The Vatican, a tiny independent city-state inside Rome, has captivated visitors and historians for centuries. Many know it as the center of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope, but this small nation-state hides many interesting facts and unique details you won’t find in typical tourist guides. These strange features show how the Vatican is both a spiritual center and an independent nation.
Here are 13 surprising tidbits about the Vatican that could change your view of this incredible place.
The World’s First Zero-Crime Nation
Vatican City stands out as the world’s first zero-crime nation even though it welcomes millions of visitors each year. This impressive feat is a result not only of its tiny size, but also of its sophisticated security measures. These include having the world’s highest ratio of police to citizens and using an extensive network of surveillance systems.
The Vatican’s security setup combines modern law enforcement with cutting-edge technology and ancient traditions. Every day, the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps teams up with the famous Swiss Guard to keep an eye on every part of the city-state. At the same time, a high-tech monitoring system covers every bit of its land. With one guard for every four people, the Vatican keeps watch like no other country.
Vatican Apostolic Archives
The Vatican Apostolic Archives, once known as the Vatican Secret Archives, is an enormous collection of historical documents spanning over 12 centuries. These archives contain everything from ancient papal bulls and government papers to correspondence between the Vatican and famous figures like Michelangelo, Henry VIII, and Mozart. The underground storage areas of the archives boast more than 53 miles of shelving to store all these documents.
Though not entirely off-limits, access is highly restricted, granted only to qualified scholars with specific research objectives. Rumors about hidden treasures, suppressed documents, and forbidden texts add to the intrigue. While much of the collection focuses on religious and administrative matters, its historical significance makes it one of the most coveted research repositories in the world.
Unique Legal Status
As the smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City operates under its own legal framework. Rooted in canon law, which guides the global Catholic Church, this unique system shapes aspects like employment policies and citizenship. Citizenship in Vatican City is typically temporary and is tied directly to a person’s role or service within the state.
Interestingly, the Vatican maintains no prisons. Criminal activities are typically dealt with through extradition to Italy. The integration of religious and secular laws provides a balance of spiritual principles and practical governance, enabling Vatican City to operate seamlessly within the global political landscape.
Trial of a Dead Pope
In 897 AD, the Vatican witnessed one of its strangest events, the Cadaver Synod. Pope Stephen VI decided to put his dead predecessor, Pope Formosus, on trial. They dug up the body, dressed it in papal clothes, and sat it on a throne. A deacon had to speak for the corpse during questioning. This trial became known as the most macabre in church history.
The trial concluded with Formosus being declared guilty of perjury and uncanonical ascension to the papacy. In a grim spectacle, his papal garments were removed, the blessing fingers on his hand were cut off, and his body was cast into the Tiber River. This strange event highlights the complex and sometimes contentious nature of papal succession throughout Vatican history.
The Sistine Chapel’s Secrets
While the Sistine Chapel is globally renowned for Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes, it holds secrets many visitors overlook. Hidden among the breathtaking art are a few self-portraits of Michelangelo, with one showing his face on St. Bartholomew’s peeled skin. This image reflects his physical and mental anguish during the four years he spent painting the ceiling.
The chapel also boasts clever architectural elements that go unnoticed by many, including a special ventilation system from the 15th century that still functions today. The floor, which visitors often ignore as they typically look up to the ceiling, showcases a complex medieval mosaic design. This pattern marks the exact positions where cardinals should stand during papal elections, following a precise religious and rank-based arrangement.
Underground Necropolis
Beneath the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica lies a hidden city of the dead, a burial site dating back to the 1st century CE. Discovered in the 1940s, this archaeological treasure contains elaborate tombs, both pagan and Christian. Many believe it’s also where St. Peter was laid to rest.
The necropolis remains remarkably intact because, in the 4th century, Emperor Constantine chose to bury it under the earth rather than dismantle it when constructing the first St. Peter’s Basilica. Today, a select number of visitors are allowed to explore this underground burial site, walking along the ancient Roman streets that existed long before the Vatican. It offers an extraordinary look into the world of ancient Rome.
