9. The Vatican City
The Vatican City, the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, sits atop a site with a dark and poignant history. Before becoming the Pope’s residence, this area was home to the Circus of Nero, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium notorious for its brutal spectacle of Christian martyrdom. It is believed that St. Peter, the apostle, was martyred here, and his burial site subsequently became the focal point for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. Today, the Vatican stands as a symbol of faith and resilience, its history deeply interwoven with the early trials of Christianity. Discover more about Vatican City’s history.
