Vatican City, Rome, Italy Jul 23, 2025

Vatican City, Rome, Italy

In the middle of Rome, Italy, lies an entire country of its own: Vatican City. At less than 0.5 square kilometres, it"s the smallest independent nation in the world, yet its reach spans centuries and continents. Home to the pope and the spiritual centre 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 Saint 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.

© RudyBalasko/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?
Stealthy pollinators
Jul 23, 2024Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Family on parade
A one-of-a-kind splash
Pastel perfection
Dec 13, 2024Christmas market, St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Nov 15, 2023Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden
Rainbow around the sun
Jan 18, 2026White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
Oct 12, 2023Old barn and canola field, Palouse region, Idaho
Dec 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sanctuary among the trees
Jun 21, 2024International Day of Yoga
A sacred water tank in Hampi
Aug 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park
Where can you find this cute creature?
Walking a rocky rainbow
Sep 10, 2025Hay bales in North Yorkshire, England
Oct 31, 2025Bran Castle in Bran, Brașov, Romania
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
Oct 8, 2023World Octopus Day
Ive got a lot of problems with you penguins!
Where is this historical bridge?
Nov 21, 2025Small island near Ezhikkara, Kerala
Oct 16, 2025Eurasian lynx
The Riviera of India
Strong sibling bonds
Hangin around
Nov 10, 2025Black-tailed prairie dogs in Badlands National Park, United States
Napping near the North Pole
Jul 3, 2024Meerkat family
Oct 23, 2025International Day of the Snow Leopard