12 Interesting Facts About Vatican City You Didn’t Know
Now that the newly elected Pope has been named, I thought it would be fun to put together some interesting facts about Vatican City that I learned during my recent visit.
With Pope Leo XIV hailing from Chicago, it’s an exciting time for American Catholics. While we don’t know yet what, if any, changes he’ll make, one thing’s for sure: it’s a pretty exciting time to start planning your visit to Vatican City.
My husband and I spent an entire day at the Vatican with the most amazing guide, Chiara. She was funny, sharp, and full of fun facts about Vatican City that I never expected to hear. Some of these tidbits blew my mind, and I knew I had to share them with you. If you’re planning a visit to the Vatican, you may find these surprising facts both entertaining and helpful.
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#1 The Vatican is a Country Without Permanent Citizens
Many people may ask, “Is Vatican City a country?” The answer is yes! Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and it’s located right in the middle of Rome.
The interesting fact about Vatican City being its own country is that no one is born a Vatican citizen.
Citizenship is only given to people who work there, such as the Pope, clergy, Swiss Guards, and other officials. Once they leave their position, they lose their citizenship.
So technically, the Vatican is a country full of people who don’t permanently belong to it.
And here’s something even cooler. Vatican City is the only country recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While Italy has the most UNESCO sites in the world, Vatican City holds the distinction of being the only country that is, in its entirety, a World Heritage Site.
Pretty impressive for a place that’s less than half a square kilometer.
#2 The Vatican has a Secret Train Station
One of the most interesting facts about Vatican City is that it has its own train station: Stazione Vaticana.
The Vatican Railway, measuring just about 300 meters in length, holds the title for the world’s shortest national railway.
It’s rarely used, except for freight deliveries and the occasional special event.
So yes, Vatican City has its own train station, but don’t expect to hop on a train for a ride to Rome. However, that would be pretty neat and helpful!
If you do want a fun way to get around Rome, make sure to check out my full post on taking a golf cart tour of Rome next.
#3 The Vatican’s Post Office is Faster than Italy’s
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that if you want to send a postcard from Rome, use the Vatican’s postal service.
It’s way more reliable than the Italian post office.
Many Romans come here to mail letters because they get delivered on time.
Kevin and I tested this by buying postcards and stamps from the Vatican gift shop and mailing them before leaving St. Peter’s Square.
The postcards cost around €1.50, and the stamp to mail back to the US was €2.40. It felt like a truly unique and incredibly affordable souvenir.
Oh, and guess what?
Our postcards made it back to San Antonio before we did!
#4 You Can See a Mini Sistine Chapel Without the Crowds
Everyone flocks to the Sistine Chapel, understandably, but you may not know that you are not allowed to take photos or videos inside the Sistine Chapel.
But, there’s another room inside the Vatican Museums that I think is just as beautiful: the Room of the Immaculate Conception.
It’s filled with incredible frescoes by Francesco Podesti and has major Sistine Chapel vibes, minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. If you want to admire stunning artwork in peace, be sure not to skip this room.
#5 There’s a Vatican Pharmacy and It’s Open to the Public
Do you need your prescription filled or medicine while in Rome?
The Vatican Pharmacy is one of the best-stocked in the city, and they even carry medications you won’t find elsewhere.
It’s run by the Brothers of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, and although it’s technically located within Vatican City, it’s open to the public.
Just bring your ID and prescription (if needed) to get an entry pass at Porta Sant’Anna.
And if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, check out the biblical perfumes sold here. They’re made with frankincense, gold, myrrh, and other rare ingredients.
The beautifully packaged bottles, which cost approximately €60, make for a truly special keepsake from Vatican City, especially since they are not available for purchase online.
#6 You Can Eat Breakfast at the Vatican
Did you know you can actually have breakfast inside Vatican City?
Yes, really! Before the crowds arrive and the museums open to the public, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the Vatican’s Pinecone Courtyard.
These exclusive early-access tours offer you a chance to savor a selection of Italian and American-style breakfast items, like fresh pastries, eggs, cheeses, and even pancakes, while soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Vatican Museums before the day begins.
