Vatican City, Vatican City

The world's smallest independent state, Vatican City is a sovereign city-state in a walled enclave in the city of Rome. Its abundant art treasures probably make it the world's richest city state, too. Though the Vatican has been the site of the Apostolic Palace (Pope's residence) since 1377, the city-state status came into effect in 1929 by virtue of the Lateran Treaty.

The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani ), St. Peter's, and the Vatican Gardens (Giardini Vaticani) comprise most of the area of Vatican City. The museums include several galleries of paintings, the Apostolic Libraries, together with several papal apartments. St. Peter's Square and Basilica are truly awe-inspiring and the Vatican Gardens are a spacious and delightful area of greenery.

A strict dress code is enforced at the Vatican with shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops not allowed.