City-states

There are so many interesting things in the world, known and not so much. Cities, countries, states each have their own history, their own characteristics, population, peoples. In this article, we will tell you about some of the city-states with incredible history and sights.

Vatican

The Vatican is a small Catholic state. There are no kings or presidents, no parliaments or other forms of government. It is ruled by His Holiness. A small area in the center of Rome, which is the spiritual center of Catholicism, as well as the smallest state in the world.

The Vatican is not just an independent territory. It is a vast complex, which has been under construction for several centuries. In 1377, the Vatican became the official seat of the Popes. Each of the Popes contributed something of their own to the architecture of the Vatican. Thus, leaving a mark on history. So, Nicholas V made his own adjustments to the ancient center of the Vatican, significantly expanding it, Styxtus IV ordered the construction of the Sistine Chapel, Leo X was engaged in the construction of Raphael's Lodge, Julius I was noted for the construction of terraces and a courtyard in Bormant, Paul III attracted one of the most prominent architects of the High Renaissance to work on the Pavlovsk Chapel, as well as the main hall of the residence, Stickst V contributed to the architecture of the Vatican by installing fountains in front of the Library and St. Peter's Square. Then Clement XIV made the palace of Innocent III a museum.

From ancient times to the present day, the Vatican is completely isolated. It has its own currency, post office, railroad, along which only necessary goods are currently transported. The Vatican also publishes a daily newspaper, has its own radio station, a small army, and in addition to it a special Swiss regiment, which is directly in charge of the Pope himself and his safety.

Due to its uniqueness, significance in religious culture, as well as a large number of attractions, the Vatican is a favorite place for tourists... Especially for people who are knowledgeable and knowledgeable in art and history.

Based on the calculations of all the property of the Vatican and architectural monuments, works of art per unit area, it is recognized as the richest state in the world.

Singapore

Singapore is not just a city-state. It consists of over sixty islands located in the Indian Ocean. However, Singapore has not always been a state. It all started with the fact that the island, which at that time was called Tumasik, was a gathering point for fishermen and pirates. Then it grew to the port. During the Second World War, after the capture of the island by the Japanese, it was turned into a prison and renamed Senan. This was the case until 1945, until the complete defeat of Japan. After that, the city was renamed Singapore and gained freedom and independence.

So, starting in 1965, Singapore became a parliamentary republic and gradually from the most backward and poorest country, it turned into the richest and most developed.

It should be noted that this is one of the few countries where the death penalty is still in force. Perhaps for this reason, there is the lowest crime rate.

Today Singapore is mostly a tourist state. There are no outstanding sights, but there is everything for a wonderful holiday. If you are a lover of cleanliness, relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean, then this is the right place for you. If we talk about rest, then we cannot fail to mention the biggest in the world Ferris wheel. The maximum height to which the cabins are raised is 165 meters. It can be called one of the places of pilgrimage for millions of tourists.

Monaco

This state has earned the title of the smallest country in the world. And here's a good example of why: Monaco is a country in which a military band has 85 people, and the active armed forces are 82 people.

The first settlers of Monaco were the Phoenicians, back in the distant tenth century BC. Then the Greeks joined them. Since then, the state has undergone many changes, including a civil war, which resulted in the formation of Monaco as an independent state. In 1297, it was headed by François Grimaldi, who became the founder of the dynasty that still rules there. And this is already more than seven hundred years.

Despite its size, Monaco is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It owes its fame and popularity among the elite to the casino in Monte Carlo. However, its attractions do not end there. The building of the Opera de Monte-Carlo was also built there, by the famous architect Charles Garnier. All the most famous opera singers of different generations performed there.

In 1911, under the patronage of Prince Pierre, the Russian ballet was founded in Monaco by Sergei Diageliev, the first ballet impresario.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is located in the South of the Iberian Island and is a self-governing colony of the United Kingdom. Then Gibraltar joined the EU along with Great Britain and received a special status.

In fact, Gibraltar is a rock peninsula. It is connected with the Iberian Peninsula by a long isthmus. Gibraltar has its own port, which faces the bay of Algeciras.

When leaving the port, you can see many sculptures depicting children and women. They tell the story of the evacuation of a settlement during the Second World War.

Despite the fact that Gibraltar is a colony, it is nothing like England, except for the pound and the police uniform.

Gibraltar is famous for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. There is just an incredible number of bars or pubs here. But, of course, the main attraction for tourists is the rock, 425 meters high. You can climb it both on foot and take a ride on the funicular.

Another interesting feature of Gibraltar is that almost the entire city is built on water. Even the runway is located on an artificial embankment connecting Gibraltar and Spain. Therefore, during takeoff or landing of the aircraft, traffic is not blocked. And all because of the dense population. Currently, the country is home to 29,000 people, which is more than 4,000 people per square kilometer.

Melilla

Melilla is an autonomous city in the Moroccan territory belonging to the Spanish state and located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Melilla is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city. It arose during the active colonization of the Mediterranean. Its population was very diverse, from the Phoenicians to the Spaniards. The latter, in turn, simply captured the city, taking advantage of its weak position due to barbarian raids. Over time, the Spaniards completely rebuilt the city. Then, in 1995, Melilla received the status of an autonomous city within Spain.

The most important attraction of Melilla is the Baroque Church of the Immaculate Conception. It contains a statue of the Virgin Mary, the patroness of the city.

Ceuta

Ceuta is another Spanish colony located in the north of Morocco. After Morocco gained independence, Ceuta remained a Spanish state and was separated from it by a wall, which later became the border.

The population of the city is diverse. They speak there mostly in Arabic and Spanish, when the second is the state language.

Ceuta's name comes from the fact that the city is located on seven mountains. The history of this city stretches from century to century since time immemorial. Whoever did not own it, the Carthaginians, the Byzantines, the Portuguese, and many others. And only in 1666 Ceut acquired the last owner in the person of Spain.

Ceut is not the capital of tourist recreation, but people who love history, ancient remains and fortresses will be pleased to visit it. The city has a large number of museums and architectural monuments.