Did you know that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world?
Maybe you do, but we can bet that there is at least one fact on this list that will be news to you.
Let’s go over some of the most fun and interesting facts about Vatican City. Albeit a small country, it has a lot to offer!
The smallest country in the world
Here’s an interesting fact about the Vatican: Did you know that it is the smallest country in the world?
Vatican City is truly tiny in size when compared to other small states such as the Republic of San Marino, which is a microstate in Italy.
Vatican City covers 0.44 km while San Marino covers 61 km. The closest state in comparison to size is Monaco, which extends to 2 km.
The population size as of 2023 states 800 inhabitants. Most universities in the world admit and hold more students than that!
This population is made up of the Pope, cardinals and other members of the clergy and administrative, library, museum, healthcare and service staff.
Some people do not realize Vatican city as its own city-state due to its unique nature of being located within Rome, surrounded by the Eternal City from all sides.
The Vatican is densely concentrated with art, history and great spiritual significance due to holding St. Peter’s Basilica as a main focal point.
Swiss Guard: The Vatican’s own army
The Swiss Guard is the smallest military unit in the world, to protect the smallest country in the world. It was established by Pope Julius II in 1506 and comprises of guards who were mostly citizens of Switzerland and have had Swiss military training.
If you visit Vatican City you will be able to recognize them immediately due to their unique and colorful uniforms!
They have a history of protecting the pope through various strategies- they provide close protection during public appearances and also take part in the surveillance and monitoring of activity in the Apostolic palaces and in Vatican City as a whole.
There is no prison and you can’t be a citizen by birth
Given the spiritual nature of Vatican City, the state is more concerned with the dealing of religious functions over justice for criminal behavior.
Given the tiny population size it is also less likely that a serious crime would be committed.
The agreements in the Lateran Treaty of 1929- which gave the city-state independence from Rome- also state that Italian authorities are to provide assistance if any larger criminal activities are to occur.
The protocol of the Swiss Guard also helps ensure safety and peace within the walls of Vatican City. They protect the Pope and other important clergy, they deny unauthorized access into Apostolic buildings and they manage the flow of visitors during the mornings and evenings, along with various other security tasks.
Vatican City does not have any hospital but has healthcare facilities located close by in Rome. It’s inhabitants also rely on the Italian healthcare system for any medical needs.
Having no hospital also means that no one can truly be born within Vatican City and become its resident. Citizenship is only given to people who work directly for the Holy See or the Vatican City State. This also controls the possibility of crime being committed.
There is a Vatican football team
Did you know that Vatican City has its own football team?
The Vatican City national football team (its given name) was founded in 1972.
It rarely plays international teams and instead takes part in matches with other national teams and amateur clubs. It is not part of the FIFA or UEFA associations. All of its members are made up of those employed by Vatican City.
You can imagine that these players have the most interesting dual job descriptions… football players AND members of the Swiss Guard, for example!
A World Heritage Site
Vatican City makes it into the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Due to it containing the most important site for Catholic pilgrimage i.e. St. Peter’s Basilica, it is recognized as a place of sincere cultural and historical significance that is of universal value to humanity.
Vatican City is rich in artistic and cultural treasures all around. Apart from the basilica we can refer to the museums and the expansive collection of art it holds that is owned by the Holy See. The Sistine Chapel in particular is an incredibly important site that holds the striking frescoes by Michelangelo.
The ATM’s have instructions in Latin
If you have traveled to other countries you have probably experienced using ATMs that offer more than one language option- this is such a handy design element!
But imagine walking up to an ATM in Vatican City and noticing that Latin is one of the instructional languages offered!
With this ancient language hardly being used in contemporary times there are slim chances that this will be of use to you.
However we urge you to choose the option just to experience the comical and surreal convergence of the modern and ancient world.
An unforgettable experience
No trip to Rome can be complete without paying a visit to the Vatican City. As soon as you walk through the ancient walls that create its parameters you feel as if you are stepping into a sacred space.
The first time you spot St. Peter’s Basilica with its massive dome and the tall obelisk marking it in the piazza, you will know that you are about to witness something unforgettable.
However, due to being a famous pilgrimage site, Vatican City is often bustling with locals, Romans and tourists alike.
Explore the possibility of visiting during the off season to best try and escape the crowds. Avoid the summer months if you can.
To swerve long waiting lines, consider booking a guided tour with Walks Inside Rome. We offer skip-the-line tickets and a lot of unique permutations to the Vatican experience. We have tours tailored to the interests of children and we offer early morning or late evening private tours with add-ons such as aperitivos.
We even provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as opening the doors of the Vatican Museums to the public with the Clavigero (key holder).
The trick is to make your bookings well in advance to ensure a spot! Contact us at [email protected].
