Vatican City

Consult the Vatican City history & information

Introduction

Vatican City is an independent city-state located in the heart of Rome, and is the smallest country in the world in terms of both size and population. It is the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, and the home of the Bishop of Rome and the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope. Vatican City is a walled enclave, established in 1929, and is surrounded by the city of Rome and its many wonders.

About

Vatican City is the smallest state in the world and covers only 0.44 square kilometers. It is home to around 1000 permanent residents, and a number of visitors, who come to experience the cultural and religious wonders of the city. The population is mostly made up of priests, nuns and other members of the clergy, as well as a few lay staff and members of the Swiss Guard. The official language is Italian, though Latin and French are also spoken. 

The economy of Vatican City is largely based on religious tourism, as well as donations from the faithful. Vatican City also has its own coin, called the Vatican lira, and its own postage stamps. It is largely self-sufficient, relying on donations for its budget.

Graph

Vatican City is a popular destination for tourists, as it is rich in religious and cultural attractions. Between 2017 and 2018, the number of visitors to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel rose dramatically. Over five million visitors toured the sites during this time, making the Vatican one of the world’s most visited places.

Vatican Map

Vatican City is located in the center of Rome and is encircled by the city’s ancient walls. It is a short walk away from the Colosseum and the Pantheon, making it easy to explore the wonders of the Eternal City.

The main entrance to the city is through St. Peter’s Square, which is located in the center of Vatican City. This square is surrounded by St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square Gardens, which are open to visitors. The Vatican Museums are also located in Vatican City, and feature a large collection of artwork and artifacts from the Catholic Church. The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Library are two other popular sites within the city. The Vatican gardens, which are open to visitors, are located behind the Vatican Museums. 

Vatican City is also home to several important churches and monuments, including the Basilica of St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. Other attractions within the city include the Vatican Observatory, the Vatican Library, and the Vatican Museums. The Vatican also serves as the seat of the Catholic Church, and is home to the Pope.

More information

VATICAN MUSEUM TICKETS

Skip the line tickets

Get your Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tickets here! Book now your tickets and forget about standing in long lines to… see more

VATICAN ARCHITECTURE

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is one of the world’s most renowned art galleries, located in the Vatican City. It is renowned for its incredible… see more

VATICAN INFORMATION

Vatican history

Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome, is an independent city-state and the center of the Catholic Church. It is the smallest… see more