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| Exploring The Vatican, The Smallest Country in The World |
Vatican can be said to be a country within a country. Yes! The smallest country in the world is indeed located within the capital of Italy, Rome. Despite being just a small city, this religious state is very famous worldwide and is one of the bustling religious tourist destinations.
The Status of The Vatican as A Country
The Vatican is widely recognized as a country. The Vatican's status as an independent state was established in the Lateran Treaty on February 11, 1929, between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, covering only 0.49 square kilometers, with a population of only a few hundred people.
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| Pope |
Government System of the Vatican
The Vatican is an absolute monarchy, where the head of the Catholic Church also serves as the head of state. The officials of the Vatican consist of Catholic religious clergy. The head of the Vatican state is held by a Pope who has absolute authority over legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The Pope is elected by the cardinals and remains in power until death or resignation.
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| Vatican City |
Population of The Vatican
The Vatican has the smallest population in the world. In mid-2024, the population of the Vatican was only 526 people. The residents of the Vatican use the Italian language for daily communication. They also use the Euro currency like their protectorate country, Italy. All Vatican citizens adhere to the Roman Catholic religion.
Transportation in The Vatican
As a small country surrounded by the territory of another country, the Vatican does not have an airport or a sea port. The only air transport owned by the Vatican is helicopters. Despite not having its own airport and port, Vatican residents can utilize the airport and port facilities of Italy for travel.
Defense and Security of The Vatican
The Vatican does not have a military force to defend its country. However, since this city-state is within Italy's territory, defense is guaranteed by the Italian military. Although the Vatican does not have a military force, the smallest country in the world has a mercenary force known as the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
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| Pontifical Swiss Guard |
Pontifical Swiss Guard
The Pontifical Swiss Guard is a mercenary army recruited from Switzerland to safeguard the security of the Pope and the residents of the Vatican. This mercenary group was formed on January 22, 1506, and remains active to this day. The Pontifical Swiss Guard consists of 134 members. Members of this small force are entitled to hold Vatican passports and citizenship.
Amazing Tourist Attractions in The Vatican Worth Visiting
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Catholic Church, is one of the most historical and spiritual tourist destinations in the world. Despite its small size of 44 hectares, the Vatican offers various incredible tourist attractions. Here are some places to visit when in the Vatican:
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| St. Peter's Basilica |
• St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest and most magnificent churches in the world. Located in St. Peter's Square, this church is the spiritual center for Catholics and the final resting place of many popes. Its stunning architecture and art pieces like Michelangelo's Pietà make this basilica a primary destination in the Vatican.
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| Vatican Museums |
• Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house a vast and valuable collection of art and artifacts. From classical statues to Renaissance art, this museum is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Notable collections include the Laocoön sculpture and The Belvedere Torso.
• Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is famous for its ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo, including the iconic "Creation of Adam." This chapel is also used for the papal conclave to elect a new pope. The beauty and detail of the artworks in the Sistine Chapel make it a major attraction in the Vatican.
• Apostolic Palace
The Apostolic Palace, or the Apostolic Palace, is the official residence of the Pope and the administrative center of the Catholic Church. Tourists can visit certain parts of the palace, including the Raphael Rooms adorned with beautiful frescoes by Raphael.
• St. Martha House
St. Martha House, or Domus Sanctae Marthae, is a guesthouse in the Vatican often used to accommodate cardinals during the conclave. Although not open to the public, this building plays a significant role in the papal election process.
• Paul VI Audience Hall
The Paul VI Audience Hall is where the Pope holds general audiences with visitors. The hall can accommodate thousands of people and is often used for large events and meetings. Its modern design and excellent acoustics make it a comfortable space to listen to the Pope's speeches.
• Vatican Gardens
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| Vatican Gardens |
The Vatican Gardens offer tranquility and natural beauty in the midst of the city. These gardens are adorned with various plant species, statues, and fountains. Guided tours provide visitors with the opportunity to explore areas not usually open to the public.
• Castel Sant'Angelo
Although technically outside the Vatican's borders, Castel Sant'Angelo is a historic fortress located near the Vatican. Formerly used as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, this fortress also served as a refuge for the Pope during crises. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Vatican and Rome from the top of this fortress.
Visiting the Vatican is an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and art. Every corner of this small city is full of wonders waiting to be explored.
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