Vatican City Vatican City

Legendary

A city-state surrounded by Rome, it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

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The history of Vatican City goes back many centuries. The area was once part of ancient Rome. In the 4th century, the Emperor Constantine built a basilica over the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles. This basilica became an important Christian pilgrimage site.

In the Middle Ages, the Popes began to gain more power and influence. They governed not just the church but also large areas of Italy. The Vatican became their residence and the center of the Catholic Church.

By the 19th century, Italy was becoming a unified country. In 1870, the Kingdom of Italy took over the Papal States, which were territories controlled by the Pope. The Popes refused to leave the Vatican, creating a conflict that lasted for many years.

The conflict was resolved in 1929 when the Italian government and the Catholic Church signed the Lateran Treaty. This treaty recognized Vatican City as an independent state. The Pope was given full control over the new country, and Vatican City became the spiritual headquarters of the Catholic Church.

Today, Vatican City covers about 44 hectares (110 acres) and has around 800 residents. It is home to famous sites like St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which house incredible art collections, including works by Michelangelo and Raphael.

Source ChatGPT