Sprawling over just 100 acres, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. This region was a part of Rome for the longest time (200 years to be precise) but it gained independence in 1929 and since then been governed as an absolute monarchy with the pope being the head. Covering approximately one-eighth the size of the NY Central Park - you can explore this country within just a few hours. The best part? You don’t even need a visa!
During the Roman Republic, "Vatican" referred to the Ager Vaticanus, a flood-prone area near Etruscan Veii. By the 1st century AD, it included today’s St. Peter’s Square. Between 14 BC and 33 AD, Agrippina the Elder drained the land, her son Caligula built a circus there, and Emperor Nero finished it. The area soon became a Christian martyrdom site, including for St. Peter.
Between 318–322 CE, construction began on Old St. Peter’s Basilica over Saint Peter’s believed tomb; a palace followed in the 5th century under Pope Symmachus. Popes later ruled the Papal States and lived at the Lateran and Quirinal Palaces, with a temporary move to Avignon, France, from 1309 to 1377.
In 1870, Italy unified under King Victor Emmanuel II, triggering the 'Roman Question' over the Pope’s status (1861–1929). Italy seized church properties, including the Quirinal Palace. Popes stayed within the Vatican, refusing to recognize Italy’s rule in Rome. Pope Pius IX was called a "prisoner in the Vatican" as popes shifted focus to spiritual roles.
Negotiations to resolve the Roman Question began in 1926, leading to the Lateran Pacts, signed on 11 Feb 1929 by Mussolini for King Victor Emmanuel III and Cardinal Gasparri for Pope Pius XI. Ratified in June, the treaty established Vatican City as an independent country, thereby granting 44 hectares (109 acres) of land that would now be fully independent and governed by the pope.
During WWII, under Pope Pius XII, Vatican City remained neutral and unoccupied, even as Rome fell to German forces. Both Axis and Allied powers respected its neutrality; even stray pamphlets drew papal protest. The U.S. opposed bombing Rome and allowed Catholic airmen to opt out of raids on Rome and Church sites.
Pius XII appointed 32 cardinals in 1946 to fill wartime vacancies. In 1970, the Pontifical Military Corps was disbanded, except the Swiss Guard; the Gendarmerie became civilian police. A 1984 concordat with Italy ended Catholicism as the state religion. In 1995, plans for Domus Sanctae Marthae – a guesthouse adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica, sparked environmental protests and tensions with Italy.
Today, with a minute population of just 1,000 people, Vatican City is an absolute monarchy. A home to some of the world famous churches and museums, Vatican City is surely a cultural and a historical treasure. St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's largest churches, the Vatican Museums, and the world famous Sistine Chapel are a few wonders that attract millions of tourists to this tiny paradise.
The Vatican City became an independent state on February 11, 1929, with the signing of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy under Mussolini.
The Papal States were territories in central Italy governed by the popes from the 8th century until 1870. After Italy unified and annexed the Papal States, the pope lost temporal power until the Vatican City was later established.
The Vatican is the seat of the Pope, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and houses St. Peter’s Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Peter, one of Jesus' apostles and the first pope.
The Sistine Chapel is famous for its Renaissance art, especially Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. It is also where papal conclaves (the election of new popes) are held.
Through land ownership, donations, tithes, and political alliances, the Catholic Church gained vast influence across Europe, making the papacy one of the most powerful institutions in medieval times.
The papacy has been deeply involved in European politics, including wars, alliances, and conflicts such as the Investiture Controversy and opposition to certain monarchs.
Yes. The Papal Army existed for centuries and participated in various battles. Today, the Swiss Guard—founded in 1506—is the Vatican’s ceremonial (and functional) military force, known for their Renaissance-era uniforms.
The Vatican remained officially neutral, but it has been both criticized and defended for its actions (or lack thereof) during the Holocaust and the rise of fascism in Europe.
Not exactly. The Holy See is the governing body of the Catholic Church and predates the Vatican City. The Vatican is the physical territory, while the Holy See is a sovereign entity recognized in international law.
Yes—but it's not so secret anymore. The Vatican Apostolic Archive (formerly 'Secret Archive') contains centuries of church records, papal documents, and correspondence. Scholars can request access, but much of it remains restricted.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour
