Apostolic Palace facts for kids
The Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace or the Palace of the Vatican, is the official home of the Pope. It is located in Vatican City, which is the smallest independent state in the world. This large building complex is where the Pope lives and where the Catholic Church manages its important work.
The palace is made up of many different buildings. It includes the Papal Apartment, which is where the Pope lives. It also has offices for the Catholic Church's government. You can find several chapels, the famous Vatican Museums, and the Vatican Library here too.
There are more than 1,000 rooms in the Apostolic Palace. Some of the most famous rooms are the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. The Sistine Chapel is especially well-known for its amazing ceiling paintings. These beautiful pictures were painted by the famous artist Michelangelo.
Where Else Does the Pope Live?
Besides the Apostolic Palace, the Pope has other official homes. These include the Lateran Palace and the Castel Gandolfo. The Castel Gandolfo is located outside of Rome, Italy.
A Palace with a Past
Before 1871, the Pope's official home was the Quirinal Palace. This palace is also in Rome. However, in 1870, the Papal States (lands ruled by the Pope) were taken over. After this, the King of Italy took the Quirinal Palace in 1871. It then became the king's official residence. Later, in 1946, Italy stopped having a king. Since then, the Quirinal Palace has been the home of the President of the Italian Republic.
See Also
In Spanish: Palacio Apostólico para niños
Images for kids
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A model of the palace in the Vatican Museums. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard.
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Under the patronage of Julius II, Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512.
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Scala Regia by Gian Lorenzo Bernini