Vatican Hill

The Vatican Hill was included within the city limits of Rome during the reign of Pope Leo IV, who, between 848 and 852, expanded the city walls to protect St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican. Thus, Vatican Hill has been within the walls and city limits of Rome for over 1100 years. Until the Lateran Treaties in 1929 it was part of the Rione of Borgo. Before the Avignon Papacy (1305–1378), the headquarters of the Holy See were located at the Lateran Palace. After the Avignon Papacy the church administration moved to Vatican Hill and the papal palace was (until 1871) the Quirinal Palace, upon the Quirinal Hill. Since 1929, part of the Vatican Hill is the site of the State of the Vatican City. However, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, is not St. Peter's in the Vatican, but Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, which is extra-territorially linked, as indicated in the Lateran Pacts signed with the Italian state in 1929, with...

Vatican Hill is quietly impressive. St. Peter's Basilica stands out with its iconic dome, and the Vatican Gardens offer a peaceful, green retreat. Inside the basilica, the art and architecture are beautiful, especially Michelangelo’s Pietà. The experience is more about appreciating the rich history and serene atmosphere than being overwhelmed by grandeur. It's a place that leaves a lasting,...

A must-see, the site houses the various impressive Vatican buildings including St Peter's Basilica. Vatican Hill is a hill in Rome, located on the right bank of Tiber river, opposite to the traditional seven hills of Rome. The hill also gave the name to Vatican City, which is believed to be named after the childbirth...