Ultimate Guide to the Smallest Country in Europe: What You Need to Know

Imagine a country so tiny that most city parks could contain it.  Vatican City stands as Europe’s smallest nation at just 0.44 square kilometers (0.17 square miles).  The entire country takes up less space than a typical university campus.

This remarkable microstate serves dual roles as the Roman Catholic Church’s headquarters and a sovereign nation.  Vatican City may be Europe’s smallest country, but it draws millions of visitors annually.  People come from everywhere to experience its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and invaluable art collections.

This complete guide covers what visitors need to know about Vatican City.  You’ll discover its unique governance structure and must-see attractions that make this destination special.  The piece also includes practical tips to help plan your memorable visit to this extraordinary place.

Understanding Vatican City’s Unique Status

Vatican City proves centuries of religious and political history from its location in Rome’s heart.  The world’s smallest fully independent nation-state covers just 0.44 square kilometers (0.17 square miles).  This makes it unique among European microstates.

The World’s Smallest Sovereign State

The Lateran Treaty with Italy’s Fascist government recognized Vatican City’s independence in 1929.  This historic agreement made Vatican City a sovereign entity and gave the Holy See a territorial identity in Rome.  The state has approximately 764 residents as of 2023.  This makes it the world’s smallest sovereign state by area and population.

Historical Development from Papal States

Vatican City’s path to its current status spans more than a thousand years.  The Popes ruled the Papal States from the 8th century through the mid-19th century.  Their territory included much of central Italy.  These lands included:

• Lazio (including Rome)
• Marche
• Umbria
• Romagna
• Portions of Emilia

The Italian government’s annexation of Rome in 1870 ended this control.  The papacy remained uncertain about its status for almost 60 years.  The Lateran Treaty finally resolved this by providing compensation of USD 92 million for the Papal States’ loss.

Modern Governance Structure

Vatican City functions as a unique theocratic absolute elective monarchy.  The Pope rules as the supreme leader.  He has complete legislative, executive, and judicial powers over the city-state.  Several key bodies help manage daily operations under the Pope’s authority:

• The Pontifical Commission handles legislative matters for Vatican City State
• The President of the Governorate manages executive functions
• The Supreme Tribunal oversees judicial responsibilities

Vatican City’s governance structure shows a special relationship with the Holy See.  Vatican City provides the physical territory while the Holy See governs the Catholic Church worldwide.  This setup allows the Holy See to maintain diplomatic relations with 183 countries.  The Holy See remains influential in international diplomacy despite its small size.

Essential Visitor Information

Planning a visit to Europe’s smallest sovereign state requires careful thought about timing, requirements and logistics.  This complete guide helps visitors direct everything in their Vatican City experience.

Best Times to Visit

Timing can substantially affect the quality of a Vatican visit.  For the most peaceful experience, plan your trip between September and February, when crowds are smaller.  The best visiting hours are either early morning before opening at 9 AM or after 4 PM, as lines begin forming as early as 7:30 AM.

Weekday visits, especially Tuesday through Friday, offer better opportunities for exploration with fewer crowds.  Avoid Mondays, when many Rome museums are closed, leading to increased Vatican crowds.  Weekends typically see higher visitor numbers.

Entry Requirements and Security

While no passport or visa is needed to enter Vatican City beyond what’s required for Italy, visitors must follow strict security protocols and dress codes.  The dress code includes:

• Long pants or skirts covering the knees
• Covered shoulders
• No low-cut garments
• No visible tattoos that might offend Catholic morality

Security screening mirrors airport procedures.  Visitors pass through metal detectors and have their belongings x-rayed.

Transportation Options

The smallest country in Europe is easily available through various transportation methods from Rome.  The most convenient options include:

Metro: Line A serves two stations near Vatican City:

• Ottaviano: 5-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square
• Cipro: Close to the Vatican Museums

Bus Service: Several routes provide direct access:

• Bus 64: Connects Termini station to Vatican City
• Bus 40: Express service from Termini
• Bus 81: Links key Rome attractions to the Vatican

Taxi Services: While taxis cannot enter Vatican boundaries, they can drop visitors at convenient points like Via della Conciliazione or Viale Vaticano.  Expect to pay between €15-20 from central Rome.

For visitors staying near Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori, walking offers a pleasant option to reach this European microstate.  But, consider that you’ll be on your feet for at least three hours during your Vatican exploration.

Must-See Vatican Attractions

Vatican City, Europe’s smallest sovereign state, amazes visitors with three remarkable attractions that draw millions each year.  These architectural and artistic treasures make this European microstate one of the world’s most visited destinations.  The museums alone attract over 4.3 million tourists annually.

