While the surface area of the Vatican, the world’s smallest sovereign state, is less than half a square kilometre (0.17 sq mi), it has some of the world’s most famous attractions.
Among these is the St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church renowned for its Renaissance architecture. Generally regarded as the greatest of all Christian churches, its construction was completed in November 1626. Currently, there are over 100 tombs within the church, of which 91 belong to popes, including Pope John Paul II who was buried here on 8 April 2005.
World’s smallest country holds enough attractions to keep you busy for days.
Entrance to the Necropolis is limited to around 250 visitors per day. Entrance fee is €13 and advanced online booking is required.
The Vatican Palace, also known as the Apostolic Palace or Papal Palace, is the official residence of the current Pope. Completed in 1605, it contains the Papal Apartments, the offices of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican Library, as well as museums and art galleries.
In 1929, Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini signed the Lateran Accords on behalf of King Victor Emmanuel III, making the Vatican a sovereign state.
The Sistine Chapel in the Palace was completed in 1481 and has brilliant frescos that decorate the interior, including the ceiling which was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1522.
The interior of the Palace and St. Peter’s Basilica is a large area and it can easily take a few days to take it all in.
The grand Piazza San Pietro in front of St. Peter’s Basilica is best viewed from the dome of the basilica. Beat the crowds and arrive early to climb the astonishing 551 steps to the top. Some areas of the climb can be claustrophobic, so be prepared. The views of Rome and the Piazza San Pietro are truly rewarding.
From the Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum Hill) you can get a good view of St Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican City offers several museums, including the Chiaramonti Museum, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Pio Clementino Museum and several smaller museums and art galleries.
Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica Papal Altar & Baldacchino in St Peter’s Basilica
Don’t miss visiting the world’s most-valued library, the Vatican Library. Containing over 25,000 medieval hand-written books, 80,000 manuscripts collected since the library’s founding in 1450, and over 7,000 incunables (first traces of typography) created before the year 1501, it is inimitable. In addition to the many rare books on display, it also has a priceless collection of pontifical coins and medals.
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The beautiful Vatican Gardens were created for Pope Nicholas II in the 13th century. The gardens offer views of the basilica and are beautifully created and maintained. Visiting hours are restricted from mid to late mornings and must be pre-booked online.
The Vatican City can effortlessly keep travellers with an inquiring mind busy for several days!
Get to know your Vatican
- The Vatican is the smallest country (by area) in Europe.
- Land area: 0.44 km² (0.17 sq mi).
- Population: About 1,000.
- Tourist arrivals: 4,200,000 (2017).
- Capital: Vatican City.
- Neighbouring countries: The Vatican is an enclave in Rome, Italy.
- it is the home of the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and head of the world’s Catholic Church.
- It is the world’s smallest country with the smallest population.
- The Vatican is different from the Holy See. The Holy See is the universal government of the Catholic Church.
- It is not a member of the UN.
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.