What was the Vatican built for?
What was the Vatican built for? The Vatican's history as the seat of the Catholic Church began with the construction of a basilica over St. Peter's grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D. The area developed into a popular pilgrimage site and commercial district, although it was abandoned following the move of the papal court to France in 1309.
Where did Vatican get all its wealth?
The Vatican is the world's smallest country, with an economy that relies on a combination of donations, private enterprises, and investments to generate revenue. The Vatican's economy is shrouded in secrecy, with some believing its financial numbers are more general than accurate.
Who put the obelisk in the Vatican?
The Obelisk was moved at the center of St. Peter's Square only in 1586 by the architect Domenico Fontana, under the order of Pope Sixtus V whose main aim was to re-erect all the obelisks of ancient Rome.
Why was a wall built around the Vatican?
Pope Leo IV built the first wall around the Vatican City in the 9th century as a reaction to the threat posed by Saracen pirates. The fortifications were strengthened in the 16th century – this time to protect the city-state's growing wealth from the city of Rome, but also as an expression of papal power!
Why is there Egyptian stuff in the Vatican?
Pope Gregory was driven by a passion for learning. He ordered that all Egyptian and “Egyptianized” artifacts in the Pontifical states (and Roman antique markets, private villa collections etc.) be gathered together in a new museum.
Why is there an obelisk in front of the Vatican?
Peter's Square. The monolith was brought to Rome from the fabled Alexandria by Caligula in the year 37, ostensibly to honor the great Julius Caesar. However, there was once another theory: that the obelisk was not just part of a memorial to a great man from history, but also his mausoleum.