Vatican City, Rome, Italy 23 Jul 2025

Vatican City, Rome, Italy

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
23 Jul 2026Pink dahlia flower

More Desktop Wallpapers:

28 Oct 2025The Gothic Gate in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Czechia
20 Jan 2025Dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
12 Jul 2024Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
9 Aug 2025International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
Rocky Mountain run-off
2 Nov 2023Death Valley National Park, California, USA
Let’s have a lek, see?
Festival fever
12 Mar 2024Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
26 Mar 2026Logan Creek Suspension Bridge, West Coast Trail, Canada
Step back in time...
17 Aug 2024International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
17 May 2026Hawksbill Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, United States
The worlds most exclusive beach?
21 May 2026International Tea Day
Poetry in suspense
The largest gypsum dune field
9 Oct 2025Space Week isnt over yet!
15 Sept 2026Red-and-green macaws
21 Nov 2024Lion cubs, South Africa
25 Nov 2025Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
An underwater paradise
Keyholes to the kingdom
A Balearic islet
History in the making
A cantilevered window to the past
21 Jun 2026Happy Fathers Day!
9 Aug 2026International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
Taking the long view
Sep 5, 2023Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway