Vatican City

You won’t need a passport to enter the world’s smallest sovereign state. Surrounded by the city of Rome, Vatican City, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Even so, its postage-stamp size belies the monumental impact that the Holy See has had on world history.

For such a small piece of real estate, there is a lot to do in Vatican City. You can stand where St. Peter was martyred, embraced by the columned arms surrounding Bernini’s 17th-century St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro). Enter the Scavi and descend to the subterranean necropolis where Peter’s bones remain. Seek an audience with the Pope, lose track of time and place admiring the world-class artwork in the Vatican Museum, then marvel at Michelangelo’s handiwork at the Sistine Chapel.

With so much to see, Vatican City is a worthy destination, even for those who don’t count themselves among the faithful.