Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. The importance of this city state however is inversely proportional to its size. The area which Vatican City occupies is between Monte Mario and the Janiculum. In the 1st century B.C., it was the site of Caligula's circus - where Nero had hundreds of Christians martyred, some years after. The Church rises on teh spot where one of Nero's victims St. Peter was buried. Over the years, other building grew up around it. The Vatican's independence started in the 8th century, and was of primary importance throughout the Middle Ages. The Papal State expanded to such an extent that, until the unity of Italy when it was wiped off the Italian political scene, it covered practically all of Central Italy. It only regained an independent political status in 1929 (as a state with less than a half a square kilometer of territory).

Piazza Del Popolo

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navone is one of the most famous and arguably the most beautiful of Rome's many squares. The large and lively square features no less than three magnificent fountains. Another eyecatcher is the baroque church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.  The piazza  is situated in the historic center of Rome, west of the Pantheon. It is one of Rome's liveliest squares, with many outdoor cafes, restaurants and night clubs in the neighborhood.