The smallest state on the globe, called an island of calm among the noisy bustle, is also the capital of a vast spiritual world. In the smallest in area and number of living citizens country is the residence of the head of the Catholic Church. The majestic city-state took its name from the Vatican Hill, known since ancient Etruscans, which in Latin sounds like “a place of fortune-telling”. However, some believe that it was on the territory of the country that the emperor Nero killed Peter, a disciple of Christ, and from that moment the city began to be called the Vatican (from Vattaca - the name of the god of death).
Miniature country
Surely many wondered what the size of the Vatican City is. In the smallest country in the world, located in the center of Rome, no more than one thousand people live, and almost all of them make up the clergy of the enclave within Italy. In terms of the size of the territory, the dwarf state is in last place: the Vatican square in the quarter. km - 0.439, it is only 44 hectares.
The ancient history of the city-state
Separated from Rome by a wall running along the state border, the ancient city has its own symbolism and anthem. The Pope is the head of the country and represents the interests of the Holy See. A state with ancient history had no settlements in ancient times, in the 4th century the first estates appeared on a sacred place. Then a decree was passed allowing the Christian church to own property received by will and donation from wealthy families.
Later, many squares were confiscated, but even after that, the Pope remained the largest owner of Italian lands, which greatly strengthened his authority, while also causing problems with management. Until 1871, until the Pope was recognized as the subject of Italian law with a number of privileges, fierce debates continued over the independence of the Holy See.
Such an important issue was not resolved until 1929, when an agreement was signed that officially confirmed the formation of an independent Vatican state.
Dwarf state
As already noted, the dwarf state of the Vatican, whose area is largely occupied by the famous green gardens and roads, and not its buildings, is extremely small. If we talk about the unique miniature size of the sacred place of Christians, then the basilica of St. Peter, erected above his grave, and the square of the same name are located on 20 percent of the entire territory of the country. But the border estates located in the Eternal City, and the suburban residence are almost 0.7 square meters. km
Obelisk on a square in the center of the country
The center of spiritual development is the most closed state. Many parts of the holy city are not accessible to tourists, and for some of them there is a special procedure for visiting. For example, to get into the stunning gardens of the Vatican, which have become a decorative decoration of the state, a special arrangement is necessary.
But the main attraction that the Vatican is proud of is open to everyone - St. Peter's Square with an amazing obelisk located on it, brought from Egypt. An interesting story is connected with it, transmitted from generation to generation. In the 16th century, 900 workers installed the obelisk on a pedestal using special winches. Onlookers watching the action were forbidden to say anything under pain of death.
The obelisk was lifted up very smoothly and slowly, but at some point the supporting ropes weakened, and it seemed that the building would collapse to the ground. And in a deathly silence there was a cry calling urgently to wet the ropes so that they would come loose after exposure to water. This daredevil was the captain of the ship, which was later praised by the Pope himself and allowed him to bring palm branches to the Vatican before travel before Holy Easter.
Tradition of the ashes of Caesar
There was a legend according to which on the top of a granite obelisk was the remains of the great Caesar. When moving the ball crowning the structure was carefully examined, but nothing was found there, nevertheless, an empty container was placed in the museum, and now the top is crowned with a cross.
St. Peter's Square
On religious holidays, the small Vatican is filled with pilgrims, St. Peter's Square gathers thousands of visitors who went on a long journey just to hear the blessing of the Pope. The Christian Coliseum, as this square is often called, is striking in its amazing architecture.
The powerful colonnades of St. Peter's Basilica do not leave anyone indifferent; they are often compared to galleries that were built during the time of Ancient Rome. 140 sculptural images of saints are viewed from their peaks. And if you stand in the center, then an amazing effect arises - the columns located in 4 rows around the square will hide one after another, as if invisible.
Pine cone area
If we talk about which Vatican square is the most unusual, then it is worth mentioning the building in front of the Belvedere Palace. The antique fountain, crowned with a bronze pine cone, gave the name to the masterpiece of the Italian architect Bramante, who, incidentally, began to build St. Peter's Basilica, but did not live to see its opening.
The area of the pine cone is notable for a unique polished ball rotating in a large sphere. This sculpture symbolizes the negative impact of human hands on nature. This Vatican square, the photo of which is presented below, is one of the attractions that are accessible to all tourists.
Conclusion
The social position of a dwarf state, living at the expense of various donations, income from tourism, the sale of souvenirs and coins, is often criticized. But all the more surprising is that the Vatican, whose area is more than 100 times smaller than Peterhof, still has an incredible impact on the whole Catholic world.