In the middle of Rome, Italy, lies an entire country of its own: Vatican City. At just 121 acres, it"s the smallest independent nation in the world, yet its reach spans centuries and continents. Home to the pope and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, this walled enclave is a blend of art, history, and devotion. At its core stands St. Peter"s Basilica. Seen in the distance in today"s image, this Renaissance masterpiece is built over what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, the first bishop of Rome. With its soaring dome dominating the skyline, the basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Just beyond the basilica lies St. Peter"s Square, where thousands gather for papal blessings. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo"s famed ceiling, are other must-sees. Despite its size, Vatican City has its own postal service, telephone system, and banking system.
Vatican City with St. Peters Basilica
Today in History
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Lake Bled, Slovenia
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Wilderness Act anniversary
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World Sea Turtle Day
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Astronomy Day
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Remembering the Velvet Revolution
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Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
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Lake Bled, Slovenia
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There’s treasure in them thar hills
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Wild turkeys in repose
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Tiny fliers head south
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Cinco de Mayo
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A path into history
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The migrating monarchs of Michoacán
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Almond trees in full bloom, California
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Ceremony Hall at Sweden s Icehotel
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Mount Logan in Yukon, Canada
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Vineyards in the Mosel Valley, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
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Seasonal lights dazzle in Japan
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World Turtle Day
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Independence Day
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The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
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Who s hiding in the kelp?
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A rock in a wild place