The Vatican City is the smallest state in the world. It is the Pontifical Residence and attracts millions of people each year.
St Peter’s Basilica and Square and the Vatican Museums are the most popular sites during a trip to Rome.
The Lateran Treaty in 1929, recognized Vatican City as a separate country and conceded the four Major Basilicas of Rome to the Pope; The Papal Basilicas of Saint Peter, Saint John in the Lateran, Saint Paul Outside the Walls and Saint Mary Major. Essentially, the Italian state agreed to recognize the three Basilicas that aren’t inside of the Vatican City boundary as “overseas” Vatican territory. Its bishops have diplomatic immunity – so it’s a bit like having foreign embassies in Rome.
Along with the four Papal Basilicas, the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome include Santa Croce di Gerusalemme and the Basilicas of St. Lawrence outside the walls and St. Sebastian outside the walls.
