Vatican City (Holy See): Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Vatican City (Holy See)

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, a walled area inside the city of Rome. It is the home of the pope and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. It is famous for its art, museums and grand buildings.

About Vatican City

Vatican City is a walled city-state inside Rome, Italy, on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is home to St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.

Fun facts about Vatican City (Holy See)

1. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, covering only about half a square kilometre.
2. The whole country, about 44 hectares, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Swiss Guard has protected the pope since 1506 and wears colourful striped uniforms.
4. Michelangelo painted the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
5. Vatican City has issued its own postage stamps since 1929 and also makes its own euro coins.
6. Vatican City has its own small railway station, opened in the 1930s and linked to Italy's rail network.