Europe has a handful of these little "don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-'em" lands:

There's Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Vatican City, and San Marino...

we're about to visit them all. This time, it's Little Europe.

Thanks for joining us.

Medieval Europe was a patchwork of miniscule dukedoms, princedoms, and feudal states. Modern-day

Germany - about the size of Montana - was fragmented into over 300 of these...each with

its own petty ruler, weights and measures, crown jewels, and curfew. These "countries"

were only about as big as the distance a cannon could fire from the town walls. And today,

only a handful of Europe's mini-nations survive.

The world's smallest country comes with the planet's biggest church. Another is famous

for its casino and car races. A stone's throw from the Adriatic Sea, the last of the independent

hill towns still looks pretty formidable. This castle-guarded principality is a remnant

of Europe's once-mighty Holy Roman Empire. And here, where Spain and France meet, another

tiny country entertains shoppers and hikers alike with the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees.

Europe's "microstates" are scattered far and wide. We'll start at Vatican City, drop by

San Marino, hike up to Liechtenstein, speed over to Monaco, and finish high in the Pyrenees

at Andorra.

Our first country is ruled by a man from another country, it has less than 1,000 permanent

residents, and its birthrate is zero. It's visited by hordes of tourists daily, and it's

the capital of a holy empire with more than a billion subjects worldwide. Any guesses?

The Vatican City. This is the smallest independent country on earth. Even though it occupies

less than a square mile - this country has its own radio station, newspaper, post office,

and a cute little train station. Along with the grandest church on Earth, it has a massive

museum. The Vatican is ruled - both politically and religiously - by the pope.

Vatican City is embedded in the city of Rome. It's surrounded by a mighty medieval wall

that evokes a less-than-peaceful history.

After the Roman Empire fell in the fifth century, the city of Rome gradually came under control

of the pope. In fact for centuries, the pope was called the "King Pope." Little by little,

the "King Pope" built his own empire. At its peak around the 17th century, the "Papal States,"

as they were called, encompassed much of the Italian peninsula. When the modern nation

of Italy was united, it absorbed most of the Papal States, including the city of Rome.

But the pope held out.

For sixty years the pope was holed up here, behind the Vatican Walls. Finally, in 1929,

the pope and Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty, establishing the Vatican as its own

nation. The garden-like core of the country - where serious administration takes place

- is closed to the public.

The Vatican "military" is made up of the Swiss Guard. In 1506, the pope imported mercenaries

from Switzerland, who were known for their loyalty and courage. Today, about 100 Swiss

soldiers still protect the pope, keep the crush of tourists as orderly as possible...and

wear the flamboyant Renaissance-style uniform that tourists just love to photograph.

The Vatican has its own postal service. Many consider it to be more reliable than mailing

things from across the street, in Italy...and Vatican stamps are a fun souvenir.

The Vatican is built on the memory and tomb of the first pope, St. Peter. Piazza San Pietro

sits on what was the site of a Roman racetrack. Imagine chariots making their hairpin turns

around that obelisk.

For added entertainment during the games, Christians were executed here. In about 65

A.D., the apostle Peter was crucified within sight of this obelisk. His friends buried

him in a humble graveyard atop what pagan Romans called the Vatican Hill. For about

250 years Christians worshipped quietly on this spot. Then, when Emperor Constantine

legalized Christianity in 313 A.D., a basilica was built here, and this became the head of

the Roman Catholic Church.

Twelve hundred years later, the original St. Peter's was replaced by this, the most glorious

church in all Christendom. Upon entering, your first impression is: It's big...over

600 feet long, bathed in glorious sunbeams. It can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

Near the entrance, Michelangelo's Pietà is adored by pilgrims and tourists alike. Here

the 25-year-old Michelangelo intends to make the theological message very clear: Jesus

- once alive but now dead - gave his life for our salvation. The contrast provided by

Mary's rough robe makes his body - even carved in hard marble - seems soft and believable.

The high altar, like so much of the art decorating the Vatican, is a masterpiece by the great

Baroque artist Bernini. With sunlight illuminating its alabaster window - as if powering the

Holy Spirit, it encrusts the legendary throne of St. Peter with a starburst of Baroque praise.

