Vatican History

Learn about the history of Vatican

Vatican City history

Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome, is an independent city-state and the center of the Catholic Church. It is the smallest independent state in the world, with a total area of about 44 hectares. It has been an independent state since 1929 and is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and the seat of the Pope.

The history of Vatican City can be traced back to the 4th century AD, when Emperor Constantine granted the land to the Bishop of Rome. For centuries, the Vatican was the center of the Papal States and the Pope’s temporal power. In 1870, the Papal States were annexed to the Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican was reduced to a small enclave surrounded by the Italian city of Rome. After the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, the Vatican was granted sovereignty and became an independent state.

Vatican Museum history

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s most impressive art collections, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and the Pinacoteca. The Vatican Museums were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II and have since become one of the most important art galleries in the world. They house some of the finest works of art from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods, as well as many modern works.
Inside the basilica

Vatican Church history

The history of the Church of the Vatican dates back to the 4th century AD when Emperor Constantine gave the land to the Bishop of Rome. The Vatican has been the spiritual center of the Catholic Church ever since and the seat of the Pope. The Vatican is home to many of the most important churches in the world, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Grottoes. 

Vatican Bank history

The Institute for Works of Religion, commonly known as the Vatican Bank, was established in 1942 by Pope Pius XII to manage the financial assets of the Holy See. It is one of the oldest and most powerful financial institutions in the world and is responsible for managing investments and donations from the Catholic faithful.

Vatican Swiss Guard history

The Swiss Guard is the official bodyguard of the Pope and has been a part of the Vatican since 1506. The Swiss Guard is a volunteer corps of Swiss mercenaries serving as ceremonial bodyguards and providing security for the Pope and the Vatican City. They are the oldest active military unit in the world, and their distinctive Renaissance-era uniforms are a symbol of the Vatican.

Vatican Library history

The history of the Church of the Vatican dates back to the 4th century AD when Emperor Constantine gave the land to the Bishop of Rome. The Vatican has been the spiritual center of the Catholic Church ever since and the seat of the Pope. The Vatican is home to many of the most important churches in the world, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Grottoes.From the moment that you turn your audio guide on, you will be introduced to a wealth.

Vatican Obelisk history

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s most impressive art collections, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and the Pinacoteca. The Vatican Museums were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II and have since become one of the most important art galleries in the world. They house some of the finest works of art from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods, as well as many modern works.
obelisk in st peter's square

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Vatican Museum from the outside

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