Eureka! Institutional Repository

This thesis is entitled ‘Tourism in Vatican City’; it is divided in five sections – an introduction and four chapters- in which various aspects of the Vatican state are analyzed and presented in relation to the field of tourism. In the introduction, the definitions of Religious and Pilgrimage tourism and the definition of Cultural tourism are given as well as the way these two types of tourism appear to be the most dominant in Vatican city. Moreover, in this thesis it is illustrated that the most prevalent reason of visiting this destination is worship. Statistics and financial data of the Vatican city are demonstrated as well. Chapter one is separated in two parts – the history of Vatican city and the state today. The first part is a discussion of the formation and the establishment of the Holy See throughout the centuries until the Middle Ages as well as the most significant historical events that occurred in it. The second part focuses on the contemporary history of the Holy See, the state’s structure, demographic figures and economy. In the second chapter, the role of the Pope is examined-His election and His apparel- as well as the Swiss Guard. Also, a historical reference is made on the ten worst men that held the Pope’s title. Chapter two ends with the history of the Swiss Guard and the relation with the Holy See. In the fourth part of this thesis there is an extensive presentation of the museums of the Vatican city; the history of Profano, Egyptian and Etruscan museum wings. Chapter three closes with a discussion of the Sistine Chapel and the renowned Vatican Gardens. The thesis finishes with the impact of the Dan Brown effect on the Catholic Church and the Holy See and the influence of the best-seller books on many people’s impression of the Vatican City.