It's younger than you think
The Catholic Church has been around for a long time, but that doesn't apply to Vatican City. In fact, the Italian country only came into existence in 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaty, which recognized it as an independent state. It was Benito Mussolini (yes him...), Italy's head of government at the time, who signed on the dotted line to make things official.
No one is a born citizen of the country
It takes more than being born in the Vatican (or having parents born here) to become a citizen. You have to work for it. Citizenship here is not guaranteed by birth, but appointed to those employed in the city (cardinals and members of the Swiss Guard). And if you lose your job, your citizenship is then revoked and those who are not citizens of another country automatically become Italians.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world
Vatican City takes the title from several superlatives – some claim it houses the most famous work of art in the world, others say it is the most spiritual place in the world for Catholics. But there is one thing that is indisputable, and that is that it is the smallest country in the world. The independent city-state covers just over 100 acres. It's smaller than the 843 acres of Central Park, New York. With around 842 residents, it’s also the smallest country by population. But don't let its size fool you – it has its own post office (and stamps), train station, radio station, flag and anthem; operates media; and issues passports. It even mints its own euros (the coins are embossed with the pope's head).
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The Vatican was not always the Pope's base
Before settling in Vatican City, popes lived in the Lateran Palace on the other side of Rome. In 1309, the papal court moved to Avignon in France, and seven popes ruled from there. Upon their return to Rome in 1377, the Lateran Palace was destroyed by fire and the papacy moved to the Vatican.
It is the only country on the list of UNESCO World Heritage
Italy might have the most UNESCO listings of any country, but Vatican City is the only complete country designated as a UNESCO site since 1984.
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest churches in the w
Intricate gold details, marble columns, famous statues, paintings of divine beings and masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Bernini are all important draws for tourists. Some even choose to climb the more than 300 steps for an incomparable view of Rome. At the center of St. Peter's Square is the Egyptian Obelisk, an approximately 84-foot structure that was moved to this location in 1586. And what lies beneath the surface is equally fascinating—St. Peter's Basilica sits several tombs, including that of St. Peter, the original pope.
Vatican City has the biggest winos
Despite its tiny population, Vatican City manages to climb to the top for having the highest per capita wine consumption. According to a recent study conducted by the Institut du Vin, an average inhabitant reduces by 54.26 liters per year. But there is an explanation for these impressive figures – it is said that large quantities of vino are distributed during communion.
With 1.5 crimes per citizen, Vatican City has the highest cr
It’s important to note that the majority of crimes committed here are petty theft. Given the high tourist affluence, Vatican City is a paradise for pickpockets and purses. This does not mean that there are no major crimes. In 2007, the Vatican had its first drug-related crime, after a Holy See employee was found in possession of cocaine. And in 1998, a new commander of the pope's Swiss guard and his wife were murdered in their apartment.
The Vatican's secret archives aren't that secret
Since Pope Leo XIII allowed scholars to visit the Vatican's secret archives in 1881, they haven't been this top secret. Nowadays, only accredited researchers and scholars are free to glance at the documents and correspondence that reside within the walls. And there's plenty of reading material – the documents span over 1,000 years. But don't expect a leisurely visit to the library since browsing is prohibited and visitors must specify what they're looking for upfront.
The pope's bodyguards are all Swiss
Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is responsible for the Pope's security. To get this kind of gig, your resume should include the following: Catholic, single, male, between 19 and 30, at least five-foot-eight-and-a-half-inches tall, and a Swiss citizen. Individuals must also have basic Swiss military training. For the most part, you'll see them manning checkpoints and taking part in ceremonies, and with bright blue, red, orange and yellow uniforms, you'll have no problem spotting them.
ATMs speak Latin here
Vatican Bank is the only one in the world to offer ATMs that speak to customers in the language. A word of advice when you see inserito scidulam quaeso ut faciundam cognoscas rationem, it prompts you to insert your card to get started. You are on your own for the rest.
Michelangelo was not thrilled to work at the Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo was in his 30s and was working on the marble tomb of Pope Julius II when he was asked to decorate the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Interestingly, he didn't jump at the chance. In his defense, he considered himself a sculptor, not a painter. Yet he accepted the task and spent years shaping the legendary frescoes. Even more impressive is the fact that Michelangelo and his team used scaffolding to paint the ceiling while standing up. Today, the chapel is where elections for the new pope are held.
You can see one of the greatest art collections in the world
Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the Vatican Museums house one of the largest art collections in the world. Museums house around 70,000 works, 20000 of which are on display. Around four million visitors show up each year to admire works of art like Michelangelo's painted Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael Rooms and the Museo Pio-Clementino, to name a few.
Wednesdays are your best shot at spotting the pope
Although there are several occasions for a sighting of the Pope, every Wednesday around 10:30 a.m. he walks through St. Peter's Square and addresses the audience in several languages, concluding with a blessing for the people in the crowd. Tickets are mandatory. After reserving online, you can collect your tickets from a Swiss guard at the Vatican Bronze Gates. They also often have extra tickets for those who forgot to reserve a seat.