Today we’re going to dive into the history of the Vatican City. Even though it’s the smallest country in the world, the Vatican holds a big place in history and culture.
Get comfy and let’s explore how this tiny country came to be.
In the Beginning…
The Vatican’s story starts way back in the first century AD. According to legend, St. Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, was martyred in Rome by Emperor Nero around 67-68 AD. Peter was crucified upside down and buried in a pagan cemetery located at the base of Vatican Hill.
A few years later, the followers of Jesus built a shrine over Peter’s burial site to honor him. This became a major pilgrimage destination for early Christians, who came to pray near the remains of the man considered the first Bishop of Rome.
Fast forward a few centuries and the once-modest shrine was replaced by the Old St. Peter’s Basilica, built by Emperor Constantine I in 326 AD. As Christianity spread throughout Rome and the Roman Empire, the area around St. Peter’s tomb became the de facto center of the new faith.
For centuries, various papal residences were constructed near the Basilica. This changed in the early 16th century, when the majestic New St. Peter’s Basilica we know today started construction.
Building a Magnificent New Church
By 1506 AD, the aging Old St. Peter’s Basilica was falling apart. Pope Julius II decided it was time for an upgrade. He hired the Renaissance master Donato Bramante to design a spectacular new basilica to take its place.
Construction began in 1506 and took over a century to complete. Some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance worked on decorating New St. Peter’s, including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. The grand Basilica was finally finished and dedicated by Pope Urban VIII in 1626.
Standing in the enormous central piazza surrounded by soaring colonnades and facing the impressive Basilica, you can’t help but feel awed. It’s one of the richest historic and artistic sites in the world.
The Birth of a New Nation
In the centuries after Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, the Papal States developed as a sovereign territory ruled by Popes. By the 19th century, however, the Papal States were caught up in the political turmoil and nationalism sweeping through Italy.
After conquering the other Italian states, the Kingdom of Italy set its sights on the Papal States. In 1870, Italian troops finally captured the city of Rome and the Papal States disintegrated. Pope Pius IX vehemently protested being a “prisoner” in the Vatican without sovereignty over papal lands.
Tensions between the Vatican and Italian government continued for decades until finally in 1929, Pope Pius XI and King Victor Emmanuel III reached a historic deal. The Lateran Treaty established Vatican City as a separate sovereign state under Church control. It also recognized Roman Catholicism as Italy’s state religion.
This treaty officially created the State of Vatican City that still exists today.
The World’s Smallest Country
Vatican City may only cover 0.2 square miles, but it holds an outsized global importance. As the home of the Pope and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, billions look to Vatican City as the center of their faith.
It has its own flag, currency, media, and even a train station. Though it relies on imports for basic needs, The Vatican mints its own Euro coins and prints iconic postage stamps. The Pope serves as a sovereign leader issuing papal decrees. Everything from postal services to police security is provided by the state.
Vatican City draws millions of pilgrims and tourists every year who come to visit the Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and other historical treasures. Standing in St. Peter’s Square, you really appreciate how this tiny piece of land carries so much history and significance.
I don’t know about you, but learning the story behind the Vatican made me see it with new eyes. It went from a simple sacred spot to an elaborate church to the capital of Catholicism itself. What an epic origin for the world’s smallest country.
Let me know in the comments what fun facts about the Vatican surprised you the most. And if you have any other historical places you’re curious about, drop your suggestions below. I’m always up for more learning and spiritual adventures.
