kilometers. The length of the border is 3.2 kilometers (remember that a measured step requires an hour for a person to walk 4 kilometers). The entire territory of this country can be traversed on foot in a short time. Especially considering the fact that most of it is inaccessible to tourists.

A significant part of the tiny state is the Vatican Gardens. They occupy the slope of a low hill (elevations of 19-75 meters). Near the city flows the Tiber, through which you can get to the most beautiful part of Rome - its ancient center.

Outside the Vatican itself, on the territory of Rome, there are 28 Catholic cathedrals and other sights. They are also considered the territory of a mini-state located outside its borders.

We are sure, now there is no difficulty in finding the country of the Vatican on the map. Quickly navigating where the "boots" of Italy, you will see its capital, and the tiny country noted there.

Vatican: milestones of history

The Vatican, as the center of the world-wide Catholic faith, began to exist, in fact, thanks to the activities of the popes. This was connected, first of all, with the spread of Christianity in the world.

So many people believed in the Christian God, that soon there was a need for his earthly governor. Realizing this, the Romans started the state in the state.

An interesting twist of fate is obtained with the name of the city-country. Ager vaticanus, from which it happened, means "a place for divination." We see the bright pagan aspect of this combination.

Education and political status

Since 326 AD the country of the Vatican began to exist as a place for the departure of the Catholic cult. The founding was the burial of St. Peter, in honor of which the main cathedral of the country was named. Around him, and the modern Vatican grew.

Only in 1929 Benito Mussolini finally determined the status of the Vatican as a geopolitical entity. Then the city was officially recognized as an autonomy.

The functions for which this small state was formed, and the specifics of its formation, lead to non-standard problems. So, birth here is an extraordinary event, with death - quite normal. As we understand, the demographic problems of the Vatican are extremely specific.

Tourist features

Now that we know where the Vatican is located, we consider it interesting to present some features of this state.

As for the currency, then, like in Italy, the euro is used here. However, local coins are an interesting souvenir. Recall: euro coins in each country have the same reverse, but the obverse is cast different. So in the Vatican. Local metal money is the rarest in the circulation zone of the euro.

Other small things that can attract tourists - Vatican postage stamps, albums with attractions, tourist maps. Trinkets, souvenirs are also ubiquitous here, as in any other place for recreation.

If you intend to cash out at the Vatican ATM, please note: among the languages that the system will offer, you will see Latin.

Local entertainment

Arriving here, tourists often after a tour of local attractions go to the entertainment in Rome. The Vatican also offers visitors to contemplate various monumental structures, stroll through the gardens, climbing the hill of Mario. The magnificent views of Rome and the Vatican will leave vivid impressions in your heart.

In order to get to know the local species as much as possible, it will be useful for tourists to join municipal excursions.

Conclusion

In this article we have considered one of the few in the world of city-states - the Vatican, where the main center of the Christian religion is located. This tiny country contains in its territory such a concentration of amazing architectural and other cultural attractions that it is worth visiting at least once in your life.

An unforgettable experience is prepared for us to provide the Vatican. Where and how to get into it, we also learned. Decide and do not regret!