Vatican City – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Vatican City State (Stato della Città del Vaticano)
Area: ~0.49 km² – yes, you read that right, tiny even by city standards!
Population: ~825 (2024) – the world’s smallest internationally recognized state
Location: Enclave within Rome, Italy
Form of government: Absolute elective monarchy (the Pope rules!)
Head of State / Government: Pope Francis
Capital city: Vatican City – same as the country
Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+1 / +2 in summer)
Official language: Latin (official), Italian (working language)
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: No
Schengen area: No (but completely open to Italy)
Top Areas / Attractions
- St. Peter’s Basilica: The world-famous church and iconic dome.
- St. Peter’s Square: Colonnades, fountains, and papal appearances.
- Vatican Museums: Art treasures, ancient sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel.
- Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece (bring your neck support!).
- Apostolic Palace: Papal residence and offices.
Note: With less than 1,000 residents, Vatican “cities” are basically museums and administrative buildings.
Popular Tourist Spots
- St. Peter’s Basilica & Square: The heart of Vatican life.
- Sistine Chapel: Marvel at Michelangelo’s genius and avoid getting too neck-strained.
- Vatican Museums: From Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance paintings, a feast for the eyes.
- Vatican Gardens: Secret green spaces, rarely seen but serene.
- Castel Gandolfo: Papal summer residence outside the main city-state.
Climate
Mediterranean: hot summers (25–33 °C), mild winters (5–12 °C), and plenty of sunshine. Perfect for sightseeing, though bring water and sunscreen in summer crowds.
Culture & Daily Life
- Holy city: Spiritual, religious, and administrative capital of the Catholic Church.
- Festivals & ceremonies: Papal addresses, religious celebrations, and Easter/Christmas events.
- Tiny population: Mostly clergy, Swiss Guards, and Vatican officials.
- Friendly visitors: Tourists outnumber residents by hundreds of thousands daily.
Food & Drink
- Dining: No Michelin stars per se inside Vatican, but surrounding Rome has abundant options.
- Coffee: Espresso is essential for clergy and visitors alike.
- Local treats: Gelato and Italian pastries just outside the walls.
- Street food: You’ll find all the Italian classics in Rome; Vatican itself is too tiny for street food vendors.
Summary
Vatican City may be the world’s tiniest country, but it’s colossal in culture, history, and spiritual significance. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums attract millions each year. Friendly Swiss Guards, breathtaking art, and the chance to see the Pope make Vatican City a uniquely fascinating and surprisingly compact destination.