Directly above the altar which marks the tomb of St. Peter, stands Bernini's bronze canopy,

and above that Michelangelo's dome - taller than a football field on end. The inscription

declares, in Latin: Tu es Petrus..."You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church."

This is the scriptural basis for the primacy of Rome in the Catholic Church.

A viewing perch gives travelers a close-up look at those huge letters and a heavenly

perspective into the church. From the rooftop you can size up the dome you're about to climb.

For a close look at Michelangelo's dome-within-a-dome design, lean in as you climb 300 steps to

the cupola.

The view from the top is unrivaled: both of the city of Rome...and of the Vatican grounds.

You can survey the entire country from this lofty perch. The long rectangular building

is the Vatican Museum with the adjacent Sistine Chapel. These buildings and courtyards display

some of the greatest art of Western civilization.

Over the centuries the popes have amassed enough art to fill what many consider Europe's

richest museum. Long halls are sumptuously decorated with precious tapestries, frescoed

ceilings, and ancient statues.

The museum features art from every age. Its exquisite painting gallery includes Raphael's

much-loved painting of the Transfiguration. Halls and courtyards are littered with ancient

Greek masterpieces - like the Laocoön...so inspirational to the great masters of the

Renaissance.

And the pope's apartments tell Christian history - this is the battle in which Emperor Constantine

was led by angels and a holy cross both to a key military victory and to his own religious

conversion.

And these rooms celebrate pre-Christian philosophy. Here Raphael paints the School of Athens...the

who's who of ancient Greek intellectual heroes...many painted with the features of Renaissance greats...Leonardo,

Michelangelo...and a self-portrait of Raphael in the black cap.

But of course, we've just scratched the surface. If you're pondering eternity, try covering

the Vatican Museum thoroughly.

On the opposite side of the Italian peninsula, just a few miles inland from the Adriatic

coast, is another tiny nation that's entirely surrounded by Italy...San Marino.

The Republic of San Marino brags it's the world's oldest and smallest republic. It's

remained sovereign through almost all its 1,700-year history. San Marino's isolated

location has helped it maintain its independence. The 24-square-mile country clings bravely

to Monte Titano, in Italy's rugged Apennine Mountains.

A thousand years ago, Italy was made up of dozens of independent little states like this.

Over the centuries, virtually all of them disappeared from the map. First, Europe's

dominant royal families snatched up these tiny territories, and added them to their

vast kingdoms. Then, in the 19th century, Italy's unification movement consolidated

virtually the entire Italian peninsula into the modern nation of Italy.

San Marino survived because of Giuseppe Garibaldi. A leader of the Italian unification movement,

Garibaldi hid from his enemies here in San Marino. In appreciation, Garibaldi allowed

San Marino to remain independent.

Perched above the old town are San Marino's three characteristic castles. This trio of

fortresses has done its part to keep San Marino free and independent over the centuries. A

ridge-top trail connects the fortresses.

Since the 1960s tourism has brought prosperity - and along with it streets of tacky shops.

About half the country's economy is based on tourism.

As in other tiny states, quirky laws and tax regulations are used to stoke the economy.

As sales tax is half what it is in surrounding Italy, shoppers have long come here for the

savings.

Several of Europe's tiny countries produce their own stamps and coins - much sought after

by collectors.

Rick: Buongiorno. Woman: Buongiorno.

Rick: A stamp for my passport please. Woman: Yes.

And for a fee, they'll even stamp your passport.

The town's focal point is the long, balcony-like Piazza della Libertà, with sweeping views

over the realm. The statue depicting Liberty - wearing a crown with the three castle towers

- celebrates this country's passion for independence and democracy.

The Palazzo Pubblico, or "Palace of the People," is guarded by some of San Marino's tiny security

force, in their distinctive uniforms.

A modest stairway leads to the room from where the country is governed. Paintings remind

legislators of its long history and the saint who's considered the father of this little

nation.

In about the year 300, Marino, a stone cutter from present-day Croatia, fled persecution

from the Roman Emperor. He found refuge here, on Monte Titano and decided to stay and help

the community of other fleeing Christians. He was made a saint for his efforts, and remains

the patron saint of this country to this day.

