Vatican City, Rome, Italy 23 Jul 2025

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 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
23 Jul 2024Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece

More Desktop Wallpapers:

12 Sep 2024World Dolphin Day
19 Jan 2026Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
Rainbow reflection
15 Jan 2024Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France
Blue as far as the eye can see
16 Oct 2024Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
22 Mar 2024World Water Day
2 Sep 2025Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
What are these predators doing?
19 Dec 2025Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
4 Nov 2024Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
6 Dec 2023Computer Science Week
Love is in the snow
17 Feb 2026Chinese New Year
9 Nov 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
6 Dec 2024Finnish Independence Day
Time to make an impression
10 Oct 2023Mount Sopris, Colorado, USA
30 Sep 2025Koala in the Great Otway National Park, Australia
18 Aug 2025Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York, United States
1 Aug 2025Edinburgh Festival Fringe
7 Dec 2024Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
24 Sep 2025Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States
Tis the season for travel
Tune into International Jazz Day
Finding beauty in ruins
10 Dec 2025Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
Farewell Ma’am
1 Jan 2025Happy New Year!
Remember, remember…