Tourism in Vatican City

[1]Vatican City is quarter of a square mile (0.44 km2) in area,[2] is a popular destination for tourists, especially Catholics wishing to see the Pope or to celebrate their faith.

The largest numbers of pilgrims visit Vatican City at special moments in the liturgical year, such as Christmas or Easter, or during important periods such as the proclamation of a holy year or the funeral and election of a pope.

[3] Tourism is the main cause of the Vatican's unusually high crime rate: tourists are blamed for various minor thefts and incidents.

Under the Holy Roman Empire, the Papal States grew to include a large portion of central Italy.

[8] The Sistine Chapel is home to many pieces of art including statues, tapestries, and paintings by Michelangelo Buonarroti.