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10 fascinating facts about the Vatican City

Vatican City is a tiny enclave within Rome and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. More than a pilgrimage site, it’s a true treasure trove, packed with centuries of art, history, and cultural significance that captivates travelers of every kind.

Interesting facts about the Vatican

1. It's the smallest country in the world

With only 0.44 square kilometers and about 825 residents, the Vatican is the world’s smallest country. You can walk across it in under an hour, and it sits entirely within Rome.

2. The Vatican City has no prison

​Vatican City has no prison, only small cells for pre-trial detention. Under the Lateran Treaty, anyone sentenced serves time in Italian prisons, with all imprisonment costs paid by the Vatican.

3. It's a hotbed of crime

Despite having under 1,000 residents, the Vatican has the world’s highest per-capita crime rate, driven by visitor-related pickpocketing, purse snatching, and shoplifting, leading to officials urging tourists to stay alert.

4. Vatican, the wine capital

The Vatican’s residents drink the most wine per capita, averaging 74 liters yearly. High intake stems from frequent communal meals daily and easy access to affordable, duty-free wine from the city’s only supermarket.

5. The Pope is protected by Swiss Guards

The 135-member Pontifical Swiss Guard has protected the Pope since 1506. Known for their striped uniforms, recruits must be male, Swiss, Christian, 19–30, 5'8", and trained in the military.

6. No permanent citizenship at the Vatican City

With no hospitals or delivery rooms, no one is born a Vatican citizen. Citizenship depends on serving the Holy See and extends to immediate family, but ends once the appointment concludes.

7. There’s an ATM with instructions in Latin

Italian is the official working language of Vatican City, but the Holy See’s official language is Latin. As custodian of Latin, the Vatican Bank even offers an ATM option with instructions entirely in Latin.

8. Shortest rail track in the world

Vatican City has the world’s shortest railway, featuring two 300-meter tracks and a single station, Città Vaticano. Built under Pope Pius XI, it’s used only for transporting goods, not passengers.

9. It owns a telescope in Arizona, USA

In 1981, the Vatican acquired the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, one of the world’s largest. Located on Mount Graham in Arizona, it serves as the Vatican’s primary site for astronomical research.

10. It's a World Heritage Site

The Vatican is the only country entirely designated a World Heritage Site, listed in 1984. The status covers Vatican City plus extraterritorial sites in Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore.

Plan your visit to the Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums frescoes in Rome, featuring intricate artwork and detailed floor patterns.
  • Getting there: Ottaviano and Cipro (Line A) are the closest metro stops, a short walk from the entrance. Buses 40, 64, and 81 also stop nearby and connect well with central Rome.
  • Best time: Visit early morning or late afternoon for lighter crowds.
  • Duration: Set aside 3–4 hours for the Museums and Sistine Chapel to move comfortably. Add 1–2 hours more if you plan to explore St. Peter’s Basilica and its dome.
  • Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry into the Sistine Chapel and Basilica.
  • Security: Expect airport-style screening; remove metal objects and keep essentials handy. Large bags, tripods, and pointed objects aren’t allowed inside.
  • Accessibility: Most galleries are wheelchair-friendly with elevators along the route, and free assistance is available at the entrance.
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