St. Peter’s Basilica Highlights

Christianity’s largest basilica stands proudly as a Renaissance architectural masterpiece.  Legendary artists like Bramante, Bernini, Michelangelo and Maderno designed this architectural marvel.  More than 6 million people visit the basilica each year to admire several masterpieces:

• Michelangelo’s La Pietà: A touching marble sculpture depicting Mary holding Jesus
• Bernini’s Baldachin: A towering bronze canopy above the main altar
• The Statue of St. Peter: A revered bronze work visited by countless pilgrims

Vatican Museums Guide

The Vatican Museums showcase one of the world’s most extensive collections of Renaissance and Medieval art across 54 galleries.  Visitors can marvel at an impressive array of classical sculptures and paintings by Renaissance masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Michelangelo and Bernini.  Notable spaces include:

• The Raphael Rooms
• Gallery of Maps
• Sala Rotunda
• Gallery of Statues
• Hall of Busts

Visitors should know that entry fees range from 15 to 19 euros.  Summer months bring peak crowds of approximately 20,000 people daily.

Sistine Chapel Experience

The Sistine Chapel serves as the life-blood of High Renaissance art and the crown jewel of Europe’s smallest country.  Michelangelo painted its ceiling, spanning over 800 square meters, between 1508 and 1512.  Two extraordinary works grace the chapel:

The Creation of Adam: This iconic image has become one of art history’s most recognized works as part of the ceiling’s biblical narrative.

The Last Judgment: Michelangelo completed this masterpiece between 1536 and 1541 on the altar wall.

The chapel strictly prohibits photography, though art enthusiasts can explore a 3D virtual model offered by the Vatican.  Special jamming devices protect papal conclaves from unauthorized communication and photography.

Planning Your Vatican Visit

A great Vatican City experience needs smart planning and good timing.  You’ll get the most out of Europe’s smallest sovereign state when you understand its rules and book ahead.

Booking Tickets and Tours

The Vatican Museums welcome visitors Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM.  Friday and Saturday hours extend until 8:00 PM with final entry at 6:00 PM.  Your tickets can’t be refunded or rescheduled.

These booking tips will help you get the best experience:

• Book tickets ahead to get your preferred time slots
• Security lines can stretch up to an hour during busy times
• Early morning visits work best since crowds pick up around 10:00 AM

Dress Code and Etiquette

The Vatican has strict dress rules for anyone entering its museums, basilicas and gardens.  Here’s what you need to wear:

• Covered shoulders (no sleeveless tops)
• Covered knees (no shorts or short skirts)
• No low-cut or revealing clothes
• No hats inside buildings
• No visible tattoos that might offend Catholic morality

Summer visitors should pick light, breathable fabrics that stay modest.  Wear comfortable shoes – sandals work fine but skip the flip-flops.

Photography Rules

The Vatican City lets you take photos in most places, but rules apply.  The Vatican Museums allow non-flash photography and you’ll need to follow these guidelines:

Prohibited Items and Actions:

• Flash photography near frescoes
• Tripods and pro gear without permission
• Selfie sticks
• Photography in the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel’s rules are extra strict because of copyright agreements.  Guards watch closely and might ask you to leave if you break these rules.

Additional Photography Guidelines:

• Stay quiet in marked zones
• Keep phones on silent
• Don’t use laser pointers
• Use the free cloakroom for camera gear if asked

St. Peter’s Basilica allows photos, but pro equipment needs special permission.  Photos are off-limits at the Vatican post office and security areas.

These rules protect the world’s smallest country’s artworks and sacred spaces.  By doing this, you help preserve this amazing European microstate for future visitors.

Daily Life in Vatican City

Life in Europe’s smallest sovereign state blends ancient traditions with modern daily routines.  Beyond the crowds of tourists and museum exhibits, you’ll find a tight-knit community that moves to its own beat and follows its own rules.

Resident Population Overview

Vatican City had precisely 764 residents in 2023.  This makes it Europe’s smallest country not just in size but also in population.  About half of these people have Vatican citizenship.  They get it through a special system called jus officii – which means citizenship comes with their official role.

The people who live here are:

• High-ranking church officials and clergy
• Swiss Guard members and their families
• Core administrative staff
• Some maintenance and service workers

The Swiss Guards brought family life to this religious enclave – their 20 children called this tiny state home in 2019.  Women can become citizens through marriage, but they keep this status only while they stay in Vatican City.

Working in the Vatican

The Vatican has made job hunting easier with its new online portal “Work with Us”.  Job seekers can now:

• Apply for open positions directly
• Send applications for future jobs
• Learn about needed qualifications
• Get updates about new openings

The Holy See employs around 3,000 people, who earn between $1,300 and $3,700 monthly without taxes.  Most workers live in Rome and commute daily, which adds to this European microstate’s unique character.

Local Services and Facilities

Life in the world’s smallest country runs on a well-laid-out system.  The Vatican Pharmacy serves as the main medical facility and stays open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays.  People who live here enjoy special benefits like:

Shopping and Amenities:

• Duty-free luxury goods
• Vatican warehouse furniture
• Special Vatican garden access
• Their own fitness facilities

Security and Schedule:
The gates close at midnight, so residents need to plan ahead.  More than 300 cameras watch over the territory.  This keeps everyone safe while protecting the sacred nature of this unique sovereign state.

