10 Interesting Vatican City Fun Facts You Need To Know!

Having roamed the beautiful streets of Vatican City multiple times when I lived in Italy, I’ve learned fascinating tidbits to share. Did you know Michelangelo painted The Sistine Chapel while standing? Or that Vatican City is the tiniest country on our planet?

If you’re eager to expose more before your visit, I’ve got you covered with 10 Vatican City fun facts. From history to hidden gems, I delve into aspects you probably didn’t know about this remarkable place. These fun facts will make you say -Huh!

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Vatican City Fun Facts

1. It’s The Smallest Country on Earth

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and one of the most unique. With an area of just over 44 hectares (about 110 acres), it’s about one-eighth the size of New York City’s Central Park. This tiny city-state is home to the Pope and the Holy See. It may be small, but it packs a punch in cultural and spiritual significance.

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2. There’s No Prison in This Country

While justice is an essential part of any sovereign nation, Vatican City doesn’t seem to have much need for a prison. In fact, it is one of the few places on the face of the Earth that doesn’t have a penal system. This is largely due to its low resident population and the Vatican’s more diplomatic solutions when dealing with criminal matters. If you’re going to be detained, it’s probably going to be somewhere else.

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3. The Economy is Powered by Stamps & Souvenirs

Vatican City is financially unique in many ways, not the least of which is its reliance on something as quaint as stamp and coin collecting. With perhaps one of the most unique economies in the world, the sale of postage stamps, coins, and souvenirs is the primary source of revenue. And here’s a fun twist, the Vatican actually has its own currency – the Vatican lira, which is pegged to the euro.

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4. You’re Not Allowed to Give Birth There

It might sound unbelievable, but the Vatican holds a statistic that escapes most other nations, no recorded instances of childbirth! This is because the Vatican’s citizens, mostly clergy, ambassadors, and other Catholic officials, are not permitted to give birth within their tiny country’s borders. Officially, the only births there have been are those of Jesus in the Christmas nativity scene at St. Peter’s Square.

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5. The Nude Art Was Covered Up

When the Vatican needed to rebuild and reinvigorate Rome, it didn’t hesitate to put its best talents to work. The Renaissance period was a reawakening for art and learning, and the Vatican sought to symbolize that through monumental projects. Some of the art from that time was considered so risqué for its time that fig leaves and draperies were added to cover the nudes.

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6. There’s A “Secret” Passage for Safety

The Vatican’s history is also one of political intrigue and survival. In times of danger, popes could find safety using a covert passageway. The Passetto di Borgo is an 800-meter-long elevated passage that links the Vatican to the fortified Castel Sant’Angelo. Dressed as a commoner, a pope could escape in secret, out of reach of any would-be assailants.

Also see: The Best Way To See The Colosseum In Rome!

7. No Passports Are Issued – Not Even for the Pope

In an ironic turn of events, Vatican City doesn’t issue passports, not even to the Pope. Instead, it issues Vatican City travel documents, which serve as passports when its citizens travel abroad. For what it’s worth, the Vatican passport is often hailed as one of the rarest travel documents in the world.

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8. Their Pharmacy Gets The Best Drugs

While tourists might associate the Vatican with religious symbols and artifacts, it is also home to one of the world’s most unusual pharmacies. This pharmacy, situated in the heart of the Vatican, can import drugs from all over the world. It serves both the citizens of Vatican City and the employees and family members of its institutions globally.

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9. There “May” Be A Secret Library There

For centuries, the Vatican Archives have been shrouded in secrecy, leading to all manner of conspiracy theories. Even today, most of this wealth of history is off-limits to scholars and researchers. However, Pope Leo XIII did open the secret Vatican archives to researchers, marking a significant move towards transparency within the Church.

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10. Michelangelo Painted The Sistine Chapel Standing

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited and revered sites in the world, with one of the most breathtaking art pieces in history. What many don’t realize is the incredible feat it took for Michelangelo to paint the entire ceiling standing up, with his face inches from the plaster. This masterpiece stands as one of the greatest acts of creative dedication and human achievement.

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Top 3 Places to Stay Near Vatican City

Residenza Paolo VI: Right on the Vatican’s doorstep, Residenza Paolo VI gives you a front-row seat to St. Peter’s Square. The cool part? You get to crash in what used to be a monastery. Price-wise, it’s somewhere between moderate and high, but the unique feel, peaceful atmosphere, and its rich history make it totally worth it. Plus, chilling on the terrace with views of St. Peter’s Basilica is a rare treat.

San Pietro Grand Suite: Nestled in the heart of Rome, close to St. Peter’s Basilica, San Pietro Grand Suite offers the charm of a guest house with modern comforts at an affordable price. Ideal for all travelers, it features a contemporary design and cozy ambiance, providing a unique hotel experience.

Vatican Style Suite: If you’re trying to save some cash but still wanna be near the Vatican, check out the Vatican Style Suite. It’s a boutique hotel with cool, stylish rooms that won’t break the bank. What sets it apart is its youthful feel and chic design, which is a big hit with younger travelers or anyone looking for a fresh, modern feel. Plus it is just a quick walk from all the big sights in Vatican City.

Best Tours To Vatican City

Vatican City Self-Guided Audio Tour: Best for independent explorers, offering the freedom to explore the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel, at their own pace with an interactive map and audio guide. It offers deep insights into art and architecture through your smartphone, merging flexibility with detail.

The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Group Tour: This tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the Vatican’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide. It offers skip-the-line access to major sights like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, ensuring an efficient and engaging experience.

Sistine Chapel and Basilica Dome Climb Group Tour: Experience the ultimate Vatican adventure for all-in explorers. Enjoy breathtaking views from St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, uncover Vatican mysteries with a guided tour from the Papal Tombs to the Sistine Chapel, and enjoy exclusive skip-the-line access.

Final Thoughts-

I hope you loved these Vatican City fun facts! As someone who once lived in Italy, these details bring back memories of the charming city and its unique history. Comment down below if you know any more interesting ones!

Happy exploring!

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