From this lofty perch, San Marino's soldiers have defended their homeland - with the latest

in military technology. Ever since a key victory back in the 15th century, the crossbowmen

of San Marino have been a part of state celebrations.

Traditionally, this forced the marksmen to stay sharp and keep their crossbows in good

working order. While today it's mostly an excuse to show off for tourists, their sport

is still taken seriously. The marksmen hit their target with armor-piercing force - illustrating

the pride of nation with a long if not mighty heritage.

As if celebrating their bulls-eyes, the San Marino Crossbowman Federation enlivens their

mountain top republic with traditional fanfare.

[Crossbowman performing]

San Marino takes you back to the age of city states, an era of pageantry, pride and fierce

independence. Further north lays another pint sized country that is tucked away not on a

hill - but in the mighty Alps.

Two centuries ago, there were dozens of independent states in German-speaking Europe. Today, there

are only four: Germany, Austria, Switzerland...and Liechtenstein.

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein is defined by

the mighty Alps to the east, the baby Rhine River to the west, and a stout fortress protecting

the mouth of its valley to the south. This quirky remnant of medieval feudal politics

is just about 62 square miles. It is truly land-locked, without a seaport, or even an

airport.

Liechtensteiners - who number about 35,000 - speak German, are mostly Catholic, and have

a stubborn independent streak. Women weren't given the vote until 1984.

The country's made up of 11 villages. The village of Triesenberg, high above the valley,

gathers around its onion-domed church, which recalls the settlers who arrived here centuries

ago from the western part of Switzerland.

The town of Vaduz sits on the valley floor. While it has only 5,000 people, it's the country's

capital. Its pedestrianized main drag is lined with modern art and hotels bordering a district

of slick office parks.

Historically Europe's tiny countries have offered businesses special tax and accounting

incentives. For a place with such a small population, Liechtenstein has a lot of businesses.

Many European companies locate here to take advantage of its low taxes.

And that's how the Prince of Liechtenstein, whose castle is perched above his domain,

likes it. The billionaire prince, who looks down on his 6-by-12-mile country, wields more

real political power in his realm than any other European royalty.

The national museum tells the story of the prince and his country. Their family crest

dates to the Middle Ages, when the Liechtenstein family was close friends with the Habsburg

family, who ruled the Holy Roman Empire. The Liechtenstein family purchased this piece

of real estate from the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1719, the domain was granted principality

status - answering only to the Emperor. The Liechtenstein princes - who lived near Vienna

- saw their new country merely as a status symbol, and didn't even bother to visit for

decades. In fact, it wasn't until the 20th century that the first Liechtenstein prince

actually lived here.

In 1806, during the Napoleonic age, Liechtenstein's obligations to the Habsburg Emperor disappeared

and the country was granted true independence. Later, after World War I, tough times forced

the principality to enter into an economic union with Switzerland.

To this day Liechtenstein enjoys a close working relationship with its Swiss neighbors.

And like Switzerland, a big part of its modern economy is tourism and sports - hosting visitors

enjoying its dramatic natural beauty. Ski lifts, busy both winter and summer, take nature

lovers to the dizzying ridge that serves as the border with Austria. Even in little little

Liechtenstein...the views are big and the hiking possibilities go on and on.

On the Mediterranean Sea, basking between the French and Italian Rivieras, the Principality

of Monaco barely fits on its one square mile of territory.

Of its 30,000 residents, less than 10,000 are true Monegasques, as locals are called.

Many of the rest call Monaco home because there's no income tax. Despite over development,

high prices, and mobs of tourists, a visit here is a Riviera must.

And Monaco is a work in progress. The district of Fontvieille was reclaimed from the sea.

It bristles with luxury high-rise condos. The breakwater - constructed elsewhere and

towed in - enables cruise ships to dock. And cars still race, as they have since 1929,

around the principality in one of the world's most famous auto races, the Grand Prix of

Monaco.

The miniscule principality has always been tiny. But it used to be less tiny. In the

1860s it lost most of its territory to France. But the prince built a casino and managed