The Vatican is one of the most visited religious destinations in the world and the main tourist destination for Christians. It is a small nation located between the streets of Rome, known for being the main seat of the Catholic Church in the world. But, that also keeps a history, cultural and patrimonial richness unmatched.
For all these reasons, the house of the pope or the holy see as it is also often called, not only stands out as a destination to profess spirituality and faith. But also to enjoy the art, architecture and history of the church and the Roman Empire.
However, the Vatican will always be surrounded by an aura of mystery. So here are some fascinating and interesting facts that you may not know about this city.
1. The Vatican is the smallest sovereign state in the world
It covers an area of 44 hectares (0.44 km2), making it the smallest country in the world. This is roughly the area of 60 football fields. while its population is approximately 799 people (according to 2019 data).
2. 95% of the population are men
The population of the Vatican is made up mainly of church ministers and military (Swiss Guards). Consequently, they are all men, who make up 95% of the citizens. The rest are members of high society consisting of wives and children of the Swiss Guard.
3. It is difficult for an ordinary woman to live in Vatican City
If working within the territory of Vatican City is in any way possible for an ordinary woman (like at a radio station or with a newspaper, for example), staying here to live is almost impossible. However, there is at least one method that could allow a woman to do this: marrying a member of the Swiss Guard. But there are some obstacles here. A member of the Swiss Guard can marry only with special permission and only after receiving the title of corporal, while the future bride will have to obtain permission from the Vatican. There is also one more interesting fact: the Swiss Guard only hires bachelors.
4. It is an absolute monarchy
Although it is a small state, the Vatican has its own currency, police, prison, and laws. The Pope is the absolute monarch and Head of State and holds legislative, executive and judicial power.
Vatican citizens have Vatican passports and about half of them do not live in the Vatican, but abroad for service, usually diplomatic. Almost every country has two embassies in Rome, one in Italy and one in the Vatican State, which adds to the problem of perpetual parking, as many spaces are designated for diplomats.
5. Vatican City is a young state
Vatican City as an independent state within the capital of unified Italy is not that old. The Vatican or Vatican City State was established in its current form as a sovereign nation on February 11, 1929. With the signing of the Lateran Pacts, between the then Prime Minister Benito Mussolini and the then Pope Head of the Holy See Pius XI.
6. Although it is a young state, its history is very old.
Although the modern Vatican City State as we know it was established in 1929, the history of the Vatican is much older and more complex than we might think. The first thousand years of the Vatican’s existence are very obscure and the historical findings related to this period are sometimes uncertain.
Before the fall of Rome and the Western Roman Empire, officially established in AD 476, the history of Christianity is one of persecution. At least until 313 AD. C., when the Roman Emperor Constantine ruled religious tolerance and freedom with the Edict of Milan.
7. The Vatican has the shortest railway in the world
The length of this railway is about 3,000 feet, 1,000 of which cross the territory of the Vatican City. Previously it was used exclusively for the Pope’s trips to Rome, but recently it has also been opened to tourists.
8. Citizenship is not granted by birth
Citizenship is only granted to those who reside in the Vatican for their work or trade. Cardinals residing in Vatican City or Rome, as well as diplomats from the Holy See, are also considered citizens. Citizenship ends when the person stops working for Vatican City or the Holy See. Those who risk becoming stateless for that reason will automatically receive Italian citizenship.
9. It is the only entire country designated as a UNESCO heritage site
The Vatican was added to the list in 1984 for a number of reasons, including a history spanning over 2,000 years that it is home to some of the most important sites for Christians, is a major pilgrimage destination, and has played a key role in the history and political development of Italy and Europe throughout the centuries.
In addition to its historical and political relevance, the Vatican has an extremely important artistic value. The Vatican Museums alone display seven centuries of works of art collected by popes through donations or their own commissions.
10. Vatican City is the only state in the world with a zero birth rate
This is explained by the fact that there are no maternity hospitals within the territory of this small state. The babies of the citizens of this enclave are born in Roman hospitals.
11. Vatican postal services are considered among the best in the world
With more letters sent each year from your zip code than anywhere else in the world. The local postal code is the most popular in the world because it has the most letters sent from it. The Vatican postal services send around 2.5 million letters, 7 million postcards and some 20,000 packages a year. So it’s not surprising that many Romans travel there to send their letters and documents from the Vatican Post Office rather than the much less reliable postal services of Italy.
12. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest Christian churches in the world
The Roman Catholic Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican is considered the greatest building of the Renaissance. Its construction began in the mid-16th century and was not completed until 120 years later.
The length of the building is 720 feet, its width is almost 500 feet, the height is 435 feet. The Basilica has a capacity for about 15,000 people, while its facilities have a capacity for 80,000 people. Today it is the second largest Catholic basilica in the world; it was superseded by the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 1989.
13. The Swiss Guard has protected the Pope since 1506
Swiss Guards were first hired by Pope Julius III in 1506 because of their strength, noble sentiments, and legendary loyalty, all traits that made them invincible.
In the past, the Swiss cantons were very poor and the best and easiest way to earn money was to migrate and become mercenaries for foreign states. This is how they played an important role in European politics. In 1512, Pope Julius II gave them the title of «protectors of the freedom of the Church».
Today, the Swiss Guards working as the Vatican’s armed forces are the only operational body left, as foreign armies have been outlawed by the other European states.