15 Things You Need To Know About Vatican City

Inside walls and smaller than a square mile, Vatican City preserves centuries of influence. It stands as a center of political strategy and a place of devotion to the Catholic Church. Every stone carries weight, and every corridor holds secrets. Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable place.

It’s The Smallest Country On Earth

The City spans less than half a square kilometer. Created by the Lateran Treaty in 1929, it operates independently with its own government and infrastructure. It may be small, but its spiritual authority and global recognition give it a stature few countries can claim.

The Pope Holds Absolute Power

He isn’t just a religious leader; The Pope is also the head of state. In Vatican City, there’s no legislature or voting body. All authority stems from the pontiff, covering three typical democratic branches of government. It’s a system where spiritual and political forces are inseparable.

Swiss Guards Wear Renaissance Uniforms

Founded in 1506, the Pontifical Swiss Guard protects the Pope with devotion and precision. Their brightly colored uniforms reflect Renaissance military fashion. Despite their appearance, guards train with modern defense techniques. The costumes are symbolic and functional, as they represent continuity and readiness in one vivid display.

St. Peter’s Basilica Isn’t The Vatican’s Cathedral

Though St. Peter’s draws global crowds, it’s not the cathedral of the Pope. That role belongs to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, located in Rome. It holds the ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome and ranks first among Catholic basilicas worldwide.

There’s A Secret Archive, But It’s Not What You Think

The Vatican Apostolic Archive houses centuries of Church documents. It’s not “secret” in the thriller-movie sense. Scholars can apply for access, though approval is selective. What lies inside includes papal letters and Church records, not hidden gospels or forbidden revelations.

Latin Is Still The Official Language

Latin lives on in The City’s corridors. While daily operations often use Italian, Latin remains an integral part of the City’s official identity, employed in essential documents, Church law, and formal proceedings. In this setting, Latin is less a relic than a responsibility—an anchor to centuries of tradition.

The Vatican Has Its Own Postal Service

Don’t be surprised to see people lining up at Vatican City mailboxes. The City’s postal system is known for speed and efficiency, often outperforming Italy’s. Its stamps are popular with collectors, and postcards mailed here carry a special mark that signals The City’s origin.

Michelangelo Wasn’t A Willing Painter

Michelangelo did not consider himself to be a painter, but rather a sculptor. When Pope Julius II asked him to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling, he resisted. Eventually, he accepted and created one of history’s most celebrated works. His reluctance gave way to a legacy that continues to astonish.

The Vatican Has Its Own Bank

The Institute for Works of Religion, often referred to as The Vatican Bank, was established in 1942. It serves clergy and religious institutions rather than the public, and its operations remain largely private. Though seldom seen, it plays a key role in Church financial administration.

A Latin ATM Once Made Headlines

Years ago, Vatican City ATMs included a Latin language option. It was more symbolic than practical but perfectly captured the Papal State’s commitment to preserving tradition. Whether or not that option still exists, the story reflects how deeply heritage is embedded into daily life here.

Popes Are Buried Beneath St. Peter’s

Beneath the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica is a quieter space: The Vatican Grottoes. Nearly 100 Popes are buried there, their tombs resting beneath marble and mosaic. Visitors pass above, often unaware of the figures resting below who once led the Church.

The Vatican Radio Reaches The World

In 1931, inventor Guglielmo Marconi helped launch The Vatican Radio. Today, it broadcasts globally in dozens of languages. From behind The City’s stone walls, messages of faith and news are transmitted to remote corners of the world. Its reach far exceeds its geography.

Citizenship Is Temporary

Citizenship is granted to individuals based on their role, typically within the clergy or administration, and is revoked when that role ends. As a result, the population remains small in Vatican City, and citizenship is as functional as it is symbolic.

The Dome Offers One Of Rome’s Best Views

Michelangelo’s dome above St. Peter’s is more than stunning in so many different ways. Climb the 551 steps to reach a view stretching across Rome’s ancient rooftops. You’ll see layers of the City unfold from a place designed to lift the eyes and quiet the noise.

The Vatican Museums Span Over Nine Miles

The Vatican Museums extend across roughly nine miles of halls and galleries. Inside are works by Raphael, da Vinci, Caravaggio, and hundreds more. Founded in the early 1500s, the collection has grown into one of the world’s most extraordinary archives of religious and artistic history.