Vatican City, Rome, Italy 23 Jul 2025

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:

Rainbow around the Sun
Were halfway there
Happy New Year!
Bungle beehives
13 Aug 2025Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
27 Jul 2025Barracudas at Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
An oasis in a sea of sand
A day for the worlds Indigenous populations
24 Jan 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
15 Jan 2025266 years of the British Museum
Sep 10, 2023Grandparents Day
14 May 2025Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
15 Jun 2024Trooping the Colour
25 Jan 2025Celebrating Robert Burns OR Burns Night
Tree-mendous
Santa slalom
Home of racing legends
10 Oct 2024Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
18 Apr 2025International Day for Monuments and Sites
Where history comes alive
20 Aug 2025The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France
26 Oct 2024Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
3 Aug 2024Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
Boardwalk over Balkan lakes
25 Mar 2024Happy Holi!
Sep 5, 2023Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway
London calling
Castle in the sky
12 Nov 2024Arches National Park, Utah, United States
25 Aug 2025Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States