After breakfast, you’ll be guided through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, all before the general public is admitted.
It’s a unique and memorable way to experience the Vatican’s treasures with fewer crowds and a full stomach.
#7 You Can Buy a Blessed Holy Water Souvenir Bottle
One of the most unique souvenirs from the Vatican is also one of the most affordable and meaningful.
Once inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, locate the gift shop and look for these small, glass souvenir bottles. They range in price from 3-5 Euros.
At first glance, they don’t seem particularly special. However, if you return to the church with the bottle, you can have it filled and blessed with Holy Water from the Vatican.
It’s a truly unique experience to have a bishop give a personal blessing within the Vatican.
Due to the expected crowds from the Jubilee in 2025, these bottles are now being sold filled. You can still take it to have it blessed, though.
#8 The Vatican Issues Its Own Euros
When you visit Vatican City, keep your eyes open for the Vatican’s own Euros.
Even though Vatican City isn’t part of the European Union, it has a special agreement to mint its own euros.
These coins often feature the Pope and are highly sought after by collectors. If you come across one in change, hold onto it. It could be worth more than its face value!
#9 Swiss Guards Have to Meet Very Specific Requirements
While in Vatican City, you may notice the Swiss Guards.
The guys in colorful Renaissance-style uniforms guarding the Vatican aren’t just there for show. They’re the elite group that protects the Pope.
To qualify to be a Swiss Guard, you have some very strict rules.
You must be an unmarried Swiss Catholic male, between 19 and 30 years old, at least 5’8.5” tall, and have completed Swiss military training.
Oh, and they take their job very seriously, so don’t mess with them.
#10 The Vatican Has the World’s Largest Collection of Ancient Maps
The Gallery of Maps inside the Vatican Museums is a 120-meter-long corridor lined with massive 16th-century frescoed maps of Italy.
Pope Gregory XIII commissioned them, and they’re not just beautiful but historically significant.
Don’t miss this spot if you love maps, geography, or stunning artwork.
#11 The Vatican Has One of the Oldest and Most Exclusive Libraries in the World
Tucked away within Vatican City is the Vatican Apostolic Library, a book lover’s dream and one of the oldest libraries in the world.
Established in 1475, it holds over 1.6 million printed books, 75,000 manuscripts, and some of the rarest works on the planet, including the Codex Vaticanus, one of the oldest known copies of the Bible.
But don’t expect to just stroll in for a peek.
Access is strictly limited to university professors, PhD students, and professional researchers who can prove their academic credentials and explain their research needs.
Those who qualify must apply for a reader’s pass and go through a rigorous approval process.
But here’s a fun twist: this centuries-old institution isn’t just about ancient texts.
In 2025, in honor of the Jubilee, the Vatican Library is hosting a modern art exhibition called En Route, featuring a collaboration with Dior’s creative director, an Italian singer, and an Icelandic illustrator.
It explores 19th-century world travel, including the stories of six women who set off to explore the world independently, even though they couldn’t walk alone in their cities.
This exhibition is only available on Saturdays to a limited number of people. Book your tickets in advance for a unique glimpse of the Vatican Apostolic Library.
#12 Vatican City Has Its Own Football Team
Do you want to know one of the quirkiest interesting facts about Vatican City? It has its own soccer league!
There are eight teams, both men’s and women’s, made up of Swiss Guards, clergy, and Vatican staff. FIFA may not recognize them, but the competition is real.
Each year, they compete in their own mini World Cup, called the Clericus Cup.
Pope Frances was a big fan of football, or soccer, or football! We know Pope Leo XIV is a huge fan of tennis, so we will see what that might bring.
Final Thoughts
Vatican City is more than just churches and museums. It’s full of surprises, secret spots, and quirky history.
Whether you’re fascinated by Swiss Guards, ancient maps, or want a Vatican-stamped postcard, this tiny country is packed with stories waiting to be discovered.
So, when you visit, see what interesting facts you’ll uncover in Vatican City.
