Vatican City, Rome, Italy 23 Jul 2025

Vatican City, Rome, Italy

In the middle of Rome, Italy, lies an entire country of its own: Vatican City. At just 121 acres, it"s the smallest independent nation in the world, yet its reach spans centuries and continents. Home to the pope and the spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church, this walled enclave is a blend of art, history and devotion. At its core stands St Peter"s Basilica. Seen in the distance in today"s image, this Renaissance masterpiece is built over what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Bishop of Rome. With its soaring dome dominating the skyline, the basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Just beyond the basilica lies St. Peter"s Square, where thousands gather for papal blessings.

© RudyBalasko/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?
Stealthy pollinators
23 Jul 2024Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece

More Desktop Wallpapers:

25 Dec 2024Merry Christmas!
9 Oct 2024Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA
12 Dec 2023Reed bunting
Sep 8, 2023International Literacy Day
30 May 2024Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
The bears and the bees…
20 Jun 2024Summer solstice
The animal kingdoms great migration
Connecting the dots
5 Jul 2025Pride in London
28 Jan 2025Short-eared owl
8 Dec 2023La Rocque Harbour, Jersey
25 Mar 2025Tolkien Reading Day
27 Feb 2024International Polar Bear Day
11 Feb 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
9 Nov 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Colors of spring
4 Feb 2025Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
18 Aug 2024The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
9 Jun 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain
A different kind of toucan
26 Apr 2025Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario, Canada
9 Dec 2023Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona, USA
19 Aug 2025The Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina
21 Aug 2024Wolf Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
Drifting through Kerala
4 May 2025Star Wars Day
16 Oct 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington, USA
2 Jun 2024Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Italy
Rainbow around the Sun