Vatican curiosities you might not know about

Are you ready to dive into the captivating mysteries and astonishing curiosities of the Vatican? This tiny city-state is home to a wealth of secrets and intriguing stories waiting to be uncovered. Join us as we explore the hidden gems of the world's smallest country, a place where history and intrigue intertwine.

As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is an essential stop on any trip to Rome, boasting magnificent sites such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Get ready to be amazed by the many fascinating facts that this extraordinary place has to offer!

From the colorful uniforms of the Swiss Guard to the surprisingly high wine consumption, here are seven intriguing facts about the Vatican that you might not have known:

The Vatican: The Smallest Nation in the World

It may come as no surprise, but did you know that the Vatican is the smallest recognized independent state in the world? Covering an area of just 0.44 km², this tiny enclave is home to approximately 900 residents. You can easily stroll from one corner to another and greet many of its inhabitants without breaking a sweat.

Interestingly, only 20% of the Vatican's territory is occupied by St. Peter's Basilica and its grand square, showcasing just how compact this unique nation really is.

When planning your visit, make sure to book your guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the long lines. Check for details and prices here!

Latin: The Official Language of the Vatican

Alea iacta est. Cogito ergo sum. Amor caecus est. Dusting off my Latin skills from school makes me feel older than I am! But why am I mentioning this? Because Latin is officially recognized as the official language of the Vatican. In fact, even the Vatican Bank's ATMs offer the option to select Latin as a language (not the reggaeton kind, but the classic language of Julius Caesar).

Though Italian is also an official language and is predominantly spoken, don’t expect your barista to serve up any phrases reminiscent of Ancient Rome.

Exorcisms in the Vatican: More Common Than You Think

Did you know that Father Gabriele Amorth, a Vatican exorcist, performed an astounding 100,000 exorcisms during his 60-year career? That's a lot of green vomit and colorful language!

The Vatican's Controversial WWII Connections

One of the more scandalous chapters in Vatican history involves its relationship with the Nazis. It is said that Adolf Hitler maintained a close connection with the Vatican, including making generous donations annually.

Moreover, the Vatican has been accused of assisting several Nazis, who were later declared war criminals, in escaping after World War II. Officially, the Vatican has denied any involvement, but researchers like H. G. Steinacher argue that documents exist supporting this controversial claim. For more information, consider:

• The Pope of Hitler by British author John Cornwell
• The Ratlines, escape routes used by fleeing Nazis

No Birthright Citizenship in the Vatican

While citizenship exists in the Vatican, it is not granted by birth. Instead, it is assigned only to those who work for the Vatican and serve the Holy See. This citizenship can be revoked when individuals cease their employment there.

The Vatican: A Wine Lover's Paradise

You might not expect it, but the Vatican boasts the highest per capita wine consumption in the world! While mass consumption contributes to this statistic, the more likely reason is economic: alcoholic beverages are not subject to VAT in the Vatican, making them significantly cheaper compared to other places in Rome, where the tax is 22%.

So, next time you think of souvenirs, skip the magnets and grab a bottle of wine instead!

The Swiss Guard: Guardians of the Vatican

You’ve probably seen them in photos or videos, but the Swiss Guard is even more impressive in person. Their colorful striped uniforms are hard to miss, but beyond their aesthetics, there are serious requirements for being a member of this elite force. They must:

• Be between 19 and 30 years old
• Stand over 1.70 meters tall
• Be Swiss citizens
• Be Christians

This makes the Swiss Guard the smallest army in the world, comprising about 110 soldiers. And who is in charge? Correct, the Pope himself!

Why Swiss? A Tradition of Excellence

Why the requirement for Swiss citizens? Historically, Swiss soldiers were known as the most skilled and professional fighters in Europe during the 13th century. This reputation led to their recruitment by various monarchs, including King Louis XI, and eventually, Pope Julius II followed suit.

As a humorous note, the Swiss neutrality eventually sparked jokes about these soldiers: it seems no one was left to defend Switzerland, so they preferred to maintain neutrality elsewhere!

More Fascinating Facts About the Vatican

There are countless mysteries and curiosities surrounding the Vatican, and while we could write a tome on them, here are some additional surprising anecdotes:

• The Apostolic Vatican Library is said to hold so many books that if laid out in a line, they would stretch over 42 km!
• The Supreme Pontiff is the maximum authority and head of state, making the Vatican the only theocracy in Europe.
• The Vatican operates its own post office, radio station, bank, currency, stamps, and even its own television station. And a few good restaurants too!
• Thirteen buildings in Rome are under the sovereignty of the Vatican and enjoy extraterritorial rights. Notable examples include the Basilicas of St. Paul and St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, the Gregorian University, the Barberini Villa, and the summer palace of Castel Gandolfo.

These are just a handful of the most surprising curiosities of the Vatican. There are many more secrets and mysteries to uncover (but those are best left for another article!). Planning a visit to the Vatican? Be sure to check out the five essential experiences in this tiny state at the heart of Rome!

To delve deeper into the fascinating world of the Vatican, consider watching this insightful video that highlights even more curiosities: