Once you cross over to the Tiber’s west bank, walk straight until you reach Via della Concilazione and take a left. Positioned at the end of this third of a mile boulevard is your first magnificent glimpse of St. Peter’s Basilica. If your morning timing is right, it should be glowing in the sunshine. You will probably quicken your pace because a full view is blocked by buildings until you reach Piazza Pio XII. A few more steps are needed before you technically leave Italy and enter the independent city-state of Vatican City. It is the world’s smallest country by size (110 acres) and population (less than 850 people).
