Become a quick "Expert" on the Holy See
1. The Vatican Is the Smallest Country in the World
In 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed by Italy and the Holy See. This treaty recognized the Pope's sovereignty over Vatican City and granted the Catholic Church financial compensation and special privileges within Italy. Before the Lateran Treaty, the area had already been enclosed as early as the 9th century by the Leonine Walls, constructed under the orders of Pope Leo IV to protect St. Peter's Basilica from Saracen raids. The walls we see today are later expansions, built primarily during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These expanded fortifications also form the modern borders of Vatican City, as defined by the Lateran Treaty.
While traveling through Rome, visitors can't miss Castel Sant'Angelo. This fortress is more closely connected to Vatican City than many realize. Hidden within the city lies the Passetto di Borgo, a narrow corridor that links the Vatican directly to Castel Sant’Angelo. It served as an escape route for popes during times of crisis—most notably, it was used by Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome.
Although Vatican City remains the world’s smallest independent country by both area and population, it stands as the religious center of the Catholic Church and the spiritual home of over 1.4 billion Catholics.
2. Guarded by the Swiss Guards
There are several different units responsible for protecting the Vatican, but the most famous is the Swiss Guard—an elite military unit founded in 1506 to protect the Pope and the Papal States. To this day, these soldiers continue to ensure the Pope’s safety, maintain the security of Vatican City, and guard the key entrances to the Apostolic Palace.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica Is the Largest Church in the World
Although Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, it is home to St. Peter’s Basilica—the largest church in the world, which draws millions of visitors and pilgrims each year. But did you know that this magnificent structure is actually called the New St. Peter's Basilica? The Baroque-style basilica we see today was built between 1506 and 1626 and was designed by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo.
The original, so-called Old St. Peter’s Basilica was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century over the tomb of Saint Peter and quickly became a central site in Christendom. Over time, the need to reconstruct the basilica grew, leading to the gradual deconstruction of the old structure and the construction of the new basilica in its place.
4. Built on Vatican Hill — Once a Site of Martyrdom
The Vatican is built on what was once Vatican Hill, which housed the Circus of Nero—an ancient arena where early Christians, including Peter the Apostle, a prominent disciple of Christ, were martyred in the 1st century. The Circus of Nero (1st–4th century), once a symbol of systematic, state-sponsored persecution of Christians, now lies beneath one of the holiest places in Christianity. This legacy of persecution makes St. Peter’s Basilica a powerful symbol of Christianity’s triumph over the pagan Roman Empire.
5. Saint Peter’s Tomb Lies Beneath the Basilica
Saint Peter’s tomb is located directly beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. He is considered not only the leader of the apostles but also the first pope of the Catholic Church, making the tomb a site of great historical and religious significance.
In the 1940s, under the direction of Pope Pius XII, archaeological excavations were carried out beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The excavations uncovered a 1st-century necropolis and a tomb. Supported by both historical tradition and archaeological evidence, many scholars believe this tomb to be that of Saint Peter.
6. Michelangelo’s Pietà Sculpture Is Near the Entrance
As you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll find Michelangelo’s Pietà to your right. Sculpted when he was just 24 years old, this masterpiece depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus. It is the only artwork Michelangelo ever signed.
7. No Paintings — Only Mosaics in the Basilica
You won’t find traditional paintings inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, the walls and ceilings are decorated with intricate mosaics—some so finely detailed that they appear to be paintings. These mosaics are more durable than oil paintings, which is why this decorative method was chosen.
8. You Can Climb St. Peter’s Dome for Stunning Views of Rome
For a fee of €8–10, visitors can climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome, where they are rewarded with a breathtaking 360° view of Rome, the Vatican Gardens, and St. Peter’s Square below.
9. The Vatican Museums House Masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael
The Vatican Museums contain one of the world’s most impressive art collections, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment, as well as Raphael’s The School of Athens. Note that the museums are accessed from outside the Vatican walls.
10. Attend the Pope’s Angelus or General Audiences in St. Peter’s Square
On Sundays at noon, the Pope often delivers the Angelus prayer and blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. On Wednesdays, when he is in Rome, the general audience gives pilgrims the chance to hear him speak and receive his blessing in person.
11. Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
Mass is celebrated daily at St. Peter’s Basilica, with Sunday Mass held at 10:30 AM. Visitors should be aware that seating is limited, and security checks and appropriate dress are required. You can find the full mass schedule here.
12. Dress Code for the Vatican
Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica must follow a modest dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and hats should be removed upon entering religious spaces.
See Also:
Inside the Vatican - Special Access Virtual Tour
Located throughout Vatican City are places that require special permission to visit. In this self-guided itinerary, we will show you the best places to see.