Beautiful, majestic and awe-inspiring, Saint Peter’s Basilica towers above the impressive Saint Peter’s Square in Rome. The second largest church in Christianity is situated in the Vatican, the smallest country in the world that for centuries has been the home and official residence of the Papacy.

The Vatican is not only the centre of the Catholic church it is also accommodates more than half a million priceless books and manuscripts and contains the largest art collection in the world.

The legendary Pietà by Michelangelo, made of the most precious Carrara marble, is undoubtedly the most famous work of art in Saint Peter’s Basilica. In addition to numerous valuable works of art the basilica also boasts many impressive and fascinating monuments that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Since 1506 when Pope Julius The Second ordered a band of mercenaries from Switzerland to protect him, the Swiss Guard has continued to perform its historic role in the Vatican.