Wine Consumption
The Vatican has the highest wine consumption per person of any country worldwide, with each resident drinking an average of 74 liters annually. This fact, while unexpected, makes sense when you look at the Vatican’s unique demographics and religious practices.
A few things explain this high number: the Vatican has a small population, mostly of older men, wine plays a big part in church rituals, and lots of formal diplomatic events happen there. Also, wine served at official Vatican functions is often of exceptional quality, showing how much the city-state values fine wine and its role in keeping European wine traditions alive.
Escape Route for Popes
Vatican City has a hidden escape route known as the Passetto di Borgo, a fortified corridor connecting the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo. Built in the 13th century, this passageway allowed popes to flee during times of danger, such as sieges or invasions. One of the most notable times it was used was when Pope Clement VII fled during the Sack of Rome in 1527.
Although it no longer serves as an escape route, the passage remains a fascinating part of Vatican architecture. Certain sections are sometimes opened to the public, offering a rare peek into the medieval security systems of the Vatican and its rich, often turbulent history.
No Pets Allowed
Despite its serene environment, Vatican City has a strict policy against keeping pets. The rule is partly due to the city’s limited space and focus on religious duties, leaving little room for the care and maintenance of animals.
However, exceptions are made for guide dogs assisting visitors or residents with disabilities. This policy reflects the Vatican’s unique priorities and practical governance, ensuring the limited resources and space are used for its spiritual mission.
Latin ATM Instructions
In a unique blend of ancient and modern, the Vatican’s ATMs are the only ones in the world that offer Latin as a language option. Users can read instructions like “Inserito scidulam quaeso ut faciundam cognoscas rationem” (“please insert your card to begin the transaction”), reflecting the Vatican’s status as the last sovereign state where Latin remains an official language.
World’s Smallest Army
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, consisting of only 110 members, is both the smallest and the oldest active military force in the world. Established in 1506 by Pope Julius II, this elite group consists solely of Catholic, single Swiss men aged 19 to 30. To join, they must first undergo military training in Switzerland before serving in the Vatican.
Although they might seem decorative, the guards undergo intensive training and carry modern weapons in addition to their traditional halberds. This blend of tradition and practicality makes them one of the Vatican’s most iconic symbols.
Oldest Pharmacy
The Vatican Pharmacy, established in 1874, is among the world’s oldest operating pharmacies. It started out serving the papal court and Vatican residents, but it has grown into a modern facility that now serves the general public, too.
This pharmacy stands out because, thanks to the Vatican’s special legal status, it has access to medications not found elsewhere in Italy. The pharmacy stocks rare and specialized treatments from across the globe, making it a key healthcare resource for Romans who need specific prescriptions. Its staff blends current pharmaceutical pharmacies with the rich traditional knowledge kept in Vatican archives.
Time-Travelling Legal System
The Vatican’s legal system uniquely combines ancient traditions and modern law, making it the only country where canon law forms the foundation of civil law. This system blends aspects of Roman law, Italian law, and Catholic Church traditions, creating a framework that reflects nearly 2,000 years of legal development.
This system is particularly fascinating because it adapts to contemporary issues while remaining rooted in its historical principles. Although the Vatican’s courts still use Latin for official matters, they must address modern challenges such as cybercrime and global banking regulations. The balance between ancient laws and current needs results in one of the most distinctive legal systems, where judges might reference both Roman legal texts from the 2nd century and modern international laws in a single ruling.
Hidden Wonders of the Vatican
The Vatican stands as a remarkable testament to humanity’s ability to preserve tradition while embracing change. These lesser-known facts merely scratch the surface of what makes this tiny sovereign state one of the world’s most fascinating places. Each unique aspect of Vatican life reveals a carefully maintained balance between ancient heritage and modern functionality.
What truly sets the Vatican apart is not only its religious importance or artistic masterpieces but how it functions as a dynamic, evolving entity in today’s world. It reminds us that even the most familiar places can still hide remarkable and unexpected stories.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.