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Encircled by a 2-mile border with Italy, Vatican City is an independent city-state that covers just over 100 acres, making it the smallest country in the world. With population of about 1000, Vatican City is governed as an absolute monarchy with the pope as the ruler. The Vatican mints its own euros, prints its own stamps, issues passports and license plates, operates media outlets and has its own flag and anthem. The name Vatican city was first used in the Lateran Treaty, signed on 11 February 1929, which established the modern city-state. The name is taken from Vatican Hill, the geographic location of the state. The Vatican City is ruled by the pope who is the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church. Within the Vatican City are religious and cultural sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. They feature some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. The unique economy of Vatican City is supported financ...

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a fountain in Rome, Italy. It was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain. It is a stunning design and there’s a lot more than just a beauty fountain. The Trevi Fountain stands a massive 85 feet tall and is almost 65 feet wide. The fountain spills about 2,824,800 cubic feet of recycled water into the pool every day. Roughly €3,000 is thrown into the pool every day as people follow the tradition of throwing coins over their shoulders. The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome. The coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas. Caritas, in turn, use the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome’s needy to help them get groceries. The ...

Rome offers an abundance of monuments and sights rich in history, stories and legends. Castel Sant’Angelo is one which truly encompasses the essence of the city’s transformation throughout the centuries. A mausoleum, a fortress, a hideaway, a museum… The castle had numerous roles throughout the history and remains a subject of fascination even today.  Castel Sant’Angelo’s story is as complex as the multi-layered structure of the castle itself. Its walls have seen more than 1800 years of blood, wars and death.It was first built between 123 and 139 AD to serve as the mausoleum of the Roman emperor, Hadrian, and his family. Legend has it that the name of the castle was given after the Archangel Michael appeared at the top of the castle sheathing his sword and with that, ending the plague of 590 which tormented Rome. An imposing statue of the angel can be seen on top of the castle. In the 14th century, Castel Sant’Angelo took on the role of a military fortress connected...