Healthcare Services:
The Vatican has 63 medical specialists, but people go to Rome’s hospitals for major treatments.  They have arrangements with Rome’s best medical facilities, particularly for having babies.

Living in Europe’s smallest country means following specific rules.  The dress code goes beyond tourist areas and affects daily life.  Residents must dress properly and keep their shoulders and knees covered, even when Rome’s summer heat climbs above 40 degrees Celsius.

Daily routines blend with both church calendar events and Vatican holidays.  Religious ceremonies and state functions naturally come together.  This special way of life shows how Vatican City works as both a country and the Catholic Church’s heart.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Sites

Hidden treasures await visitors who venture beyond the popular attractions of Europe’s smallest sovereign state.  These overlooked sites provide unique insights into the rich history and daily life of this remarkable European microstate.

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens cover 23 hectares and take up almost half of Europe’s smallest country.  These beautifully kept grounds display three distinct styles: Italian, English and French.  The gardens feature:

• Ancient fortifications from the 9th century
• Over 100 fountains, including the historic Galera Fountain
• Medieval monuments and buildings
• Artificial grottoes dedicated to the Madonna
• Beautiful flower displays and magnificent oak trees

These gardens have been a great way to get peace and reflection for Popes throughout history.  Guests can explore these grounds only through guided tours with advance booking.  The best time to visit falls between April and June when beautiful blooms add to the natural scenery.

Furthermore, Vaux le Vicomte in Paris.

Vatican Necropolis

An ancient Roman cemetery lies beneath St. Peter’s Basilica’s grandeur.  The Vatican Necropolis stands as proof of early Christian history.  This underground archeological wonder, found between 1940 and 1949, contains at least fifteen ornate mausoleums.  The site carries special meaning as the believed burial place of St. Peter, who was crucified during Nero’s reign.

Visiting this “city of the dead” needs careful planning.  Tours run Friday through Saturday, with specific guidelines:

Visiting Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Last entry: 3:30 PM (4:15 PM April-September)

The necropolis has strict environmental controls to protect its ancient artifacts.  The underground space has limited ventilation and higher humidity levels than above ground.

Secret Archives

The Vatican Apostolic Archive, previously called the Secret Archives, holds an amazing collection that spans twelve centuries on 53 miles of shelving.  This massive repository contains 35,000 volumes of catalog materials, including historically important documents such as:

Notable Holdings:

• • Mary Queen of Scots’ final letter
  • Documents from Martin Luther’s excommunication
  • The Chinon Parchment regarding the Knights Templar

• Letters from Michelangelo about the Sistine Chapel

The archives need strict credentials for access.  Researchers must have a university degree (five-year course) or equivalent diploma.  The archives follow specific consultation rules:

Photography is not allowed inside the archives and mobile phones must stay off.  Over the last several years have brought more transparency, with special exhibitions making this wealth of historical documents accessible to more people.

Enjoy the Smallest Country in Europe

Vatican City shows how size doesn’t determine significance.  This tiny sovereign state spans just 0.44 square kilometers.  It houses humanity’s greatest artistic and architectural achievements and serves as the spiritual center for millions of Catholics worldwide.

Smart planning helps you make the most of this special place.  You need to check the best times to visit and follow strict dress codes and photography rules.  The Sistine Chapel showcases Michelangelo’s masterpieces.  The Vatican Museums are massive, and hidden gems like the ancient necropolis let visitors connect with centuries of history, art and faith.

This remarkable place blends modern governance with ancient traditions.  Swiss Guards raise their families here, and every corner holds historical significance.  Europe’s smallest country continues to fascinate millions of visitors each year.  It proves that great things really do come in small packages.

FAQs

Q1. What is the smallest country in Europe and how big is it?
Vatican City is the smallest country in Europe, covering an area of just 0.44 square kilometers (0.17 square miles).  It’s not only the smallest in Europe but also the smallest independent state in the world.

Q2. How many people live in Vatican City?
As of 2023, Vatican City has a population of approximately 764 residents.  Only about half of these residents hold Vatican citizenship, which is granted based on official function within the state.

Q3. What are the main attractions in Vatican City?
The main attractions in Vatican City include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.  These sites house world-renowned artworks and architectural marvels, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Q4. Are there any dress code requirements for visiting Vatican City?
Yes, there is a strict dress code for visitors.  Shoulders and knees must be covered, and low-cut or revealing garments are not allowed.  Hats should be removed inside buildings, and visitors should avoid clothing with offensive imagery or text.

Q5. Can anyone work in Vatican City?
While not everyone can work in Vatican City, the state has modernized its employment process with an online portal called “Work with Us.” This system allows candidates to apply for vacant positions or submit general applications for future opportunities.  However, most employees commute daily from Rome rather than residing within Vatican City.