There are cases where an entire city is registered as a World Heritage Site, but Vatican City is the only country entirely designated as such. Located just slightly west of central Rome, this tiny country occupies a space smaller than Tokyo Disneyland, making it the smallest nation in the world.
Despite its size, Vatican City is the heart of the Catholic Church, encompassing the Pope and the Holy See. Though its population is only about 800, the compact area of Vatican City is densely packed with tourist attractions. It overflows with visitors and pilgrims from around the globe. Let us introduce you to this World Heritage Site, Vatican City.
What is Vatican City?
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, located within the city of Rome, Italy. The entirety of its territory is registered as a World Heritage Site. Vatican City does not have a president or king; instead, it is governed by the Pope, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. It serves as the center and spiritual headquarters of global Catholicism.
Looking back in history, even after becoming the heart of the Catholic Church, Vatican territory was once part of Italy, leading to prolonged disputes with Rome. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Vatican City was officially recognized as an independent state.
Though the country itself is relatively new in terms of national history, the land it occupies has long been considered sacred—even before Christianity. The city also offers the chance to witness the art and architecture of Ancient Rome and the Renaissance, which is why it sees a steady stream of visitors year-round.
Despite its small area, Vatican City is full of must-see landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the Apostolic Palace. On Sundays, you can attend mass and sometimes even see the Pope. Truly, Vatican City is both a holy site for pilgrims and devout believers, and a major attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Name: Vatican City
Address: Vatican City
Official Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286
Access to Vatican City
Vatican City is located in the central-western part of Rome. Since you don’t need a passport to enter from within Rome, it’s easy to combine your Vatican visit with a city tour of Rome. You can access it via Rome’s subway, buses, or trams.
◆ Subway
From Line A, get off at Ottaviano Station. It's about a 10-minute walk to St. Peter's Square.
◆ Bus
Take bus number 49, which stops right in front of the Vatican Museums.
◆ Tram
Take tram number 19 and get off at Piazza Risorgimento. It's about a 5-minute walk to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Square.
Highlight of Vatican City ①: St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica stands at the heart of Vatican City and is one of the must-visit spots among the World Heritage sites in the country. It is believed to have been built over the tomb of St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles who was martyred.
Highlight of Vatican City ②: St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square, which stretches out in front of the basilica, was designed by Bernini. The square is lined with 284 columns arranged in four rows, encircling the space, and a towering obelisk approximately 25 meters high stands in the center.
Highlight of Vatican City ③: Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums (also referred to as Vatican Galleries) are another unmissable destination within the World Heritage Vatican City. While called a museum, the complex includes galleries, a library, the Sistine Chapel, and parts of the medieval papal residence, making it far too vast to explore in just one day.
The museum, with over 500 years of history, began with the sculpture collection of Pope Julius II. It showcases not only Christian art but also art from ancient Greece and Egypt, along with works from around the world.
Among the many attractions in the Vatican Museums, the highlight is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel. Famously known as the site of the papal conclave where popes are elected, it features The Last Judgment, the magnificent mural painted by Michelangelo between 1535 and 1541. As it attracts countless visitors from around the world, the chapel is usually packed and operates as a one-way path. However, there’s no time limit, so you can pause and absorb the impact of the powerful ceiling and wall paintings.
Don’t miss Raphael’s Transfiguration of Christ and The Coronation of the Virgin in the Picture Gallery. In the Pio-Clementine Museum, check out Tommaso Conca’s ceiling fresco in the Hall of Muses and the marble statue Belvedere Torso. The “Raphael Rooms,” a series of four rooms, are filled with frescoes, including The School of Athens and The Liberation of Saint Peter.
Tips for Touring the Vatican Museums
Although the World Heritage Site of Vatican City has a very small territory, it is packed with must-see attractions. In particular, the Vatican Museums consist of many buildings and countless artworks, and it is said that it would take about a week to see everything in detail.
There are areas where you can only move along with the heavy flow of people, but precisely because the Vatican Museums are so vast, it's best to research in advance which pieces you want to see. Plan your route efficiently to avoid missing any highlights and pass quickly through the rest to enjoy your visit more effectively.
◎Summary
How did you find our introduction to Vatican City, the world’s smallest country? As a World Heritage Site and the holy center of the Catholic Church, Vatican City not only offers a spiritual experience but also amazes visitors with its artistic and grand buildings, squares, and museums. And at night, it becomes romantically beautiful. Since it’s located right next to Rome, we highly recommend visiting it together with a trip to Rome.