While Emperor Constantine had given the area to Pope Miltiades back in 313 A.D., the establishment of the city did not occur until 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaty. The area which today comprises of the Vatican City has been the home of the popes since 1377. Previously, the popes had lived in Avignon.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City / Photo by admin

The Mediterranean climate means that during the summer months, the weather is dry and hot around the Vatican City. In the winter months however, there is a regular presence of rain. Because of the size of the St Peter’s Basilica, a hazy mist regularly forms around the city throughout the year.

Situated along the western banks of the Tiber River, the first walls built around the Vatican City were done so by order of Leo IV between 847 and 855. However, these walls would later be expanded in 1534 by Paul III, again in 1559 by Pius IV. The current fortified walls surrounding the Vatican City were built between 1623 and 1644 by order of Urban VIII.

Today, a white line runs through the middle of St. Peter’s Square which is used to distinguish the Vatican City borders with Rome. There are also a number of other famous landmarks in Rome which are designated as part of the Holy See, but are not part of the Vatican City; the most notable of which is the Castel Gandolfo and several major basilicas which are scattered throughout the city of Rome.

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You can go to Poland for culture (historical towns, castles, palaces, museums) or nature (Tatra Mountains, Beskids, Bieszczady, Pieniny or Table Mountains). If you’re tired of walking the hills and mountains, you can still benefit from the Baltic coast – although the Baltic is quite cold, it still has its charm. You need to visit the Gulf of Gdansk, especially Hel Peninsula is a place that you might like. In the evening, it offers various bars, discos and nightclubs.

The best time for sightseeing in Poland is the period of late spring or early autumn when there is a pleasant warm and resorts are not as crowded as during the summer season. In July and August, the mountains, lakes and seaside resorts are full of tourists (like in the other parts of Europe). However, if you go to the cities, they are mostly calm and quiet. Most of the accommodation and catering facilities on the coast and in other popular locations are closing in the fall and reopening again with the arrival of spring. From late November to mid-March you can enjoy ski season in Poland.

On 1 January 2004 Poland joined the European Unionand later on 21 December 2007 joined the Schengen area and were thus abolished checks at internal borders. That does not mean that you can travel across borders without any proof. You must always carry a valid identity document, ie passport or identity card with machine readable zone. If you want to stay in the country for less than 3 months, EU citizens are not required to have residence permits.

Before traveling to Poland ask first your health insurance company for the European Health Insurance Card, which you must show if you need urgent medical attention. Before the trip we recommend that you take out additional health insurance. In each town should be at least one pharmacy with night operations.

The official monetary unit is Polish Zloty. Prices in Poland are still relatively lower than in Western Europe, more expensive are only imported goods and the accommodation in hotels. You can exchange money in every town in the bank or exchange office.

If you are traveling to Poland, along with your pet, it is necessary to have an international passport, and need to be identified by microchip or tattoo and vaccinated against rabies.

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