Welcome to Our NEW Blog Series – WHAT THE FACT?
In this series we will explore unique and interesting structures and architectural wonders of the world. Come on a journey with us and learn interesting facts about world architecture! In our first post today we look at one of the great buildings still in use in 2024, The Vatican.
Nestled in the heart of Rome, Vatican City stands as a testament to centuries of religious history, artistic brilliance, and architectural marvels. As both the smallest independent state in the world and the epicenter of the Catholic Church, this tiny enclave holds an outsized influence on global affairs and culture. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about this unique city-state, prepare to be amazed as we uncover seven intriguing facts about Vatican City. From its minuscule size to its priceless treasures, these lesser-known details will give you a new appreciation for this extraordinary place that has captivated the world for centuries. Let’s embark on a journey through the hallowed halls and hidden corners of the Vatican, revealing secrets that make this tiny nation truly one-of-a-kind.
- The World’s Smallest Country
With an area of about 44 hectares (0.44 square kilometers), Vatican City holds the distinction of being the smallest autonomous state in the entire of the world [1, 2]. To put this into perspective, it would take approximately forty-five minutes to walk around the whole perimeter of the building [4]. A remarkable amount of history, art, and culture can be found inside its confines, even though it is quite small.
- Home to Priceless Art Collections
There are almost 9 miles of artwork that may be found in the Vatican Museums, making them one of the biggest art collections in the world [3]. It would take four and a half times as long to wrap this enormous collection around the walls of the Vatican. One thousand four hundred rooms, chapels, and galleries are housed within the museums, which display art and history that spans millennia [1, 3].
- St. Peter’s Basilica: The World’s Largest Church
The Basilica of Saint Peter is not only the most important building in Vatican City, but it is also the largest Catholic cathedral in the entire globe [3]. This assertion is supported by the fact that the Church has actually marked the dimensions of other great basilicas on the marble floor of the nave, so indicating that all of these basilicas are able to fit within the confines of St. Peter’s.”
- Built on Sacred Ground
There is a necropolis that is believed to be the spot where St. Peter, the first Pope, is claimed to have been laid to rest [1]. Both the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica are built directly on top of this ancient necropolis. This necropolis, which is only accessible on a very infrequent basis, provides visitors with the opportunity to gain a glimpse into the early Christian history of Rome [1].
- A Unique Citizenship Model
Vatican citizenship is not bestowed upon a person by virtue of their birth; rather, it is bestowed upon them through appointment, and even then, it is only temporary [3]. It is estimated that there are only about 800 individuals residing in the country, and even fewer persons are recognized to be citizens [3]. Although the Vatican is a state that is primarily composed of elderly men who are celibate, this one-of-a-kind citizenship model contributes to the ability to maintain a consistent population [1].
- Latin is Still in Use
Latin is still used in official capacities in the Vatican, which is a nod to the historical roots of the institution. As an illustration, there is an automated teller machine (ATM) that has instructions written in Latin. This ATM is probably the only one of its kind anywhere in the world [2].
- A State-Sponsored Football Team
Despite its small size, Vatican City has its own football team called FC Guardia[4]. What makes this team unique is that it’s composed entirely of Vatican employees, including Swiss Guards, police officers, and postal workers[2][4].
These facts highlight the Vatican’s blend of ancient history, religious significance, and modern quirks, making it a truly fascinating place to explore and learn about. Check back with us as we aim to do more with other fun and interesting facts…and, at times, some humor as well. We look forward to seeing you back here!!!
Citations:
[1] https://carpediemtours.com/blog/facts-about-the-vatican/
[2] https://graylinerome.com/fun-facts-about-vatican-city/
[3] https://selectitaly.com/blog/museums-art/facts-about-the-vatican/
[4] https://www.uslanguageservices.com/blog/13-fun-facts-about-the-vatican-city/
[5] https://www.romeactually.com/facts-about-the-vatican/