The City of Vatican is no doubt a special item on the sightseeing schedule of any visitor to Rome. It is where Christian tradition surviving to date gets mixed with the vision and craftsmanship of nonpareil artists from the past, the outcome of what is admired by thousands of people each year. The magnitude and splendor of this place inspires awe and adoration at the same time and each piece of this intricate puzzle is just as impressive on its own as it is as a component of the bigger picture. The stimulating gardens, the remarkable museums and the majestic basilicas and chapels – including the ever-impressive Sistine Chapel – are what makes a trip to Rome, in fact, complete.

The Vatican isn’t technically part of Rome; it’s the world’s smallest autonomous city-state and is merely surrounded by Rome (that’s a freebie). Technicalities aside, if you’re going to Rome you won’t be able to leave without paying at least a quick visit inside these hallowed walls. Whether you’re a devout Catholic, a history buff or a casual sightseer, Vatican City offers more than its fair share of intrigue, mystery and visual grandeur. Here are a few interesting facts to pique your curiosity and impress a bishop or two when you visit the Vatican.

Synonymous with Catholicism, the city of Rome is unsurprisingly saturated with religious establishments, with an incredible collection of over 900 churches awaiting attention. Blending ancient ruins with sacred burial spots and exquisite artistry, the myriad of options can seem quite overwhelming to first time visitors seeking a rewarding snapshot of the capital’s religious prowess. The following list curtails the confusion, highlighting ten of Rome’s most historic, breathtaking and influential holy sanctuaries.

One of the dream destinations in Europe (even in the World) is Rome. Why? Rome is not only the capital of (the actual) Italy, but it was also the capital of the old Roman Empire. Last but not least, it's the capital of the Catholicism in the World. The combination of these three pillars makes Rome one of the biggest centers for Arts and History in the World. The beauty in each corner, in each restaurant, in each street, makes us never forget why we have chosen Rome to go for holidays.

Connecting the bustling Piazza di Spagna with the striking Trinite dei Monti Church, Rome’s Spanish Steps are an attraction not to be missed whilst visiting this remarkable city. Regarded as one of the area’s busiest meeting places, the impressive stairway attracts visitors from all over the world.

Brimming with fascinating history, impressive architecture and a wealth of art and culture, Rome is a city that is just waiting to be explored. The city’s fabulous collection of numerous museums, which range from the impressive National Rome Museum to the fantastic National Gallery of Modern Art, allows visitors the opportunity to explore Rome’s effortless blend of the past and the present day.

Housing over 900 churches, Italy’s enriching capital boasts enough holy establishments to last you a lifetime, making deft itinerary choices something of a headache. However, visitors desiring an introduction to Rome’s notorious religious wealth should certainly not miss the most influential sanctuary of all, San Giovanni in Laterano; the Catholic Cathedral of the diocese of Rome.

A must see for military and history enthusiasts and especially for fans of Dan Brown or even Assassin’s Creed, the monumental Castel Sant’Angelo towers above the Tiber River in Rome’s ancient core, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the capital’s opulent heritage.

Otherwise known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian in reference to its original function, this cylindrical landmark has enjoyed a rich and colourful past spanning almost 2,000 years and still remains an integral and worthwhile attraction amidst a city bursting with treasures.

Renowned for its fascinating history, Rome is a city which is bursting with truly incredible, ancient structures, one of which is the magnificent Colosseum. Attracting visitors from every corner of the globe, this breath-taking building is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is a sight definitely not to be missed.

Located north-east of Rome’s city centre Galleria Borghese is a popular attraction amongst tourists and one of the top attractions during a short stay in the city. See famous works by the likes of Bernini, Carvaggio and Titian as you spend two hours touring the gallery. The Borghese Gallery is a great outing for all, even if you’re not an art lover.