Vatican: The Smallest Country in The World Full of Spiritual Meaning

 

Vatican, The Smallest Country in The World Full of Spiritual Meaning

The Vatican can be said to be a unique country located within another country. The country, also known as Vatican City, is a sovereign entity that is entirely within the capital of Italy, Rome. With an area of ​​only about 0.49 square kilometers, the Vatican holds the record as the smallest country in the world, both in terms of territory and population. However, its small size does not reduce its prestige. The Vatican is widely known as a spiritual center for Catholics around the world and is a major destination for religious tourism that is never empty of tourists. It is no wonder that many call it an exotic city with deep religious nuances.
 
Vatican's State Status

Vatican, The Smallest Sovereign State In The World

The Vatican has been internationally recognized as an independent country since the signing of the Lateran Treaty on February 11, 1929 between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. This agreement grants full sovereignty to the Vatican as an independent country with its own system of government. In addition to being the smallest country in the world, the Vatican also does not have a permanent representative at the UN, although the Holy See is active in various international forums. Its unique existence makes the Vatican an example of the only country whose existence is entirely based on religious authority, not ethnicity or geographical boundaries alone.
 
Vatican Absolute Monarchy System of Government
 
The Vatican is one of the few countries in the world that still adheres to an absolute monarchy system of government. The head of state is the Pope, who is also the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church. In this system, the Pope has full power in carrying out legislative, executive, and judicial functions. The Pope is elected for life by the College of Cardinals through a secret conclave process. Uniquely, all high-ranking government officials in the Vatican come from Catholic clergy, making this country the only country whose entire government system is run by religious institutions.

Vatican is led by the Pope

Population and Daily Life in The Vatican

St. Peter square

The Vatican is the country with the smallest population in the world. Until mid-2024, the official population was only around 526 people. The majority of them are Catholic clergy, including cardinals, priests, and members of the Swiss Guard. The official language used is Latin, but in everyday life, Italian is the main language. For economic matters, the Vatican uses the Euro currency, even though it is not part of the European Union. All Vatican citizens are Roman Catholic, and citizenship is usually granted based on religious duty, not birth. Daily activities in this exotic city take place in a calm yet sacred atmosphere.
 
Transportation in The Vatican
 
As a small country completely enclosed by Italian territory, the Vatican has no commercial airport or seaport. The only air facility it has is a heliport located within the Vatican gardens, which is used for official transportation of the Pope and important guests. For travel abroad, Vatican residents utilize Italy's transportation infrastructure, including Fiumicino Airport and Termini Station in Rome. Within the country itself, travel can be done on foot given the very short distances between important locations.
 
The Vatican's Unique Defense and Security
 
The Vatican does not have an armed force like other countries. However, internal security and protection of the Pope are taken very seriously. The Vatican's security is guarded by two main forces, the Vatican Gendarmerie and the Swiss Guard. For military defense from external threats, the country relies entirely on protection from the Italian government. Nevertheless, the level of security in the Vatican is very high thanks to a strict surveillance system, intensive training of security personnel, and close coordination with the Italian security forces.
 
Pontifical Swiss Guard, The Pope's Special Guard
 
The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the Vatican's only official military force, albeit a small one. Founded on January 22, 1506 by Pope Julius II, the force consists of 134 young unmarried Swiss Catholic men. They are known for their unique blue-yellow-red uniforms designed in the Renaissance style. The Swiss Guard is tasked with physically protecting the Pope and maintaining the security of important areas within the Vatican. They are the only foreigners granted Vatican citizenship during their service.

Pontifical Swiss Guard

Must Visit Religious Tourist Attractions in the Exotic City of Vatican
 
Although small, the Vatican is filled with historic buildings and incredible works of art that attract millions of tourists every year. Some of the main tourist destinations that should not be missed include :
 
1. St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism worldwide. Located in St. Peter’s Square, this magnificent building is the burial place of many popes and the location of major masses. Its interior is decorated with extraordinary works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. Tourists can also climb the basilica’s towering dome for panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican from above.
 
2. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a museum complex that houses one of the world’s most valuable collections of art and artifacts. It houses thousands of works of art from ancient times to the Renaissance, including the Laocoön statue, The Belvedere Torso, and Raphael’s paintings. The museum also serves as the entrance to the Sistine Chapel, making it a must-see for art and history lovers. Each year, the museums are visited by more than 6 million people from all over the world.

Vatican Museums

3. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is world-famous for its frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo, including the iconic painting “The Creation of Adam.” In addition to being a place of worship, the chapel is also used for the papal conclave. The artwork inside reflects extraordinary beauty and spiritual power. Visiting the Sistine Chapel is not just about seeing paintings, but also about feeling the sacred aura that moves the heart.
 
4. Apostolic Palace
The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope and the administrative center of the Catholic Church. Although only some of the rooms are open to the public, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Raphael Rooms which are full of historic frescoes. The palace complex also includes various important offices, the Pope’s private office, and the balcony where the Pope often gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing to Catholics around the world.
 
5. Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha House)
The Domus Sanctae Marthae is a guest house built to house cardinals during the conclave. Although not open to the public, this place is very important in the history of the Church because it is the temporary residence of the papal electors. Interestingly, Pope Francis has chosen to live in this building permanently, rather than in the Apostolic Palace, as a form of simplicity.
 
6. Paul VI Audience Hall
The Paul VI Audience Hall is a modern hall used for the Pope’s weekly general audiences. It can accommodate over 6,000 people and is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. Its futuristic architectural design contrasts with the other classical buildings in the Vatican. It provides a unique opportunity for tourists to witness the Pope’s messages to Catholics from around the world firsthand.
 
7. Castel Sant’Angelo
Although located outside the official boundaries of the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo has close ties to the Holy See. It was once the tomb of Emperor Hadrian before being converted into a defensive fortress and emergency shelter for the Pope. A secret corridor even connects the fortress directly to the Vatican. From its summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rome and the Tiber River.
 
8. Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens cover more than half of the country and are a place of tranquility and natural beauty. The gardens are decorated with fountains, statues, and various types of plants from all over the world. Access to the gardens is only possible through official guided tours, providing an exclusive experience to dive into the hidden side of the Vatican. In addition to being a place of recreation, the gardens also serve as a meditation place for the Pope and his staff.

Vatican Gardens

Spiritual Wonders Behind The Vatican Walls
 
Visiting the Vatican is not only about seeing historical buildings, but also feeling the spiritual power and long history of the Catholic Church that is still alive today. Every corner of this city exudes a deep religious aura and holds an extraordinary cultural heritage. With a combination of stunning architecture, world-class art, and a solemn spiritual atmosphere, the Vatican is a dream destination for anyone who admires history, religion, and art in one meaningful visit.

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