Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
The Vatican today is known as the heart of the Catholic Church, but its origins stretch far back into the times of Ancient Rome. Located on the Vatican Hill, outside the ancient city walls, the area was initially a burial ground and not part of early Rome’s sacred center. Over the centuries, the Vatican became deeply tied to Christianity due to its association with the martyrdom of Saint Peter, the first pope and a central figure in early Christian history.
The Martyrdom of Saint Peter
According to tradition, Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, was martyred in 64 AD during the reign of Emperor Nero. He was crucified upside down in the Circus of Nero, located near Vatican Hill, which was a popular venue for public executions. According to the Quo Vadis Domine legend, Peter, fleeing persecution, had a vision of Jesus on the Appian Way. Peter asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” (Lord, where are you going?), and Jesus replied, “I am going to Rome to be crucified again.” This encounter convinced Peter to return to Rome, where he met his fate.
Saint Peter’s Tomb and the Basilica
Following Peter’s death, early Christians are believed to have buried him near the site of his martyrdom. By the 4th century, Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the Old St. Peter’s Basilica over what was believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter. Over time, this became the heart of Christian pilgrimage. In the 20th century, under Pope Pius XII, archaeological excavations confirmed the existence of a necropolis beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. In 1942, what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter was discovered, containing bones and other artifacts that suggest it belonged to the apostle.
The Walls of Vatican City
Vatican City is now a walled enclave, but this wasn’t always the case. The walls were built over the centuries, mainly for protection, beginning with Pope Leo IV in the 9th century after the Sack of Rome by the Saracens in 846. These walls, later expanded under various popes, helped defend the Vatican from outside threats. Today, much of Vatican City remains enclosed by these historic fortifications.
Why the Vatican Became the Center of the Catholic Church
The Vatican’s transformation into the religious and political center of the Catholic Church stems from its connection to Saint Peter. As the first pope and a martyr for the Christian faith, his burial site became the natural location for the seat of the pope, the Bishop of Rome. Over the centuries, the construction of the Vatican Basilica, papal palaces, and the eventual formation of Vatican City solidified its role as the spiritual and administrative heart of the Catholic Church.
Visiting Saint Peter’s Tomb
Today, visitors can explore the Vatican Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, to see the ancient tombs and what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter. This area, known as the Scavi, offers a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian world. Tickets for the Scavi Tour must be booked in advance through the Vatican’s official website.
What the Vatican Is Today
Vatican City remains a place of immense religious, cultural, and historical significance. As the smallest independent state in the world, it serves as the residence of the Pope and the administrative heart of the Roman Catholic Church. The Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica attract millions of visitors each year, but its spiritual importance continues to resonate with pilgrims and worshippers from around the world.
For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, a visit to Vatican City is a must, offering a blend of history, religion, and culture in one of the most significant locations in the world.
