Vatican City in pictures: Inside the residence of the Pope
VATICAN CITY, home of the head of the Catholic Church, is the centre of a new BBC documentary Inside the Vatican. From Pope Francis to the gardener, it follows residents over the course of a year. Take a look at pictures of the famous city ahead of the new series.
Vatican City is an independent city-state ruled by the Pope and enclaved by the Italian city of Rome.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site contains not only the residence of Pope Francis, 82, the current head of the Roman Catholic Church, but the largest religious building in the world - St. Peter's Basilica.
The incredible Renaissance church, which contains some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures, is considered a sacred site for Roman Catholic pilgrims.
Every Wednesday, Pope Francis invites pilgrims to meet him at his general audience, also known as a Papal Audience, in St Peter’s Square.
A new BBC documentary, which airs tonight, gives viewers unprecedented access into the smallest state in the world.
With just 1,000 inhabitants and covering an area of 110 acres, it is the smallest in both size and population.
Take a closer look at the home of the Pope ahead of tonight’s documentary Inside the Vatican.
See pictures of St Peter’s Square and St. Peter's Basilica and as well as the stunning Sistine Chapel - famous for it ceiling fresco which was painted by Michelangelo 1508 and 1512.
The chapel is found in Apostolic Palace - the official residence of the Pope, although the current Pope choses to live in Casa Santa Marta, a building adjacent to the Basilica.
Other images show the Vatican Gardens and stunning Helicoid staircase designed by Giuseppe Momo which marks end of the Vatican museum.