Facts that Make Vatican Tour a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

by Rome By Limo Rome By Limo

The Vatican City often known as the Holy See in Rome is the home of the Pope and the Christian world. This is the smallest country in the world but it is soaked with various historical events and is visited by thousands on a daily basis. There are various interesting facts associated with it that makes Vatican tour a must!

Rome tour is considered to be incomplete if you do not make a visit to the Vatican City which is one of the most adored and appreciated among tourists from the different corners of the world. As it is one of the most popular tourist sites it remains overwhelming and insanely crowded most of the time. Although it the smallest country in the world but it has so many fascinating facts associated with it that makes Vatican tour a once in a lifetime opportunity. Let us check out few of such facts!

Official Language- Latin

Although many significant documents are written in Italian language but the Vatican has Latin as their official language. Different people from different communities speak Italian, English, German, Spanish and French.

Own Post Office

The Vatican has its own post office that issues its own stamps. The Vatican mail system is faster than that of the Italian mail system and hence Romans use it more often!

The Only UNESCO World Heritage Country

The Vatican City is the only country in the world that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Isn’t that amazing!

First Carbon Neutral State

The Vatican was opted to become the first Carbon neutral state by counterbalancing their carbon footprint with the creation of a forest in Hungary in the year 2007.

Radio Station Broadcasting 20 Languages

The radio station of the Vatican that is located in a tower inside the Vatican gardens, broadcasts in 20 languages all over the world.

St Peter’s Square and Colonnade

St Peter’s Square also known as Piazza di San Pietro, large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica and the Colonnade were designed and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It got completed in 1667. With 314 meters length and 240 meters width it is the largest square in Rome. Bernini along with his pupils designed the 140 saint statues that decorate the colonnade.

St. Peter’s Basilica – Second largest Christian Church in the World

After the Yamoussoukro Basilica in Coste d’Ivoire, St. Peter’s Basilica is the second largest Christian church in the world. This church is not a Cathedral, which is the principal church of a bishop of Rome.

It has its Own Coins As Well!

The Vatican imprints its own coins. The €1 coin possesses a portrait of the present Pope and this coin is in high demand among the collectors.

The Railway Station

The railway station of the Vatican was opened in the year 1930 and is mostly used for freight.

Hundred Percent Literacy Rate

The literacy percentage of Vatican is hundred percent.

Only Independent State that is not a United Nations Member

Vatican City is the only recognized independent state that is not a member of the United Nations.

Admirable Vatican Museums

The length of the Vatican museums is over 9 miles i.e. 14.5 kilometers. It is also said that if you spent only 1 minute admiring each painting in the museum, it would take you almost 4 years to complete the entire circuit!

The Vatican Palaces

The Vatican Palaces comprise of several connected buildings that have over 1000 rooms. There are apartments, chapels, museums, meeting rooms as well as government offices within the Vatican Palaces! The Palace of Sixtus V is the Pope's residence.

The Swiss Guard

The official guard of the Vatican and the Pope is the Swiss Guard, which was originally established by Pope Julius II in about 1505. The Swiss Guard unit consists of 110 soldiers and 6 officers.

The Flag

The flag of the Vatican City has two vertical bands one is yellow and the other is white and there are the crossed keys of Saint Peter and papal miter.

Apart from the facts mentioned there are many more to explore in the Vatican City. So make sure to go for Vatican tour next time you visit Rome!

This article is written by Rome By Limo, specialized in both high quality private and group tours in Italy. They also offer personalized tours including Rome Tour, Vatican Tour as well as Colosseum Tour. For further details visit https://www.romebylimo.com/booking.html